Surface-Water Quality At The Newland Park Landfill Site

In response to recent public inquiries into the County’s surface-water management practices at the Newland Park Landfill on Brick Kiln Road, the County asked Geosyntec Consultants (Geosyntec) to perform an audit of the surface-water quality monitoring program at the landfill site. Geosyntec, located in Columbia, Maryland, is an earth sciences consulting firm that specializes in landfill engineering and environmental quality assessments. Geosyntec has provided such services at over 20 different landfills in Maryland over the past 18 years, including the Newland Park Landfill, where Geosyntec has been implementing groundwater and landfill gas monitoring programs at the landfill for many years.

Surface-water quality at the landfill site is being monitored by the County in accordance with the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which is administered under the Federal Clean Water Act. The Newland Park Landfill currently holds two separate NPDES permits. One addresses surface-water quality in relation to landfill activities and the other addresses surface-water quality in relation to the landfill’s on-site borrow source. As required by these permits, water discharged from the landfill and the borrow source to surface-water features is sampled monthly by landfill employees for the parameters defined in the State-issued NPDES Permit. Geosyntec reviewed the laboratory test results of surface-water samples collected by landfill personnel dating back to 2003 and evaluated the results for compliance with the requirements of the NPDES permits. The data show that surface water leaving the landfill site has a nearly neutral pH, is free of suspended soils, and has a temperature similar to that of the water in the receiving stream. These sample results indicate that the facility is currently in compliance with the requirements of the NPDES permit, although over the years a few results have been slightly outside of the required range (but within about one percent of the normal value). Geosyntec’s finding is consistent with the findings of the Maryland Department of the Environment’s (MDE’s) surface-water evaluation of the site in March 2008, which confirmed that the site is in compliance with the requirements of the permit.

Based on the review of the surface-water quality data that Geosyntec was provided, Geosyntec concludes that surface-water quality complies with the requirements of the NPDES permits.

Another Local Reporter Bites The Dust

Daily Times Reporter Joe "G" Gidjunis will be leaving the Daily Times on April 11th to head off to Cherry Hill, New Jersey where he will finally team up with his Wife/Bride. They plan on residing in Philly and make the trip over the state line to work for yet another Gannett Publications Newspaper.

As many of you know, Joe and I didn't see eye to eye all the time but in all fairness, he's a very good Reporter and since I'm called an expert in anything and everything, I should know. LOL

It was fun teaming up with you in the earlier days Joe and I personally wish you the very best. Keep them honest and no matter what else you do out there, don't let the likes of Greg Bassett or Joe Carmean edit your work.

WICOMICO COUNTY EXECUTIVE RICHARD M. POLLITT, JR., ON WEST METRO CORE PARK PROJECT

On Tuesday evening of this week the Wicomico County Council hosted a public hearing on a proposal to purchase land familiarly known as The Humphries Farm for future use as a community park serving the West Metro Core, a district defined by the county’s comprehensive plan for recreation and parks and adopted several years ago by the then-county council. The hearing followed a meeting of my own held last year at the Rockawalkin Methodist Community Hall which was itself preceded by a hearing at the Civic Center sponsored by the county recreation and parks department.

That a community park designed to serve the growing needs of a population center expected to top 14,000 residents in the next several years is not in dispute. For a period of ten years, county officials have been attempting to identify property that would comply with established criteria for a park and meet State requirements for funding under Program Open Space. The Humphries property, subsequently known as the Davis property fit all of the criteria.

From the start there were significant and well-grounded concerns expressed about traffic control and roads conditions that caused many to oppose location of a park at this particular location. Following my own hearing last year I believed if we could address the traffic safety issues satisfactorily, much of the opposition would turn to support. That has not happened. In fact, other issues have been raised since that time that have turned what should be a positive exercise in community improvement into a serious dispute pitting neighbor against neighbor and citizens against their government. The tone of the discussion has taken an ugly tone and quite, frankly, it’s time to bring it to a stop.

Without getting into the merits of the various elements of this debate I will say simply that a project such as this, the development of a community park to serve the recreational needs of a specific segment of our population should be one that is embraced by the hosting neighborhood with enthusiasm and excited anticipation. It should be an occasion for neighborhoods to come together, united in a common cause…a positive cause, rather than one based on suspicion and distrust. For whatever reason, we have lost that opportunity in this case and I announce today that I am withdrawing our proposal to purchase the property.

We are often taught that when one door closes another opens. One of the benefits of Tuesday’s public hearing is that several other property owners have contacted the county indicating their interest in selling land for the West Metro Core Park. Indeed, through the last year, I have held conversations over other potential sites. Some of these alternatives are quite promising and I assure you that we will follow every lead until we can identify and secure a place to provide for the legitimate recreational needs of our citizens.

In closing I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. John Davis for their patience and forbearance over this past year as we confronted the challenges before us. I expect they will proceed to build upon their preliminary approval from planning and zoning for a residential subdivision and, of course, we wish them well in that regard.

Press Conference At 5:00 Today

County Executive Rick Pollitt is expected to announce today at 5:00 PM the County will terminate their agreement to purchase the controversial Crooked Oak Park project.

I have not been informed any details but considering the timing, that would be my guess. The $18,000.00 per acre project brought out what Gary Mackes states as being the most controversial project he's ever been involved with in all the years he's worked with Wicomico County.

Personally, IF this is the case, my hat is tipped to Mr. Pollitt for recognizing Fiscal Responsibility and while this brought out a ton of negative reaction from the Taxpayers of Wicomico County, it also raised enough attention to bring out other people who own property in which they wanted to be recognized and considered by the county as well.

