October 25, 2013 Media Contact: Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022

On Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, Howard County Executive Ulman Breaks Ground on Project to Prevent Sewage Overflows
Promise made in storm aftermath is being fulfilled
ELLICOTT CITY, MD Hurricane Sandy knocked out a pair of electrical feeder lines to the Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant in Howard County on October 29, 2012, leading to a large overflow of untreated waste. Outraged, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman vowed that such a situation would never happen again. One year later, County Executive Ulman will break ground on the installation of large back-up generators coupled with a new solar power source that will make the plant more green than before. The added solar capabilities and reduced potential for accidental overflows are significant steps in the continued environmental protection of the Little Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay. WHO: Ken Ulman, Howard County Executive Stephen Gerwin, Director, Bureau of Utilities, Department of Public Works David Costello, Deputy Director, Maryland Department of the Environment Brendan McCluskey, Preparedness Director, Maryland Emergency Management Agency Karen Galindo-White, Energy Systems Group Break ground on back-up generators and solar panels to be installed at the water reclamation plant to prevent interruption of service and avoid sewage spills Monday, October 28, 9:30 a.m. Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant, 8900 Greenwood Place, Savage To ensure that the water reclamation plant can remain operational during times of emergency.

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***NOTE: Visual opportunities of treatment plant and Patuxent River, where overflows occurred, as well as solar panels. Plant staff will be working the main security gate and direct attendees to the intended site of the generators for the announcement. ***

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