DPW Issues Statement: Continued Compliance at Back River Extension of Consent Order, Reimbursement Agreement

Tuesday Oct 18th, 2022

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

The Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant (Back River) has been in compliance with effluent permit levels for four consecutive months. The extension of the Consent Order and Reimbursement Agreement between the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the City will allow Maryland Environmental Service (MES) to perform the projects and services necessary to ensure continued compliance at Back River. The collaborative efforts of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) and MES have produced improved results for Back River.

“Since the approval of the Consent Order in June, we have made substantial progress toward compliance at Back River, which we can attribute to the tremendous efforts of the 180 DPW employees at Back River alongside staff support from MES,” said Jason W. Mitchell, the Director of DPW. “DPW looks forward to building on the success of this partnership and is optimistic about our path forward.”

The Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant (Patapsco) has been in compliance with its bacteria limit since early September. DPW continues to partner with MDE and MES to ensure compliance.

DPW releases bi-weekly updates on compliance progress at the Back River and Patapsco wastewater treatment plants.

Related Stories

Baltimore City Residents Invited to First of Five Public Meetings to Gather Feedback on Development of 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plan

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold the first of five public meetings on February 22 to gather feedback on the 60 percent draft of the 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plan. DPW is encouraging residents, people who work in Baltimore, environmental advocates, business and education leaders, and all other stakeholders to participate in the development of the plan by attending meetings or submitting comments for discussion.   

DPW’s Accepting Applications for the 2023 YH2O Career Mentoring Program Application Deadline: February 24

This award-winning, job-readiness program helps prepare young Baltimore City adults for public works careers. Applications will be accepted through Friday, February 24. Applicants’ interviews will be held Monday, March 13, and Tuesday, March 14. The 2023 YH2O Career Mentoring Program begins Monday, March 20.

Now Available! Baltimore City Residents with Unpaid Water Bill Balances Can Sign Up for PromisePay Payment Plan

DPW Director Jason W. Mitchell, Ed.D., is pleased to announce the launch of DPW's Water Affordability Portal, where Baltimore City residents with unpaid water bills can sign up for interest-free PromisePay payment plans and determine their eligibility for additional water affordability programs.

Visit the Newsroom

Contact

James E. Bentley II
410-545-6541		 Jennifer Combs
410-545-6541
After hours, weekends, or holidays please call 410-396-3100 for the duty officer

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works supports the health, environment, and economy of our City and region by cleaning our neighborhoods and waterways and providing its customers with safe drinking water and sustainable energy practices.