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City Reports Progress
Back River and Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plants
City Investments
Over a century ago, Baltimore City leaders took the forward-thinking step of investing in three comprehensive, separate systems: water, wastewater, and stormwater. Since 1911, the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant (BWWTP) has been treating wastewater 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant has been in operation since 1940. During these times, the process for treating wastewater as well as the science behind it has evolved.
Challenges
Our Wastewater Treatment Plants separate solid material (also referred to as ‘biosolids’) from liquid in the wastewater flow using a number of methods. We use screens and filters for larger materials and then allow solid particles to naturally settle to the bottom of settling tanks. Our plants are designed such that the solid material at the bottom of the tanks is removed and then dried in dryers. The drying process reduces the volume and weight of the biosolids material. These biosolids are then disposed at a composting facility or responsibly land-applied off-site.
Due to processing issues as well as equipment repairs, dryers were not operational for several months. This slowed the pace of biosolids removal from the wastewater flow and contributed to an accumulation of these solids at the plants. When there were large volumes of wastewater moving through the plants, typically seen during rain events, more solids were added to the existing inventory of biosolids. This contributed to a higher level of suspended solids remaining in the wastewater and ending up in the final effluent of the plants. As such, even though the plants continued to treat the wastewater physically, biologically and chemically, permitted effluent limits were exceeded. Moreover, human feces are not entering and have not entered the waterways from the wastewater treatment plants.
Actions Taken to Address Challenges to Date
DPW has transmitted an action plan to MDE to address issues of concern for both plants:
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Staffing - We are collaborating with MES; eleven additional staff members have been added at BRWWTP.
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Supply Chain - Challenges continue to exist overall, but the City has been able to expedite the procurement process utilizing emergency authorization.
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Processes - We are actively working to bring all dryers on line. At BRWWTP, we have a dryer back to operational mode and will hopefully bring additional dryers online shortly. At PWWTP, we continue to work with our partners to better handle the plant’s solids and resume drying operations. Once the dryers are working, solids can be removed more efficiently and in greater quantities. Because of the accumulation of solids throughout various processes at the plants, it will take some time to fully remove and dispose the inventory of biosolids.
In conclusion, we will continue to keep the public apprised of progress.
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CONTACT: 410-545-6541
Yolanda Winkler - Yolanda.Winkler@Baltimorecity.gov
James E. Bentley II - James.Bentley2@Baltimorecity.gov
Jennifer Combs - Jennifer.Combs@Baltimorecity.gov
After hours, weekends, or holidays please call 410-396-3100 for the duty officer.
The Baltimore City Department of Public Works supports the health, environment, and economy of our City and region by cleaning our neighborhoods and waterways and providing its customers with safe drinking water and sustainable energy practices.
Know someone who could use this information? Send them this link - https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDBALT/bulletins/316645b - or 
For additional information visit: PublicWorks@baltimorecity.gov; Facebook and Nextdoor at Baltimore City Department of Public Works; and Twitter at @BaltimoreDPW or Instagram at @dpwbaltimorecity
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