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DPW to Hold Consent Decree Public Meetings on Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations
Meetings scheduled for October 21 and October 29 to provide updates on consent decree compliance
The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold two public meetings in October to update residents and stakeholders on Baltimore’s progress in meeting the requirements of its Consent Decree regarding operations at the City’s two wastewater treatment plants: the Back River and Patapsco facilities.
“These meetings are an important opportunity for residents and stakeholders to hear directly from DPW about how we are improving performance at our wastewater treatment plants and striving for compliance with regulatory commitments,” said DPW Director Matthew Garbark. “We encourage community participation and look forward to answering questions and receiving feedback.”
The Consent Decree, entered into by the City of Baltimore, the Maryland Department of the Environment, and Blue Water Baltimore, addresses past violations of discharge permits issued to the Back River and Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plants. Under the Consent Decree, the City must provide opportunities for public engagement and post quarterly reports online.
Meeting Dates and Locations:
- Public Meeting I Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Middle Branch Fitness & Wellness Center, 201 Reedbird Ave, Baltimore, MD 21225
- Public Meeting II Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant, 8201 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224
Both meetings will also be streamed live on DPW’s Facebook and YouTube pages to ensure broad access for the public.
Registration and Additional Information
These meetings are free and open to the public. While same-day attendance is welcome, advance registration is encouraged.
Meeting Topics
During the meetings, DPW senior leaders will provide updates on the wastewater treatment plants, including:
- Operational performance
- Capital improvements and investments
- Efforts to ensure a healthy environment
In addition, attendees can visit Learning Stations focused on:
- Improving operational efficiency
- Resource recovery
- Strengthening Baltimore’s wastewater workforce (B’More Wise program)
- Pretreatment initiatives
DPW welcomes residents and stakeholders to participate, ask questions, and share feedback as Baltimore continues to invest in its water and wastewater systems to protect public health and the environment.
For more information and to access quarterly Consent Decree reports, please visit the DPW website.
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CONTACT: 410-545-6541
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/3f45cb2 - 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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