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Town says WSSC and Smith & Sons committed to follow-up after site visits; town to formalize contract with engineering firm
Summary
Town staff reported follow-up meetings with Joseph Smith & Sons and WSSC after recent site visits; WSSC's CEO inspected troubled sites and committed to town-hall outreach, while staff recommended formalizing a contract with engineering firm Charles P. Johnson (CPJ) to support ongoing utility and engineering work.
Town staff told the council on July 11 they are building working relationships with local industrial operator Joseph Smith & Sons, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), and consulting engineer Charles P. Johnson and Associates (CPJ) to address resident concerns about operations and utility-related problems.
Mr. Galloway summarized a June 28 plant tour of Joseph Smith & Sons and said the company described on-site safeguards intended to prevent runoff and contamination; he said staff and the mayor found the visit "reassuring" and that Smith & Sons agreed to coordinate on community communications so residents can be notified when the company causes audible booms.
On a separate WSSC field meeting, staff said CEO Keisha Powell inspected several sites, acknowledged problems that need immediate attention and "made ton of field changes and gave directives" for corrective work. Mr. Galloway said CEO Powell committed to host a town hall with mayors and managers at WSSC headquarters to address broader, regional concerns.
Council also discussed work with consulting firm CPJ (Charles P. Johnson and Associates). Director Raymond told the council CPJ provided essential engineering support at the WSSC meeting and has prepared material for town use; staff said they will bring a formal contract to the August meeting for council consideration and attorney review.
No formal enforcement actions or binding agreements were announced at the meeting; town staff said follow-up meetings and a communications process are the next steps.
