PUBLIC HEARING

PROPOSED PROJECT TO ADDRESS ARSENIC LEVELS

 IN CERTAIN PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS

In accordance with Section 113.5 of the Public Local Laws of St. Mary's County, the St. Mary's County Metropolitan Commission will hold a Public Hearing to discuss a project to install new drinking water wells.  The new wells will replace four existing wells which contain arsenic levels in excess of the new U.S. Environmental Agency limits for public water systems.  The Hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at the Leonardtown High School Auditorium.

The project will consist of new drilled wells into the Patapsco Aquifer together with the piping and controls necessary to connect them into the existing water distribution system.  The locations of the new wells are Breton Bay, Mulberry South, the St. Mary's Industrial Park, and Holland Forrest Landing

The project is scheduled to start in November 2005, and be completed in July, 2007.  The estimated cost is $1,176,400. As a consequence of this project, the Uniform Service Charge for public water throughout St.  Mary's County is projected to increase by approximately $0.33 per month, plus $0.06/kgal overage charge for metered customers and $0.57 per month for non-metered customers.

All interested persons are invited to attend the Public Hearing to present their comments and suggestions.  Copies of the proposed construction plans and specifications, together with User's Charge projections can be inspected at the Metropolitan Commission offices located at 43990 Commerce Avenue, Hollywood, Maryland.

 St. Mary's County Metropolitan Commission