Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Back River Neck Road Water Main Break

Posted: August 09, 2010

Baltimore, MD. (August 09, 2010)

http://www.baltimorecity.gov/Government/AgenciesDepartments/PublicWorks/PressReleases/tabid/285/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/541/Back_River_Neck_Road_Water_Main_Break.aspx

The Department of Public Works announced that a water main break occurred around noon today at Back River Neck Road and Old Eastern Avenue in Baltimore County. It is believed to be on a connection between a 12-inch and 48-inch main. The 80-year-old, 12-inch main has had multiple breaks over the last year and is slated to be replaced by Baltimore County later this summer.

Though the break occurred near utility work being done by a contractor working for Baltimore County, no cause for this present break has been determined. In order to make repairs, the 48-inch main will have to be shut off affecting customers on the Back River Neck Peninsula – the area from Marlyn Ave to Rocky Point.

Up to 10,000 homes/businesses may be affected by the shutoff.

Baltimore County Fire and Baltimore County Emergency Management are on the scene to assist and are prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise. Residents are urged to have bottled water available.

Motorists are advised to follow posted traffic signs, detours and directions and avoid the area of the break by using Rt. 702 to access the peninsula.

The Department of Public Works will update residents as to the length of the outage as more information becomes available.

What do Citizens need to do once service is back on?

Turn the water on and allow time for any air to clear from your water lines.
Cloudy or discolored water, and/or some visible sediment, is normal after a main repair – run the water until it runs clear.
Smelling traces of chlorine is also normal after a repair due to sanitation of the lines – this is not harmful and will dissipate. Boiling water is not necessary.
Remove faucet aerators and clear any sediment to improve water flow.
For water concerns, county residents can call (410) 396-5352.

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Baltimore City Reports Sanitary Overflow

Wednesday, August 04, 2010, 4:35:00 PM | DonMonique Joyce

The Department of Public Works announced that there is a sanitary (sewage) overflow into the Herring Run Stream, near the vicinity of Belair Road and Parkside Drive, in Northeast Baltimore City. It is believed that the broken sewer line began discharging into the stream yesterday morning. Sewage is discharging at a rate of 5 to 8 gallons per minute and is approaching 10,000 gallons total. It was reported to DPW by observant citizens in the Belair-Edison Community. The Maryland Department of the Environment and the Baltimore City Health Department have been notified. For more information about health concerns as a result of the overflow, contact the Baltimore City Health Department at (410)396-4422. The public is reminded to refrain from contact with urban streams through city-wide sign postings. The Department of Public Works is undertaking a $1 billion rehabilitation of the city’s sanitary system, which will improve our urban streams and the Chesapeake Bay while preventing future sewer overflows.

ONE PLUS ONE GOES DOWNTOWN

Thursday, July 29, 2010, 2:01:00 PM | DonMonique Joyce

Acting Public Works Director Alfred H. Foxx announced today that beginning Tuesday, August 3, 2010, trash and recycling collections in the Downtown Service Area will go to One PLUS ONE pick up. Currently, in this service area, the Bureau of Solid Waste collects recycling AND trash every Tuesday and Friday evening. Starting August 3rd, recycling ONLY will be collected every Tuesday evening and trash ONLY will be collected every Friday evening. This completes the transition of city solid waste collections to One PLUS ONE pick up which was initiated nearly one year ago. Collections in the Downtown Service Area will continue to be in the evenings; citizens need to set out recycling and trash before 6 p.m. Trash is limited to 96 gallons per week (three 32-gallon cans) and recycling is unlimited. Trash must be set out in durable trashcans with tight-fitting lids as required by law. Recycling can be set out in paper bags, cardboard boxes or the container of your choice as long as it is marked “Recycling.” Recycling set out in plastic bags is unacceptable; plastic bags can be returned to grocers for recycling...

