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For Immediate Release
Friday, March 24, 2023

Press Contact:
Press@baltimorecity.gov

Joint Statement on the Treatment and Discharge of East Palestine Wastewater at Back River Wastewaster Plant

BALTIMORE, MD. (Friday, March 24, 2023) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued the following statement regarding East Palestine Wastewater. 

"The Baltimore City Department of Public Works was notified by Clean Harbors Environmental Services that it was selected by the EPA to accept, treat, and discharge the wastewater collected from rainwater, collected water, and stream water above and below the cleanup site of the Norfolk Southern Railroad derailment in East Palestine, OH that occurred on February 3, 2023. Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant is one of a number of facilities in locations around the country selected to process this material.

Both the City and the County teams have been in touch with the Governor’s office as well as with the EPA. State and federal officials have assured us they are confident in the facility’s ability to process this material. However, we have tasked our teams to do their due diligence to be certain that there is no risk to the health and safety or our residents and our environment. Additionally, we are seeking a legal opinion from the Attorney General’s Office regarding the City’s requirement to treat and discharge the waste from the Norfolk Southern Railroad derailment at Back River.

We will share more information as it becomes available. We encourage any residents who have questions or concerns to contact MDE or the EPA."

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