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Sewer backup between Orchard Drive and Ford Avenue prompts call to notify affected homeowners
Summary
A Feb. 7 sewer manhole backup on the line serving St. Paul Street, Valley View and upper Orchard Drive prompted Roto-Rooter intervention; Council discussed mailing letters to impacted property owners to warn against flushing wipes and other non-flushables.
Boonsboro public works staff reported a recurring sewer manhole backup on Feb. 7, 2025 that required contractor response and cleanup. Public Works Superintendent Greg Huntsberry said town crews and Roto-Rooter cleared a buildup of wipes and other non-flushable items from the line between Orchard Drive and Ford Avenue, a route that serves properties on St. Paul Street, Valley View and upper Orchard Drive.
Council Member Marilee Kerns asked whether the town could mail letters to residents served by that sewer segment to inform them about the problem and encourage proper disposal practices. Huntsberry confirmed the removed materials indicated occupants on that line have been flushing wipes and other inappropriate items; no formal enforcement action was recorded in the minutes.
The council did not record a formal motion to require property-level repairs or to impose penalties. Instead, members discussed outreach as the immediate next step. Planner Drew Bowen and staff will coordinate any required mailings or notices, and Public Works will continue monitoring the line and scheduling maintenance as needed.
The meeting minutes note that Roto-Rooter was called to the site on Feb. 7; the town does not provide a total estimate of water loss tied to nearby leaks at the Boonsboro School Complex, and no additional figures were given in the minutes.
Next steps: staff follow-up on resident notification and continued line monitoring.