Also expected to be brought up in this meeting is the water quality coming from the Landfill to the Wicomico River. It is my understanding that the quality is in a good range, therefore the Mayor of Salisbury cannot point a finger at the County for participating in the controversial pollution spills so frequently in the recent past.

Keep in mind, the Mayor stated it had to do with Dog poop and Pigeon poop, not the WWTP spills. I'm sorry Folks, I'm trying to stay away from the word Idiot but what an Idiot!

I'll be back after 5:00 to fill you in on the update from the Press Conference but this would be my best guess on what we're going to hear.

Wanna Hear The Fireworks?

GO HERE and listen to the MP3 Audio File of last Monday night's City Council Meeting where Debbie Campbell & Terry Cohen tore the Mayor, Pick, Oland, Smith & Comegys a new one.

God Bless Our United States Marines

Young Republicans Hold A Successful Meeting

Last night the Wicomico County Young Republicans met at the Chamber of Commerce. Quite frankly, their group has almost as many in attendance as the regular Republican Club Meetings. It's truly a great sight to see these young people getting so involved. More Power To Them!

The Wicomico County Mobile Command Unit

Well, it's been a year since they received the unit from the Wicomico County Library and let me assure you, they put good money after good money on this project.

Today the Press had the pleasure of getting an exclusive tour through this unit, which is quite impressive. Cameras everywhere, inside and out. Internet access throughout the unit so Officers can set up with their laptops and get immediate information on suspects on the scene. It truly is an impressive piece of work, all for around $61,000.00!

The paint job alone is impressive, let alone the interior cabinets and flooring. The mounted lights on the rear have tripods where they detach from the unit and can be set and directed just about anywhere to illuminate the area.

This unit isn't just for emergency situations. It will also be used as a command center for events like Porqueena In The Park and other large events. A new Unit would have cost the Taxpayers at least $300,000.00, so retrofitting this unit was certainly a great taxpayer investment and once again the Sheriff's Department has proven fiscal responsibility and we should all be very proud of such an example.

This unit was paid for three different ways. Community Policing grant money, Wicomico County tax dollars and most importantly, Forfeiture money from drug arrests.

One Year Ago Today

Thanks to Linda Kent and several others, one year ago today she settled an agreement with the Old Mall Owners to make a donation to the Public Library as well as a reduction of units to be built on that location. Linda was also instrumental in taking these same owners to Court and getting a decision in her favor referencing the zoning for this property. Thank You Linda!

League of Women Voters Founding Meeting

Good Morning Folks.

Hope you all are ready for our second "founding" meeting for the League of Women Voters of Wicomico County. We were applauded for our "interest" meeting at the Market Street Inn, now we have a reputation to uphold; which should not be difficult with our group.

Please save the date of the 22 ND of April,In the evening, We have not worked out the details, however, some have requested a late in the month date, and this looks promising so far. The end of the month will be our permanent date for meetings. Honestly how often, where etc will be up to the group, we need your input.

If we continue along with a schedule we might be able to so something ambitious like have a 1st district debate prior to the election. (that would be wonderful to be able to establish Salisbury as a hub for 1st District political activities.)

We would appreciate it if you would invited friends to this meeting since it is
"Getting to Know You" meeting, and we will begin the process with the help of our mentor Carole Conors, VP of the State of Maryland League. Whom some of you all met at our dinner. Wonderful speaker and very committed person and so gracious to put her precious time into helping us.

You all have my e-mail,and most my phone number. 410-334-2344 please feel free to call me, with names if you want me to notify friends of the meeting, with ideas, with anything you wish to contribute.

Thank you, and happy spring.

Capitals Still In The Hunt For Postseason

With a 4-3 shootout overtime win against Tampa Bay last night the Washington Capitals remained in contention for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference in a 5 way battle. The Boston Bruins won last night to bring them in a tie for 7/8th place with The Flyers with 88 points. Washington is only two points behind with 5 games remaining. The Caps have another game with Tampa Bay who are currently tied for the least number of points and have the fewest wins in the NHL. Two games are with the Florida Panthers who are mathematically still alive in the playoff hunt with 81 points.

The Capitals will also face the current playoff bound Carolina Hurricanes who are leading the Southeast Division. All Carolina is looking to hold on to their playoff spot and currently have 88 points. If Carolina falls from the top of the division Washington will secure their first playoff birth since 2002-03 season. The Caps need to get at least 7 points coupled with a loss or two by one of the teams. It's going to be a grinding final leg of the regular season.

Washington travels to Florida Saturday to play the Panthers at 7pm and will be aired on Comcast Sports.

The Criteria To Become An "All American City"

You tell me, does Salisbury qualify?

CRITERIA
For a community to be named an All-America City, it must be able to demonstrate successful resolution of community issues through collaborative effort. Award winning criteria include the following: active citizen involvement, effective and efficient government performance, maximized local philanthropic and volunteer resources, a strong capacity for cooperation and consensus building, community vision and pride, inter-group relations, community information sharing, and intercommunity cooperation.

All-America City Award Criteria

Participation of the public, private and nonprofit sectors and key constituencies to the maximum extent possible; Recognition and involvement of diverse segments and perspectives (ethnic, racial, socio-economic, age, etc.) in community decision-making; Creative use and leveraging of community resources; Significant and specific community achievements; Projects that address the community’s most important needs;
Cooperation across jurisdictional boundaries; Clear demonstration of project results and impacts (dollars raised or lives impacted); Projects which have impacted the community significantly within the last three years, and have potential to continue improving the quality of life; and at least one project should document ways in which the lives of children and youth have been tangibly improved.