One of the major bones of contention over the proposed Doughoregan Manor development plans is the possible inclusion of pretreatment facility for the sewage generated by the new homes. Though the plans call for the 325 new single family homes to be connected to the county’s public water and sewer system, new environmental regulations may require some pretreatment before the effluent is sent down the pipe to the county waste treatment facility in Savage.
This is not at all comparable to the problem plagued private sewage system at the Villas at Cattail Creek, though opponents have often pointed to that situation as a reason why this development should not move forward.
In fact, in testimony at last weeks public hearing on this issue, Marsha McLaughlin, the Director of Planning and Zoning, stated in her testimony that the current facility has adequate capacity to handle these new homes and that the “county is interested in exploring the pretreatment option because federal and state standards are changing.”
The problem with the proposed sewage treatment plant at Dough-rakin' is that no one knows how big it will be, what technology it will use, where it will be located, who will pay for it and how it will be constructed, operated and maintained. Not to mention a facility of this type has never been built in the County. Nor is it clear whether operating and maintenance costs will be passed on to existing houses along MD 144 that already send sewage through the sewer that the Carrolls want to tap into to serve their development. The chances are we will get to subsidize a sewage treatment plant we don't want and that is unnecessary except to provide for the unplanned development to further enrich Queen Camilla and Prince Charles. Maybe if we could get some straight answers from the County we would be less apprehensive about this "innovative facility." Remember, the shared septic at Cattail Creek was once touted as the innovative, state-of-the-art sewage treatment facility in Western Howard County. Ask them how well that one worked out.
ReplyDeleteThe need for the wastewater treatment plant has nothing to do with changes to state and federal regulations. It is needed because if the Carrolls build 325 unanticipated houses it will take the planned capacity away from some other property already in the planned service area. Stop paying attention to what Marsha McLaughable says and get your facts straight.
ReplyDeleteAnon 2:34 PM:
ReplyDeleteJeez! That's a tough call. Listen to the Director of Planning and Zoning or someone who comments anonymously.
Seriously.
-wb
Oh, because McLaughlin said it, it's gospel.
ReplyDeleteget real.
Based on Marsha's history, trusting anon would be an improvement.
ReplyDeleteThe best line of the night -someone in opposition actually said, "do you expect ME to sacrifice for the public good?".
ReplyDeleteana 7:08 that's reflects opposition from many nowadays. NIMBYs are getting louder and better organized. It's funny how people who live in developments are so against development.
ReplyDeleteThey're not against development, they're against development that needs a swewage treatment plant that they are going to have to pay for. But I'm sure you would be happy to have a surcharge on your sewer bill to pay for the poor ol' Carrols' development. Get over your Carroll-worship, folks. They don't care about you, they care about $$$.
ReplyDeleteIt was rather interesting to see Chris Merdon, sitting on 25 acres near Doughoregan's western border, talk about the sacrifices that the eastern border neighbors (3/4 mi away) should make.
ReplyDeleteHere's a thought. Let's load 325 houses near Folly Quarter Road (easy access) so Chris and Courtney can look down upon them from their McMansions on the hill. Maybe this can frame the conversation for individual sacrifice for greater good.
I hear that at today's work session Planning Director Marsha McLaughable will explain to the County Council that there has been a terrible misunderstanding and that the facility at Doughoregan will actually be a water park, not a sewage treatment plant. More on this late-beaking story as it develops...
ReplyDelete