Interim Update - September 6, 2007

September 6 , 2007

Dear Friends,

Many of you contacted my office with concerns about the use of sludge in certain parcels of land within Susquehanna State Park.   I took all of your concerns seriously and as promised worked with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to resolve this issue.   As a follow-up to my work with the DNR, please see the following letter I sent to Secretary Griffin.   This is a very similar letter to the letter Councilwoman Mary Ann Lisanti sent about a week before mine.

August 23, 2007

Secretary John R. Griffin

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

580 Taylor Avenue

Tawes State Office Building, Unit C4

Annapolis, MD 21401

            RE:     Susquehanna State Park

Dear Secretary Griffin,

            This letter is a companion to the August 8, 2007 letter from Councilwoman Mary Ann Lisanti.   Councilwoman Lisanti and I have worked together on this matter locally and overall support the Department of Natural Resources' policy and practices regarding the recycling of biodegradable sludge.

That said, the current parcels of land designated by the bio-solid sludge permit are adjacent to a residential neighborhood and an area surrounded by a museum and heavily used recreational trails.   Because of this fact, I would ask that steps be taken to exempt those parcels of land from the bio-solid sludge permit. 

I understand the benefits of using bio-solid sludge in park areas and hope that a solution can be reached that meets the state's objectives and is also agreeable to the citizens.

                                                            Very Truly Yours,

                                                            Mary-Dulany James

                                                            State Delegate,

                                                            Harford and Cecil Counties

Cc:  Council Member Mary Ann Lisanti

As you may have seen in last Wednesday's edition of The Aegis in an article entitled, our efforts were successful and the permits to apply treated sewage in Susquehanna Park were withdrawn. If you should have any more questions regarding this issue, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

I received a copy of a letter from Governor O'Malley regarding some great news for the Havre de Grace Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion Project.   I wanted to share this news with you, so below you will find the contents of that letter

"The Board of Public Works at is meeting on July 11, 2007, approved a grant increase of $10,889,000 in Bay Restoration Program funds for the City of Havre de Grace Wastewater Treatment Plant ENR Upgrade and Expansion Project.

On behalf of Board Members, Comptroller Franchot and Treasurer Kopp, thank you for your continued commitment to protect citizens of the State from potential public health problems and to improve water quality.   This funding commitment is an example of State and local government working together to ensure the safety of our citizens and will help minimize the financial impact of the project by leveraging limited local funds."

Have a comment or question?  Want to share your ideas about bills for the upcoming legislative session?   Visit our website at www.marydulanyjames.com

Very truly yours,

Mary-Dulany James
State Delegate,
Harford and Cecil Counties
www.marydulanyjames.com