Consent Decree Public Meeting on Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold two public meetings in November to update residents and stakeholders on Baltimore’s progress in meeting the requirements of its Consent Decree regarding operations at the City’s two wastewater treatment plants: the Back River and Patapsco facilities. “The City of Baltimore is committed to providing residents with timely, transparent information on how DPW is managing operations as part of our regulatory commitments under the Consent Decree at Back River and Patapsco,” said DPW Director Matthew Garbark. “The public meetings will allow City and County residents the opportunity to learn more about our operational performance, capital improvements and investments, while also the opportunity to visit our Learning Stations where they can get first-hand information on improving operational efficiency, the B’More Wise Program and Resource Recovery.” The Consent Decree, entered by the City, the Maryland Department of the Environment, and Blue Water Baltimore, addresses past violations of discharge permits issued to the Back River and Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plants. Under the Consent Decree, the City must provide opportunities for public engagement and post quarterly reports online for Baltimore City and County residents. Both meetings will also be streamed live on DPW’s Facebook account to ensure broad access for the public.