Mayor Scott's Statement on the Treatment and Discharge of East Palestine, OH Wastewater

Crest of the City of Baltimore

Brandon M. Scott
Mayor,
Baltimore City
250 City Hall - Baltimore Maryland 21202
(410) 396-3835 - Fax: (410) 576-9425

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

BALTIMORE, MD. (Monday, March 27, 2023) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued the following statement regarding East Palestine Wastewater.

"Last Friday, I publicly expressed grave concerns with Environmental and Industrial remediation contractor, Clean Harbors' request to dispose of pretreated wastewater from the Norfolk Southern Railroad derailment into the Baltimore City wastewater collection system.

After legal review, the City's Law Department has determined that the Department of Public Works has the authority to modify discharge permits in an effort to 'safeguard Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) from interference, pass-through, or contamination of treatment by-products.' As such, I have directed DPW to modify Clean Harbor's discharge permit to deny their request to discharge processed wastewater from the cleanup of the Norfolk Southern Railroad derailment into the City's wastewater system after processing at a Clean Harbors facility. Clean Harbors has facilities across the country that may be better positioned to dispose of the treated wastewater, and we urge them to explore those alternatives.

Make no mistake - I stand against any efforts that could comprise the health and safety of our residents, and the environment.

I extend my deepest sympathy to the East Palestine, Ohio community as they grapple with the effects of this devastating derailment on their community, but I must remain steadfast in my commitment to protect our residents - at all costs."

Related Stories

City of Baltimore Joins National Be SMART For Kids Campaign

Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced that the City of Baltimore is joining the growing list of cities around the country partnering with Everytown For Gun Safety Support Fund and Moms Demand Action to promote secure gun storage as part of the Be SMART for Kids campaign.

 

Mayor Scott Releases Statement on U.S. Court of Appeals Ruling

Mayor Brandon M. Scott released the following statement in response to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit's ruling to undo portions of Maryland's Firearm Safety Act of 2013.

 

Mayor Scott Announces City-Provided Transportation Schedule for 2023 Annual Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving Dinner

Mayor Brandon M. Scott in partnership with the Bea Gaddy Family Centers, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP), Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Mayor's Office of Children and Family Success (MOCFS) released the schedule for city-provided transportation both to and from the 2023 Annual Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving Dinner.