–The following article was submitted by Delegate Bob Long-
Discussions continue with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) regarding ongoing odor issues surrounding the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant (BRWWTP), following significant community impact over the summer months when odors were detected miles from the facility.
After substantial public investments into facility upgrades, advanced odor-tracking technology, and comprehensive mitigation strategies, state officials are taking steps to fix the odor at its source.
According to MDE, active operations are currently underway to clear sludge from the facility’s storage lagoons, with completion expected later this month.
Additionally, work is in progress to restore digester operations and complete critical equipment maintenance- key actions aimed at securing permanent, long-term solutions to the plant’s odor challenges.
In addition to my ongoing discussions with MDE, I will also be reaching out to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to discuss the continuing problems at the BRWWTP. I intend to address the ongoing odor complaints, sludge management practices, environmental compliance, and the need for stronger oversight and lasting corrective measures.
I want to ensure that both state and federal environmental officials are working toward a permanent solution that protects our residents, our waterways, and the surrounding communities.
Our community has endured these issues for years and after significant investments in plant upgrades and technology, our residents deserve a permanent resolution.
I will remain in direct contact with the EPA and MDE to hold them accountable, ensure these actions are fully executed, and make sure our community can finally breathe easily.