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Harford County Council unanimously approves resolution urging MDE to deny Days Cove wastewater permit
Summary
Council passed Resolution 038‑25 urging the Maryland Department of the Environment to deny a permit for Days Cove Reclamation Company’s proposed increased discharge; sponsor and residents cited repeated violations and downstream impacts to Harford waterways.
Harford County Council voted unanimously Nov. 4 to approve Resolution 038‑25, which urges the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to deny a wastewater permit application by Days Cove Reclamation Company that would increase its daily discharge.
Councilmember Robert, sponsor of the resolution, told the council the facility has had repeated violations since 2023 and said increased discharge could worsen impacts to the Gunpowder River system and downstream tidal waters in Harford County, including Joppa Town, Edgewood and Otter Point Creek. The resolution requests an independent environmental review, consideration of non‑discharge alternatives such as off‑site hauling or advanced treatment, and a transparent MDE plan to safeguard nearby well users and downstream communities.
Council moved and seconded the resolution and recorded seven affirmative votes with no opposition. Residents from several affected communities then addressed the council during citizens’ comments, recounting wildlife losses, sedimentation and a report of contaminants and illness linked to downstream waters in prior years. Patrick Gaffney described recent water‑quality testing showing PCBs and mercury in local fish tissue and recounted a friend treated for a bacterial infection after being in the water.
The resolution accompanies county advocacy to Baltimore County and MDE; the council’s action does not substitute for the state permitting process but signals local opposition and requests further review by the environmental agency.
