[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6380286,"mediaKeyId","2132552-da9958261ee9d78a3544e23d3b24132d","parentId",2132552,"title","County staff outline Marley Taylor plant capacity, WIP options and big price tags for nutrient controls","audioSeconds",5592,"startMs",2923000,"endMs",8515000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2132552-da9958261ee9d78a3544e23d3b24132d&start=2923&end=8515","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2132552-da9958261ee9d78a3544e23d3b24132d/thumbnail_2923000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6380286/St-Marys-County/Maryland/County-staff-outline-Marley-Taylor-plant-capacity-WIP-options-and-big-price-tags-for-nutrient-controls","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6380286-4e99aefca4b1073316233dc54bbcf65a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172893&Signature=VMi~tHgJjEa6wXXzQwxf5YxeQ3dDxZxy9Xg2b7sR9iUjuFf6GZIJDp8dVl2H6eMIrnothvpzkTtenADSLulTsYPxCtqgqezw9oczbV85m4zsyNE4QdPUYEHeOfO3C26K29ZK6U1jXi3dAaHWzqzTzlkctP~Eaa1CWDuqIOvMF7yTDiBQBPEHCwnm3h5QHRElKNSM1SJTHEcqxeCeoWf16rNUfxVt45aV3Uv0WurN1p2tv4BYG-CjoBpsf-xn8I-X4Tj-2qpWixOiEWTxDAznRaL8cr~UkM-tWhF4FZOnQZqlLLpiShbLyqPs1RP9Jii5JwZJoaQyUcw~~2ahmqqAvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Mary's County, MD","date","2025-01-21T01:53:54Z","article","Commissioners spent an extended portion of their May 8 meeting on the county’s Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) update and the capacity constraints at the Marley Taylor wastewater treatment plant, hearing staff and Metcom officials outline options and the tradeoffs between sewer expansion, enhanced treatment and upgrading on‑site septic systems.

The most immediate technical point came from Daryl Shire, who summarized Marley Taylor’s rated capacity and how the county counts capacity: “It’s current capacity is rated at 6,000,000 gallons per day that it can treat,” Shire said, and using the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) convention of 250 gallons per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) that yields a nominal capacity of about 24,000 EDUs. Shire added that roughly “95%, or almost 23,000 EDUs have been allocated,” though not all are currently connected.

Why it matters: the county must reconcile three pressures at once — existing plant capacity and planned upgrades, state and federal WIP nutrient‑reduction obligations, and local growth patterns. Commissioners and staff debated whether the county will rely primarily on expanded sewer capacity (and enhanced nitrogen removal at the plant) or on funding upgrades to on‑site septic systems (best available technologies, BATs) for nitrogen control.

Key facts presented

- Marley Taylor rated capacity: 6,000,000 gallons per day (Shire). That rating converts to roughly 24,000 EDUs at 250 gallons per EDU, the MDE standard cited by staff.
- Staff reported about 25,461 EDUs have been allocated on paper, while roughly 19,000 EDUs are currently flowing to the plant (i.e., connected and producing measured flow). Shire said the difference represents allocations that are approved but not yet hooked up.
- Using measured average daily flows produces a lower gallons‑per‑EDU figure (staff cited ~200–210 gallons per EDU as a practical observed average), a difference that creates a notable gap between “paper” capacity and measured flow capacity.
- Metcom’s upcoming projects include an ENR (enhanced nutrient removal) upgrade already in the capital plan; staff said the ENR project cost is roughly $34 million and is scheduled to be online before the next larger capacity expansion.
- Staff discussed a possible larger expansion (order of magnitude: an additional ~1.8–2.0 million gallons per day) that would require design and major capital funding and could take years to implement.

What staff and commissioners discussed

Staff emphasized that MDE currently uses the 250 gallons/EDU convention and has not formally changed that guidance, even though measured flows in many jurisdictions (including St. Mary’s County) show lower gallons per EDU. Jackie Meiser and others told the board MDE “is fully aware” of the disparity, and staff said the agency has been engaged in ongoing technical dialogue.

