LA PLATA, MD (February 8, 2001) – The Charles County municipality of La Plata has received a discharge permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) allowing the town to construct a new wastewater treatment plant. The permit authorizes raising the capacity of the treatment system from 1 to 1.5 million gallons per day. The new facility will be required to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus to levels required of the facility under a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) established for the Port Tobacco River by MDE.

An informational meeting to present information on the TMDL, and the discharge requirements applicable to the new plant will be discussed at a meeting February 14 at 7 p.m. in the meeting room of LaPlata Town Hall, located at 5 Garrett Avenue. Representatives of LaPlata will also be in attendance to discuss plans for development associated with the new plant.

Although no request for a meeting or hearing was received by MDE in response to published notices regarding the permit for the new plant, Del. Thomas Hutchins, who serves the area, has asked the department to offer this opportunity for residents to discuss the project with representatives of the agency and town.

Information on the permit issued to LaPlata or questions about the meeting may be referred to Jeffrey Rein in MDE’S Water Management Administration by dialing (800) 633-6101, ext. 3753.

MDE's primary mission is to protect and restore the quality of Maryland's air, water, and land resources. The department works to ensure achievement of the state's environmental goals while fostering economic development, safe communities, and environmental education.

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