ANNAPOLIS - The Maryland Department of the Environment has closed McKeil Point bermed infiltration pond No. 1. After multiple inspections, MDE has determined that the BIP identified as McKeil Point No. 1 (located on Brooks Road) is actively failing. An overflow of partially treated wastewater is discharging into tidal ditches within 600 feet of Fishing Creek, causing excessive levels of bacteria in the waterway.

Due to these excessive levels, MDE has reclassified a portion of Fishing Creek for shellfish harvesting from conditionally approved to restricted. The restriction will remain in place for a minimum of 21 days after the discharge is eliminated.

For more information on BIPs:

Maryland Department of the Environment: 410-537-3778

Adam Corry, Chief of On-Site Systems Division: adam.corry@maryland.gov or 443-571-3841

Dorchester County Sanitary District: 410-228-6222

Dorchester County Environmental Health: 410-228-1167

For more information on Shellfish Harvest Area Closure, contact:

Maryland Department of the Environment: 410-537-3608

Kathy Brohawn, Chief of the Public Health Division: kathy.brohawn@maryland.gov or 667-203-2420

Rehabilitation on Route 14 bridge

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin rehabilitation on the MD 14 bridge over Marshyhope Creek. To perform the bridge work, crews will close MD 14 starting Monday, July 11.

Motorists can take the following posted detours to access MD 14:

• From MD 313 Sharptown Road - take MD 392 (Harrison Ferry Road) west to MD 331 (Hurlock-Rhodesdale Road) south to MD 14 (Rhodesdale-Eldorado Road)
• From MD 14 (Rhodesdale-Eldorado Road) - take MD 331 (Hurlock-Rhodesdale Rd) north to MD 392 (Harrison Ferry Road) East to MD 313 (Sharptown Road)

Traffic will be detoured beginning at 9 a.m. July 11 and will remain in effect 24/7 until 3 p.m. Aug. 8.

Hogan announces launch of new Maryland.gov

Gov. Larry Hogan recently announced that the Maryland Department of Information Technology, in coordination with its partner NIC USA, has launched a new version of the official State of Maryland website, Maryland.gov. The upgrade supports Maryland’s ongoing push toward a unified and mobile-friendly citizen experience across all channels. 

MD 329 (Royal Oak Road) resurfacing

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is set to pave all three miles of MD 329 (Royal Oak Road) beginning Monday, June 13. To ensure safety, the SHA is looking to break this project into several sections with brief, full closures and detours.

Work hours are Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., hours may adjust as needed to minimize public impacts or expedite the project, which is currently set to be completed by the end of June.

MD 90 improvements

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is conducting a survey and will host a virtual public meeting Tuesday, June 21, as part of its ongoing planning study for potential improvements along MD 90 between US 50 (Ocean Gateway) and MD 528 (Coastal Highway) in Worcester County. As part of the $850,000 Planning and Environmental Linkage study, the MDOT SHA survey will help identify needs, concerns and priorities for potential improvements.

The public is invited to participate in the virtual public meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21. At the meeting, MDOT SHA will familiarize participants with the project and answer project-related questions.

Addie Eckardt represents District 37 in the Maryland State Senate.