Council approves three pumps for wastewater plant; discussion continues on water and sewer rates

The Chesapeake Beach Town Council on Feb. 18 voted to approve a purchase of up to $65,000 for three flight pumps for the town’s wastewater treatment plant and discussed an ongoing, high‑priority examination of water and sewer rates.

During new business, the council approved the expenditure “not to exceed $65,000” to buy three flight pumps, including a trial pump already installed, with funding to come from the FY25 Water Reclamation/Treatment Plant budget. A council motion to approve the purchase was moved and seconded; council recorded the motion as passed with the ayes prevailing.

Earlier in the meeting the town’s operations and public‑works staff delivered a detailed report. Jay (Public Works) and Josh (Plant operations) said the plant handled large storm flows during the recent rain event, routing excess to the shellfish protection tank and recording peak daily inflows of about 910,000 gallons on Feb. 15 and roughly 1,000,000 gallons on Feb. 16. Staff said they are investigating inflows and infiltration sources that originate outside town collection areas.

Plant staff noted routine maintenance items completed…