County Executive Steuart Pittman this week lifted the sewer capacity moratorium for the Baltimore City Sewer Service Area.
The decision allows projects already in the development pipeline and ready to receive sewer allocations from the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works (DPW) to move forward. Three projects currently qualify for allocations.
Anne Arundel County imposed the moratorium in March after peak wastewater flows exceeded limits established under agreements governing the shared regional sewer system. While the County remained within its average daily flow limits, aging infrastructure and increased inflow and infiltration during wet weather strained portions of the system serving Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City.
To address those issues, Anne Arundel County and the Maryland Aviation Administration signed a letter of intent allowing the County to borrow unused wastewater treatment capacity from BWI Airport. MAA reviewed current usage and projected needs and determined it could make capacity available while Anne Arundel County advances longer-term solutions.
County Executive Pittman cited the capacity agreement with MAA, improved flow data, regional coordination, and planned infrastructure investments as factors supporting the decision to lift the moratorium.
“I want to thank the county staff who have been dedicated to finding a solution, Maryland Aviation Administration Executive Director/CEO Shannetta Griffin, Baltimore Mayor Scott, Baltimore County Executive Klausmeier, Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary McIlwain, and Governor Moore for working with us to identify a regional solution that allows us to protect the Patapsco River while continuing to deliver the housing and the jobs that our region depends on,” said County Executive Pittman.
The County has committed millions to its utility fund to divert wastewater flows from Baltimore City’s Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant to County facilities, creating additional treatment capacity for the region. The County is evaluating diversion alternatives, expects to complete that plan in November 2026, and anticipates finishing design and construction within four to five years.
The County also continues to upgrade the Linthicum/Shipley Pumping Station, improve flow management, and advance projects that reduce inflow and infiltration.
Lifting the moratorium does not eliminate the underlying challenges that prompted it. Anne Arundel County continues pursuing several projects aimed at expanding regional wastewater capacity and reducing pressure on the shared system.
