December 15, 2021
Baltimore, MD—Blue Water Baltimore (BWB), home of the Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper, filed a Clean Water Act complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland against Baltimore City for ongoing pollution at the Patapsco and Back River Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs). Chesapeake Legal Alliance (CLA), together with Barley Snyder, LLP, represents BWB in the case.
Records show both WWTPs have repeatedly discharged pollutants beyond allowable limits, including bacteria and nutrients. Excessive bacteria can carry pathogens harmful to public health, while elevated nitrogen and phosphorus contribute to algae blooms, fish kills, and dead zones. As Maryland’s two largest WWTPs, these violations hinder the state’s Chesapeake Bay cleanup goals.
This lawsuit follows a 60-day notice period under the Clean Water Act and comes after ongoing collaboration between BWB, CLA, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and Baltimore City to address the violations. While the City has begun remediation efforts, CLA continues to advocate for full compliance and long-term protection of Maryland’s waterways.
“We are using every avenue available, including the Clean Water Act, to ensure that there is a comprehensive plan with measurable deadlines to address all violations, repair the damage to water quality, and enhance oversight to ensure that our waterways and our communities are protected in the future,” said Alice Volpitta, Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper at Blue Water Baltimore.
“The City’s failure to operate the wastewater treatment plants in accordance with the law puts public health at risk, degrades ecosystems, and hinders the public’s ability to enjoy and recreate in local waterways,” said Angela Haren, Senior Attorney for Chesapeake Legal Alliance. “Our clients have filed a complaint to ensure these illegal discharges are corrected immediately.”
BWB looks forward to working with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and Baltimore City to return the plants to full compliance as quickly as possible. The organization will continue to amplify the voices of residents in the greater Baltimore region, who are harmed both physically and economically by these violations.
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Blue Water Baltimore is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit watershed organization dedicated to restoring the quality of Baltimore’s rivers, streams, and Harbor to foster a healthy environment, strong economy, and thriving communities.
Chesapeake Legal Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that applies the power of the law to protect and restore clean water and promote healthy, resilient ecosystems for communities across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Alice Volpitta, Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper, Blue Water Baltimore, avolpitta@bluewaterbaltimore.org, (410) 236-9136
Angela Haren, Senior Attorney, Chesapeake Legal Alliance, angela@chesapeakelegal.org, (415) 310-3550
