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Elkton hears plan to clear sediment from Big Elk Creek diversion dam, seeks grants and permits
Summary
Consultants told Elkton officials Jan. 21 that the Big Elk Creek diversion dam is clogged with sediment and debris, outlined short‑ and long‑term restoration options (including a roughly $2.4 million stabilization plan), and identified grant and permitting steps to allow dredging as soon as this summer.
James Taylor, senior project manager with Verdantas, told the Mayor and Commissioners of the Town of Elkton on Jan. 21 that aerial imagery shows the Big Elk Creek Diversion Dam is now “completely covered with sediment and debris,” causing the usual base flow to bypass the structure and creating an urgent need for maintenance.
Taylor outlined short‑term and long‑term options, including dredging upstream and downstream of the diversion, channel improvements to reduce future deposition, sediment diversion or capture, and bank stabilization near residences (including a stabilization project at 115 Cox Lane). Consultant Gina Tonn estimated long‑term restoration options would cost approximately $2.4 million. Taylor said the priority of the proposal “is to address the maintenance of the dam.”
The presenters identified several funding sources: small watershed grants (implementation awards of $150,000–$750,000 and planning/technical assistance grants up to $150,000, with applications due April 12), Clean Water Act Section 319 grants (applications reopener July 1), Maryland Department of Natural Resources grants, the Climate Smart Communities Initiative, congressional earmarks, and FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (noted as currently on hold).
Taylor said dredging work would be bid and, with required approvals, could be completed this summer; he estimated the physical clean‑up would take a few months. Director of Public Works J. Daniel Handley confirmed permitting has been the primary near‑term objective and that permitting costs of $53,000 are included in the 2026 budget. Taylor also said permit coverage could be broadened to include additional footage where debris has accumulated.
Planning Director Jeanne Minner asked about permit length; Taylor replied that typical dredging permits are valid about five to seven years. Minner requested funding for the current permit but did not receive support for the first phase; she and Tonn said they will continue to pursue grants.
No formal vote was taken on a dredging contract at the Jan. 21 meeting. Next steps described at the meeting include pursuing grant applications, securing necessary permits, and preparing a bid package for dredging work.