Commissioners pushed on timing, cost allocation and equity. Commissioners noted that capital contribution charges (one‑time hookup fees) and monthly system improvement and service charges are legally separated: capital charges are intended to pay for expansion that benefits new connections, system improvement charges fund rehabilitation and are spread across customers, and service charges cover operations. Metcom staff explained those legal rate distinctions are grounded in statute and in past legal precedent; existing customers cannot lawfully be asked to pay the capital contribution for future expansion that benefits new customers.

Commissioner concerns also focused on who pays and when: rising capital costs combined with lower projected new connections increases the per‑connection capital contribution charge (the county presented a proposed increase), meaning the immediate cost per new hookup can rise sharply when projected new hookups fall.

Septic upgrades vs. sewer hookup

Staff outlined two broad paths for WIP compliance: (1) connect more properties to public sewer and expand Marley Taylor (and likely add land application or other disposal capacity), or (2) pursue a broad program of septic system upgrades to BATs, funded in part by the Bay Restoration Fund, grants and targeted county assistance. Staff noted the Bay Restoration Fund now carries a higher per‑unit fee under state law; the transcript records a statewide increase from $30 to $60 per year for owners of on‑site sewage systems as enacted in recent legislation.

Staff pointed out practical constraints. Shire said the ENR upgrade will come online first and that an additional capacity expansion is planned later (circa the facilities plan timeline), but exactly how much of any expansion should be dedicated to WIP‑driven hookups versus ordinary growth is a policy call the board must make.

Board direction and next steps

No formal decision or vote was taken on expansion, hookups or a preferred WIP funding strategy during the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to return with clearer decision pathways, cost estimates and model scenarios showing the financial impacts on ratepayers and on county capital budgets. Commissioner comments urged faster, “ugly” numbers to allow political and fiscal planning rather than delay; others emphasized the need for more technical verification of delivery rates and noted some counties are planning phased WIP submissions.

Ending

Staff and Metcom said they will continue to refine cost estimates and models and return with options that separate (a) the ENR work already funded, (b) a baseline expansion for projected growth, and (c) any additional capacity or connection program intended primarily to meet WIP nutrient reductions. Commissioners asked for options that show timing, likely capital needs, and who would pay (new hookups, systemwide charges, grants/State/Federal aid) so the board can set policy in coming weeks.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5/8/2012 Commissioners of St. Mary's County","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners spent a long session on May 8 weighing options for meeting Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) nutrient targets after county and Metcom staff warned the Marley Taylor wastewater treatment plant is near paper capacity under state EDU rules even though measured flows remain lower.","taxTitle","St. Mary's County, Maryland","taxId",51086,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6380271,"Commissioners authorize Lancaster Park improvements, close derelict‑boat grant and approve Paralympic grant application",632,2478000,3110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2132552-da9958261ee9d78a3544e23d3b24132d&start=2478&end=3110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2132552-da9958261ee9d78a3544e23d3b24132d/thumbnail_2478000.jpg","/articles/6380271/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Commissioners-authorize-Lancaster-Park-improvements-close-derelictboat-grant-and-approve-Paralympic-grant-application","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6380271-34094322a3e8b4ce98ddb3a44346aa95/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172893&Signature=Jp5XMXgDR74ePGoGfpMSqJWfRRBxQIcRQHOZALF3Lvyi28ayJESMuP~-zJNnPZv6g18K76yoGgn1tqCOF0STmgfw~q-zt~FuyDCWLriuuXoMfvTeM5wwHQTps3Q6nSxSuz0C5KhIRKuvYrMg3eD0dRWYCj8s3lsGrLB1CZKTvdj3-nn5uW3x0Jitrzc~CEHJ6zmUTF~re63UWasrpl1-5smxoOrdBt~Ukz7Mn4P0f-QC8yeSSjZOKe5Rx5UHXiBwAhArCVPu2UpBmWr0463xA9DFp76hrA8zyLUjjMVmHhv-6F3wuL7HlyuS5hVQngQ6e175daKESOb5O~Pukcgevg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of County Commissioners approved three items from the Department of Recreation and Parks on May 8: a modification to a federal contract allowing additional construction at John G. Lancaster Park, a budget amendment to close out a derelict boat removal grant, and authorization for staff to submit a Paralympic (USOC) grant application.

