Now Accepting Public Comment: Modified Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree Revised Emergency Response Plan

Thursday Sep 21st, 2023

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

Today, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) announced the release of its Revised Emergency Response Plan (ERP), a reference tool to be used by City personnel during a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) or reported building backup emergency.

The Modified Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree (MCD) requires DPW to submit a revised Emergency Response Plan to protect to public health and welfare in the event of an unpermitted release, spill, or discharge of pollutants from the sewer collection system or in the event of a reported building backup. The Modified Consent Decree for Baltimore City’s sanitary sewer system was entered on October 6, 2017.

The ERP is intended to provide clear guidance for:

  • Locating and eliminating the source of the SSO or backup in a timely manner
  • Notifying affected City agencies and departments, the public, media outlets, and regulatory agencies

The Emergency Response Plan is posted on the DPW website for review and public comment in accordance with the MCD.  DPW will accept public comments pertaining to this document for 30 days, through October 21, 2023.  Comments may be submitted directly to Michael.Shipman@baltimorecity.gov.

To view the Revised Emergency Response Plan and to sign up to receive notifications related to the plan, please visit the following DPW webpage: https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/sewer-consent-decree

Related Stories

DPW to Start Trash and Recycling Collections at 5:00 a.m. During Summer Months Earlier Start Time Aims to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat –Seasonal Change Begins Tuesday, July 8

To protect sanitation workers from the dangers of extreme summer heat, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin trash and recycling collections one hour earlier—starting at 5:00 a.m.—beginning Tuesday, July 8. This seasonal adjustment will run through Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

DPW Offices and Sanitation Yards Closed for Independence Day

Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Khalil Zaied reminds residents that Friday, July 4, 2025, is Independence Day, a City holiday. As a result, all DPW offices and sanitation yards will be CLOSED in observance of the holiday. There will be no trash or recycling collections on Friday, July 4. Collections will resume on the makeup day, Saturday, July 5, 2025. Additionally, there will be no street sweeping due to the holiday closure.

DPW Releases 2024 Water Quality Report

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) today announced the release of its 2024 Water Quality Report, providing residents in Baltimore City and Baltimore County with important information about the quality of their drinking water.

Visit the Newsroom