Wicomico County orders temporary Newland Park Landfill closure amid investigation; council amends emergency resolution
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Summary
The County Council unanimously approved an amended emergency resolution temporarily closing Newland Park Landfill and on-site convenience centers for an investigation, adding language to keep the site closed "or until the investigative request from the office of state's attorney has been completed," and allowing public works to adjust hours to reduce impacts.
The Wicomico County Council voted unanimously on Feb. 3 to approve an amended emergency resolution temporarily closing the Newland Park Landfill and on-site convenience centers while a criminal investigation proceeds.
State's Attorney Jamie Dyke told the council "There is an ongoing investigation" and clarified that "the subjects of that investigation are not county employees or county facilities," while urging the council to approve the temporary closure and related operating changes. The original resolution scheduled closure for Saturday, Feb. 7 through Monday, Feb. 9; County Counsel David Benson proposed adding the phrase "or until the investigative request from the office of state's attorney has been completed" to avoid holding another emergency session if the inquiry extends beyond the initial dates. Benson also broadened the scope to make closure powers apply to any affected convenience centers and the brush-disposal center and to permit Public Works to temporarily alter hours (including early openings and late closings) to minimize impacts.
Council members debated the amendment and then approved it. The final language directs the Department of Public Works to implement closures and authorizes operational adjustments to reduce burdens on residents when centers are closed. Officials said the expectation remains to reopen the site on Tuesday morning, but the adopted amendment preserves flexibility if the investigation requires a longer outage.
County staff emphasized the closure affects all landfill operations, including brush disposal. At least one councilmember acknowledged the closure would be disruptive and praised Public Works staff and cooperating law enforcement for their work in responding to the incident.
The county did not provide detail on the specific nature of the investigation or identify any suspects; the state's attorney reiterated that current information indicates county personnel and facilities are not the subjects. The closure order was described as a precaution to secure scenes and allow law enforcement to conduct necessary work.
The council approved Resolution 35-2026 as amended by unanimous vote.