Maryland has had success in moving toward clean water goals by upgrading wastewater treatment plants across the state, which has removed a significant source of point pollution. The Corsica River Conservancy was established in part because of sewage spills, which then resulted in consent orders from Maryland’s Department of the Environment to Centreville in 2004.
The plant that was constructed at that time combined biological nutrient reduction technology with spray irrigation of effluent on farmland. Now, some 20 years later, Centreville is again facing a disconnect between the capacity of that plant and its goals for new development as spelled out in its recently concluded Comprehensive Plan. In addition, the intervening years have revealed additional threats from wastewater, including forever chemicals, microplastics, and industrial farm operations.
Centreville has begun the process of replacing its wastewater treatment plant. The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners approved changes to the County’s Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan in 2024, the first step in the upgrade process. The Commissioners subsequently approved a proposed design that would almost double the plant’s capacity but deferred on approving a discharge point for the plant’s increased effluent. Current plans seek to extend the discharge point further into the Corsica River and to discharge year round. CRC remains concerned that the impact on water quality and marine plants and animals could be significant.
CRC has been involved in and commented on several aspects of the town’s plans for growth and for expanding the capacity and technology of its wastewater treatment plant. For example, we conveyed our concerns regarding Centreville’s recent Master Plan to the Town in comments from January 2023. Much of the Town’s plan to expand the capacity of its wastewater treatment plant is driven by growth the Town Council sees coming in Centreville and in potentially annexed land. CRC has concerns that the infrastructure support for growth may not be balanced with mitigation of its impact on the natural resources that have heretofore been integral to the Town’s identity and quality of life.
CRC has an ongoing dialogue with representatives of the Town, the County, Maryland Department of the Environment and others to understand the project status, raise potential risks, discuss alternatives, and explore funding sources.
We have partnered with ShoreRivers and the Chesapeake Legal Alliance to express some of our concerns. The Chester River waterkeeper, Annie Richards, representing CRC, Shore Rivers, and the Chesapeake Legal Alliance made a presentation at a Town Council Meeting in June 2024. See 6.20.24Centreville Wastewater Upgrade (1)
A number of decisions and approvals are needed before plant construction begins. The County is looking to Centreville as an area of future growth. Managing wastewater capacity will become an increasing cost and, although some grant funding may be available, difficult decisions about sharing the cost burden are inevitable. And mismanaging growth and the wastewater treatment needed to support it has to potential to destroy the natural resources and beauty that are the hallmark of Centreville and the Corsica watershed. CRC will continue to follow these and provide comments when needed.