Talks underway for state to remain at Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant longer than expected, officials say

Maryland and Baltimore City officials are holding “deliberative conversations” about whether state staffers can remain at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant beyond the expiration of an agreement forged earlier this year, according to a spokesman for the Maryland Department of the Environment. The sewage treatment plant in eastern Baltimore County seemingly complied with limits for how much pollutants it can release under its state discharge permit in June, July and August, said Jay Apperson, spokesman for the Maryland Department of the Environment, which would trigger the end of the state’s involvement under a consent agreement negotiated with the city. But that is still being reviewed, and the two parties are discussing continuing the arrangement.