Scituate Town Council approves $10K to identify Patuxent River contamination sources

The Scituate Town Council made significant strides in addressing local environmental concerns during their meeting on December 12, 2024. A key decision was the approval of a $10,000 allocation to investigate sources of contamination affecting the Patuxent River. This initiative, recommended by the Scituate Conservation Commission, aims to identify cesspool locations, stormwater outfalls, and other discharges that may be polluting the river.

Council members emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the river's water quality has led to repeated closures of Hope Pond due to excessive weeds and pollution. The funding will be sourced from the town's engineering and consulting budget, which currently has approximately $65,000 available for such projects. The council president and vice president were authorized to sign necessary documents to expedite the process.

In addition to the river contamination study, the council discussed the importance of identifying potential federal and grant funding to support future cleanup efforts. Members acknowledged the challenges posed by private property owners regarding septic systems, but stressed that understanding the pollution sources is a crucial first step toward remediation.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing these pressing environmental issues, highlighting the council's proactive approach to safeguarding local water quality and community health.