The Worcester County Commissioners meeting on September 16, 2025, focused on a significant proposal regarding sewer capacity for Motion City. The meeting was initiated to discuss a request for Ocean City to purchase 170,000 gallons per day of sewer capacity. This capacity is intended to manage wastewater from the Landing service area and Assateague Point service area, which currently face operational challenges.

Dallas Baker, the Director of Public Works, presented the rationale behind the request. He explained that the existing Landings plant has been non-operational for some time, with its injection wells only capable of handling 36,000 gallons per day, far below the plant's treatment capacity of 100,000 gallons. The alternative solutions for managing the flow, such as constructing an extensive pipeline system to a nearby golf course, would cost approximately $6.5 million, in addition to another $3.5 million for land and storage lagoons.

Baker also noted that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has been pushing for enhanced nutrient removal (ENR) operations to address nitrogen and phosphorus levels. Although the requirement was recently lifted for the Assateague Point permit, Baker warned that future compliance with ENR standards could become increasingly difficult.

The proposal to send wastewater to Ocean City for treatment was deemed beneficial, as it would require building an additional pipeline estimated at around $1 million to connect to the West Ocean City service area. Commissioner McDermott expressed support for the request, emphasizing its straightforward nature and the likelihood of cooperation from Ocean City.

A motion was made to have the president and vice president of the commissioners attend a work session with Ocean City’s mayor and city council to discuss the proposal. The motion received unanimous support from the commissioners, with an estimated cost of $30 million to taxpayers if the request is not granted.

The meeting concluded with a clear consensus on the importance of the proposal, highlighting the need for effective wastewater management solutions in the region.