BALTIMORE, MD (February 25, 2008) – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is investigating allegations raised by a citizen about possible violations at the Sudlersville Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Site Information

The wastewater treatment plant has a design capacity of 0.09 mgd and a permitted capacity of 0.083 mgd. It discharges into Red Lion Branch, a tributary of the Chester River. The discharge from the facility must meet the permit concentration limits and loading limits. The facility services the Town of Sudlersville in Queen Anne’s County.

Investigation Status

An investigation is pending. Once the investigation is complete, MDE will update this statement.

Background

In response to a citizen complaint, on August 17, 2007, MDE inspected the facility and found the site to be in compliance. While the site was in compliance with permit requirements, MDE did request the operator, Maryland Environmental Service, take four actions to improve system operations related to operation of aerators in the lagoon, submission of effluent data, pump station capacity and maintenance of areas surrounding the effluent pipe. These actions were addressed and a written report was submitted to the Maryland Department of the Environment.

More recently, additional citizen concerns have been raised. At a February 6, 2008 public hearing about a proposed permit renewal, a citizen stated that the facility appeared to be losing water from the lagoon based upon staff gage readings taken by the operator between December 2005 and January 2006.

At the February 19, 2008 Queens Anne County Commission meeting, information was presented by a citizen to the Commissioners about an alleged violation at the Sudlerville Wastewater Treatment plant. The Commissioners directed the County Administrator to provide this information to MDE. MDE has received and is investigating this information.

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