Lancaster Park contract modification

Brian Lowey and procurement staff asked the board to approve Modification 3 to U.S. government contract N62477‑98‑RP‑0055 for improvements on the leased property at John G. Lancaster Park (Willis Road). The modification covers construction of multipurpose athletic practice fields (staff estimated about two fields), an announcer’s booth, roughly 100 parking spaces and a new access road from Willis Road. The board approved the authorization and Commissioner President Russell was authorized to sign the contract modification.

Derelict boat grant closeout

Recreation & Parks presented a budget amendment to close a portion of an unspent derelict boat removal grant. The county had been awarded $20,000 in FY2010 and did not expend that allocation before the grant expired on June 30, 2011; the board approved transferring the unspent balance back to the Waterway Improvement Fund.

Paralympic Opportunity grant application

Staff described a US Olympic Committee Paralympic Opportunity Grant application for $17,555 intended to support Paralympic Sports Southern Maryland and programming for veterans and other participants with disabilities (kayaking, cycling, bocce, adaptive aquatics, and supported weekend respite events through a partnership with a local foundation). The board authorized Recreation & Parks to submit the application electronically.

Ending

All three items passed on motions and second; actions were approved by voice vote. Staff said the Lancaster Park expansion will relieve pressure at a popular county park and that the Paralympic grant would expand adaptive sport offerings for veterans and residents with disabilities.","The board approved a contract modification to expand facilities at John G. Lancaster Park, closed out an unused $20,000 derelict boat grant and authorized submission of a $17,555 Paralympic grant application to support adaptive sports programming.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6380277,"Commissioners accept Tom Hodges Drive into county highway system and approve no‑parking restrictions in Wildwood",263,2183000,2446000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2132552-da9958261ee9d78a3544e23d3b24132d&start=2183&end=2446","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2132552-da9958261ee9d78a3544e23d3b24132d/thumbnail_2183000.jpg","/articles/6380277/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Commissioners-accept-Tom-Hodges-Drive-into-county-highway-system-and-approve-noparking-restrictions-in-Wildwood","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6380277-fc5df2ad76bfb01fed3cdcc1e41950b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172893&Signature=BEGAxl9dmZJbgTZTLoQVdMR~fzNVldlD8KNpekRsV2aInw2Acu59B93cUhP0Eu5hB9dr25TMWVpYl82-~BKaj42gNNQigq5Hpckll2egWpKVRpsHHlR56CQgdkq9y4vis~mvNeIqfr~cVZUl8SsWgCe-1~Od9K6jG95Kg2yihaLN-P6EbGA6LDsJv6TGsHUohKBtk055rmaJ6sQkv-wBwMHn0GScOitAF2Z6cw2wtQBqZxaD41WAwUB8b61JInd-IP49j~KZvcQ5TKdeaIQdF8LpFNVajTG~afPrhcv6ZLNpFWVkq7KmX0Ml-sxO59hRs0frFG5oMAdrz7K9mbNgBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of County Commissioners voted to accept Tom Hodges Drive (a new connection between MD 235 and Myrtle Dean Road) into the county highway maintenance system and authorized posting a 25‑mile‑per‑hour speed limit after the State Highway Administration’s acceptance and completion of construction.

Mister Erickson of the Department of Public Works and Transportation explained the segment’s location and said construction is complete and SHA had accepted the work. Commissioner Cynthia Jones made the motion to accept the roadway into the maintenance system and to post the 25 mph limit; Commissioner Morris seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.

