Sewer / Consent Decree Project History

The Department of Public Works is responsible for operation, maintenance and capital improvement of wastewater collection system and treatment plants in the City of Baltimore. The wastewater Collection system consists of approximately 1400 miles of Sewer pipe, 4000 manholes, 250,000 Sewer house connections, 10 pump stations and 2 wastewater treatment plants.

In 2002 the City of Baltimore entered into a Consent Decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). A Consent Decree is an agreement made in court by the parties to settle a suit in equity. The Consent Decree enables the City to address sewer system deficiencies in a proactive program over a 15-year period. More information on the Consent Decree can be found at: Sewer Consent Decree Page.