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Planning commission recommends MetCom 2028–2032 CIP as capacity pressures ease
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Summary
Saint Mary’s County Planning Commission reviewed the Metropolitan Commission’s 2028–2032 capital improvement budget, heard updates that re‑evaluation increased available wastewater EDUs at Marley Taylor, and recommended the CIP as consistent with the comprehensive plan while flagging timing and funding risks for major projects.
The Saint Mary’s County Planning Commission voted to recommend the Metropolitan Commission’s fiscal 2028–2032 capital improvement program as consistent with the county comprehensive plan after a staff presentation and questions from commissioners.
Metropolitan Commission staff told the commission they re‑evaluated capacity at the Marley Taylor wastewater treatment plant and now estimate just over 5,000 EDUs (equivalent dwelling units) are available, up substantially from a prior estimate of about 1,200. Staff said measured flow per EDU has fallen — to roughly 176–180 gallons per day based on recent data — though planning remains conservative and uses 250 gallons per EDU for future calculations.
The re‑evaluation eased near‑term pressure for an immediate Marley Taylor upgrade. But MetCom staff and commissioners cautioned that other projects remain on the near horizon: the Saint Clement Shores wastewater treatment upgrade has gone to bid, is awaiting state approvals and is expected to take about two years once under construction, and Piney Point force‑main sections judged to be corroded will require replacement and a new booster station. MetCom said the Saint Clement Shores work was bid last August and is awaiting Maryland Department of the Environment and Board of Public Works approvals; construction was described as likely to extend into 2028.
Presenters warned of procurement and funding risks. The MDE loan/approval process can take several months, forcing bidders to hold unit prices while markets change; MetCom noted that fuel and material price escalation can drive early change orders and raise total project costs. Staff also described a roughly $55 million multi‑year water program in the CIP and a roughly $2.1 million annual wastewater renewal line for rehabilitation and I&I (inflow and infiltration) work.
Commissioners asked detailed questions about wells, aquifer rules and enforcement. Staff said new community wells are expected to require deeper Patapsco‑aquifer construction and minimum setbacks (the state’s permitting and allotment regime can increase well project costs and sometimes requires land easements). On enforcement and unaccounted water, MetCom described hydrant‑metering for pool contractors, audits for unaccounted water, and local enforcement cooperation with the sheriff’s office when unauthorized hydrant withdrawals are observed.
MetCom representatives invited commissioners to tour the Marley Taylor facility. After discussion the Planning Commission moved that the chair send a letter to the county commissioners stating that MetCom’s FY2028–2032 CIP is consistent with the comprehensive plan; that motion passed on roll call.
What’s next: the Metropolitan Commission proceeds with permitting and loan approvals for projects in the CIP; the county commissioners will receive the Planning Commission’s recommendation before taking their decision.