In separate but related action the board approved three resolutions to address homeowner safety and parking concerns in the Wildwood subdivision. The resolutions will place no‑parking signs on Dahlia Drive, Tallwood Road and Delphinium Drive and will remove the center line on Dahlia Drive to allow parking along one side while preserving sight distance and crosswalk safety. Commissioner Morris moved the set of three resolutions and Commissioner Morgan seconded; the board adopted the measures by voice vote.

Enforcement and implementation

Staff said enforcement of the new no‑parking signage will be by the sheriff’s office. The resolutions specify distances for posted signs and authorize staff to proceed with the improvements and signage as described in the county background materials.

Ending

Public works staff noted the actions grew out of neighborhood requests and staff fieldwork; implementing the signage and striping changes is intended to improve safety while preserving sufficient parking for residents.","The board accepted Tom Hodges Drive into the county highway maintenance system, posted a 25 mph limit, and approved three resolutions authorizing no‑parking signs on Dahlia Drive, Tallwood Road and Delphinium Drive in the Wildwood community to address sight‑distance and parking concerns.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6380282,"Commissioners approve $375,000 transfer from Hurricane Irene account back to reserves",304,1470000,1774000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2132552-da9958261ee9d78a3544e23d3b24132d&start=1470&end=1774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2132552-da9958261ee9d78a3544e23d3b24132d/thumbnail_1470000.jpg","/articles/6380282/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-375000-transfer-from-Hurricane-Irene-account-back-to-reserves","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6380282-fba939259af2a82e30cc9be4fe24ac96/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172893&Signature=jEyKSBKC0GmfHimm6yUrTmqG7QeA6l5M769Hi2jVjIhxWGQdpa1p2DrwzJZR4Q8NRuRFeER6mXSbrTXL0nPIn3dSdGfOFsxn9DJPQv~pDS7xRZW6gMTUff~n1wG1egVP4UymDn0aWZfutjcPRyk12Ph-kxutVfQxJ8lKg2oHXiNtwiIZ3Wyoq0iUuYCOSkOW4wpRFyrY-GV4GgDKAugMEI~e5PW1rVp24eD7aJ-YEt2DdfjnM~fUhk9JNih8rav1rICCJtMBP1KqZXz~qZ-1xXOJdGQ2ndENRs3GL-7SHwTrA-tHMoUBsWzfP4bQgjLylhvLcjJKo9xlfLWubHmzjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County public safety staff told commissioners the county spent less than budgeted on hurricane response and is still awaiting some FEMA reimbursements. The Board approved a motion to return $375,000 from the Hurricane Irene project to the Board of County Commissioners’ emergency reserve and to realign project accounts to reflect actual expenditures.

Mister Kelly of the Department of Public Safety summarized the background: \"we did not use all of that funding. So the request before you is to return $375,000 back to the, to the commissioner's accounts out of the Irene account for funds that we did not need in response to this, to the hurricane Irene.\" He also described ongoing after‑action reporting and training steps the department has taken following the event.

The motion was made by Commissioner Jarbo and seconded by Commissioner Morgan. The board voted in favor and the motion carried by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was provided in the public record.

The meeting packet and staff remarks also announced that the Maryland Insurance Administration will hold a public meeting in the county (9 a.m. Saturday in the Chesapeake Building) to discuss insurance matters related to storms.

Ending

Staff said the Department of Public Safety has completed an after‑action report and is addressing 9 of about 16 identified improvements; the department will continue outreach and training, including CERT training and community preparedness efforts around the anniversary of Irene.","After reviewing Hurricane Irene response spending and FEMA reimbursement status, the Board approved a budget amendment returning $375,000 of unused Irene funds to the commissioners' emergency reserve and realigning project accounts to match actual expenditures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County staff outline Marley Taylor plant capacity, WIP options and big price tags for nutrient controls

Commissioners authorize Lancaster Park improvements, close derelict‑boat grant and approve Paralympic grant application

Commissioners accept Tom Hodges Drive into county highway system and approve no‑parking restrictions in Wildwood

Commissioners approve $375,000 transfer from Hurricane Irene account back to reserves