DPW COVID-19 Update

Friday Mar 20th, 2020

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

In response to the evolving conditions related to the threat of COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of the public and of our employees, Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Acting Director Matthew W. Garbark announced that the following will take effect Monday, March 23, 2020:

1.      All services other than curbside collections, condo collections, disposal services at the Quarantine Road Landfill and the Northwest Transfer Facility, operations at the Citizen Drop-Off Centers, and corner can collections will be suspended indefinitely. The suspended services include street and alley cleaning, property management, maritime operations, and special services (graffiti removal, rat abatement, and bulk trash pickup). This action will ensure we have a reserve of staff knowledgeable and capable of performing the critical functions.

2.      The Quarantine Road Landfill will no longer accept cash or credit card transactions.

3.      The Water Billing Customer Call Center will be closed as will the Customer Walk-In Center located on the first floor of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building.

4.      Only emergency water maintenance issues will be addressed.

5.      Construction, engineering, and maintenance projects not deemed essential will be suspended.

6.      All recreational activities at the Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy reservoirs will be suspended. This includes hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, and horseback riding.

7.      Prequalification for contractors/consultants will be automatically extended for three months.

8.      Minimal staffing will be managing utility maintenance and meter operations. Only emergency or essential functions will be handled.

9.      All staff capable of teleworking must telework.

These conditions shall remain in effect until further notice. Click here to view the March 20, 2020, letter from DPW Acting Director Garbark.

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