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Council introduces sewer-inspection ordinance; staff says inspections will target industrial users first
Summary
Council introduced ordinance 2026-06 to authorize routine inspections of commercial and industrial wastewater dischargers, with enforcement measures for denied access. Administration said the enabling ordinance responds to permit requirements from the Maryland Department of the Environment and that fee/fine schedules and operational detail would come later.
The Mayor and Common Council introduced ordinance 2026-06 to add a new inspection regime for commercial and industrial users of the city's wastewater system and to authorize enforcement measures, including penalties for denial of access.
City Administrator Imos said the ordinance implements the City’s authority under state law and municipal code to protect public health and wastewater operations and is intended to help the city meet Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) permit obligations. "These permits require the city to monitor, regulate, and control discharges into the sanitary sewer system," Imos said in explaining the proposal.
Councilmembers asked questions about staffing, fees and inspection tactics. Administration said the FY26 budget includes a new staff position to support the program and described the ordinance as enabling legislation: specifics on inspection fees and fines would be set later by resolution if council chooses to do so. The administrator said the inspection program will begin by focusing on industrial users and other accounts identified by plant testing and that property owners will receive advance notice of inspections.
During the discussion, a council member asked whether office tenants with only toilets and small kitchenettes would be inspected; staff said inspections will be prioritized by risk and by the permit-driven list used at the plant. Staff also said the program is designed for compliance rather than revenue generation, though future councils could establish inspection fees.
The council introduced the ordinance by voice vote. Staff emphasized the program is not intended to apply to single-family residential users and that the goal is to reduce operational risk to the water reclamation system.
Next steps: staff will return with implementing details, including any proposed resolution to set fees or fines and an operational plan that clarifies inspection frequency, notice procedures and targeted user categories.
