Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 05, 2005

MDE GRANTS CITY WATER APPROPRIATION AND USE PERMIT FOR WELLS #3 AND #7

Frederick, Md. --- The City of Frederick received word from the Maryland Department of the Environment on Wednesday, March 30, that a permanent water appropriation and use permit for Wells #3 and #7 had been granted. Pursuant to the MDE permit, the City will be able to draw 200,000 gpd of water from the wells. The City will only use water from Wells #3 and #7 for peak day demands. The 12-year permit (FR2003G016(01)) will expire in May 2015.

Pursuant to the conditions of the permit, the City will be responsible for several aspects in relation to sinkholes:

Periodic Sinkhole Surveying - Once a week while Well’s #3 and #7 are in use, the City will visually inspect the sites; and once a month when the wells are not in service. The City will be responsible for keeping a record of any depressions, ponded water, disappearing drainage, soil piping, circular or semi-circular features, washouts, cracked or falling away ground, dips, sags or slumps, or any other feature that may be associated with a sinkhole.

Public Notice - The City will place signs in the vicinity of Wells #3 and #7 with a phone number, contact point and address where citizens can make a report of a possible sinkholes.

Report of Sinkhole Occurrences - The City shall inform MDE of any occurrences or reports of occurrences within 24 hours. Repairs shall not be made to a sinkhole until directed by MDE. The City also must make a record of the time and date of occurrence, and dimensions, as well as photo documentation.

Annual Report of Sinkhole Activity - The City will prepare and submit an annual report of assessment of sinkhole activity to MDE.

The new allocation equates to 90,000 gpd being allocated to residential projects, which breaks down as followed: 81,000 gpd (approximately 327 units) for residential projects and 9,000 gpd being allocated to affordable housing (approximately 36 units)

An addition 60,000 gpd will be allocated to non-residential projects and an additional 50,000 gpd will be set aside for the Discretionary Allocation (12,500 gpd for Claim of Entitlement Projects and 7,500 gpd for Infill Development, Business Retention and Development, Government, & Exemptions).

The City’s Water Service Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, April 6, 2005, 10 a.m., City Hall Board Room. Water Service Contracts will be issued resulting from this allocation.