Drought Reduces Maryland's Sewage Spills

Due largely in part to 2007 droughts, sewer systems sent a lower level of wastewater overflows into Maryland's water bodies than they has since 2001, another drought year.

Sanitary sewer systems poured 24.2 million gal of untreated sewage into the state's rivers and streams from January through September 2007 (the most recent month's numbers available), according to a Capital News Service analysis of environment data focused on sanitary sewer systems. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) began providing overflow data in 2001, and this past year's numbers fall 79 percent below that initial document's January-to-September average.

In 2001, 16.1 million gal of sewage spilled into Maryland's water bodies. When Tropical Storm Isabel hit in 2003, the state tallied 352.4 million gal of effluent spills--the highest number recorded thus far.

Overflows, which violate the federal Clean Water Act, pose environmental and health risks. "There should be no overflows," said Ed Merrifield, director of the Potomac Riverkeeper organization. "The sewage should be going from the toilet or the sink to the sewage treatment plant. It's supposed to be that simple."

State and local officials said recent droughts have resulted in less rainwater stress on aging sewer pipes, resulting in fewer gallons spilled. But Allegany County and Baltimore City, which combined were responsible for 60 percent of the sanitary overflow recorded between 2001 and 2006, are under decrees to update their sewer systems.

Gary Wyatt, chief of utility engineering for Baltimore City's Department of Public Works, noted that city efforts have also contributed to significantly lower spill levels. City staff has repaired 55 of the 62 major problem spots recognized in its 2002 consent decree with MDE and the federal government. Once the problems are addressed, crews will inspect 1,360 miles of pipe to repair cracks and clear blockages. Under the consent decree, the city will need to conduct approximately $900 million in updates.

Allegany County does not have access to as many resources as Baltimore City, said Mark Yoder, utilities division chief for the county's public works department. "Like anything else, we need more funding to make the repairs," he said.

Source: Baltimore Sun