Western Maryland Council considers wastewater deduct meter for cannabis cultivation

The City of Hagerstown is moving forward with a significant decision regarding wastewater management for a local cannabis cultivation operation. During the recent Mayor and Council Work Session, city staff presented a request to approve a wastewater deduct meter for the cannabis facility located on Western Maryland Parkway. This request aims to address the unique wastewater needs of the agricultural operation, which has a high rate of water reuse and does not discharge excess wastewater into the city’s system.

Currently, the city charges wastewater fees based on the volume of metered water used, which has raised concerns for the cannabis operation due to its agricultural practices. Staff conducted two visits to the facility to assess its water usage and wastewater management systems. They found that the operation effectively recycles water, minimizing the amount of wastewater that enters the city’s treatment system. The cannabis facility has already installed a meter for its agricultural processes, and city staff recommended that the council approve the deduct meter to accurately reflect the wastewater flow associated with the operation.

In addition to the wastewater discussion, the council also addressed staffing needs within the water distribution department. With the customer base growing by over 1,700 since 2014, the department is seeking to fill a vacant water meter service position. This addition would help manage the increasing workload, which includes responding to service calls and maintaining the city’s extensive water infrastructure, including over 32,000 meters and 2,200 hydrants.

The council's decisions on these matters are expected to enhance operational efficiency and support the city's growing agricultural sector while ensuring that water management practices align with community needs. As the city continues to adapt to its expanding population and unique business operations, these initiatives reflect a commitment to sustainable practices and effective resource management.