Stolen Manhole Covers

Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 8:48:00 AM | DonMonique Joyce

The Department of Public Works is alerting citizens that 16 manhole covers were discovered missing from the 5900-6300 blocks of E. Lombard Street. These covers, 15 – 30 inch diameter and one -12 inch diameter, were apparently stolen. The theft was discovered just before noon yesterday and the covers were replaced by Public Works crews. Public Works Director Al Foxx is encouraging citizens to call 911 with any information they may have related to the missing covers or to report potential manhole cover thefts in progress. In addition, he is reminding pedestrians and drivers to always be aware of possible hazards on roads, sidewalks and even on grassy areas, which also have manholes. Please watch where you walk and drive.

50,000,000 lbs. of Recycling!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 3:37:00 PM | DonMonique Joyce

WHO: Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the Afro American Newspapers, Waste Management/Recycle America and the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, Bureau of Solid Waste. WHAT: The Mayor will join Public Works Director Al Foxx, Dave Taylor of Waste Management/Recycle America, John J. Oliver Jr., Chairman of the Board/Publisher for the Afro-American Newspapers, Jean Allen, President of Edgewood Neighborhood and Cynthia Shaw, President of Lyndhurst Neighborhood Association to celebrate the collection of 50,000,000 lbs. of recycling since the inception of One PLUS ONE last year and to highlight the 2010 AFRO Clean-Green Block Campaign. WHEN: Tuesday, July 27, 010 at 10 a.m. WHERE: The Edgewood/Lyndhurst Recreation Center, 853 Allendale Street, Baltimore, MD 21229 HOW: Since the start of One PLUS ONE collections in Baltimore City last July 14th, residents have recycled over 50,000,000 lbs. of material. Recycling in Baltimore over this period has increased over 50%.

Bulk Is Back!

Monday, July 19, 2010, 1:47:00 PM | DonMonique Joyce

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced today that on Monday, July 19, 2010 citizens can begin calling 311 to schedule bulk collections for August. DPW’s Bureau of Solid Waste will resume bulk collection services starting Monday, August 2. Mayor Rawlings-Blake’s revenue measures and Baltimore City Council’s support were critical in restoring this service in the FY2011 budget. DPW suspended bulk collection appointments at the end of June, anticipating that the operation would be cut due to an unprecedented budget shortfall. With restoration of funding, the Bureau of Solid Waste has worked to reroute and make bulk service more effective and efficient. Route changes may mean new bulk collection days in some areas. Residents are asked to schedule their collection and confirm the date with 311. Residents can continue to put out up to three items for collection by calling 311 at least three days in advance of their area’s monthly collection day, by providing their: Address Telephone number List of three items Bulk items include furniture, appliances and up to four tires with the rims removed. All items must be clearly marked "bulk collection" and placed at the same location as your regular trash pickup. Residents with rear collection must leave items at the end of their yard, less than three feet from the gate and leave the gate unlocked. Building materials such as sheet rock, siding, or roofing are not accepted for bulk collection service. Building materials are only accepted for disposal at the Quarantine Road Landfill.

INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY, JULY 5 DPW OFFICE/YARD CLOSURES AND SERVICE IMPACTS

Monday, June 28, 2010, 1:22:00 PM | DonMonique Joyce

Director David E. Scott announced today that Department of Public Works’ Offices will be closed Monday, July 5, a holiday. On Monday, July 5, 2010: NO TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION on July 5. Mondays are not regular curbside trash and recycling collection days in Baltimore City. CLOSED: Citizen Drop Off Centers are CLOSED ( all yards including Quarantine Road Landfill, the Northwest Transfer Station and the Eastern, Western and Northwestern Sanitation Yards). IN EFFECT - Parking meters will be in effect on Monday, July 5. NOTE: Parking meters will NOT be in effect on Sunday, July 4, 2010 – Independence Day.

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One PLUS ONE Comes Downtown

Friday, June 25, 2010, 1:42:00 PM | DonMonique Joyce

Public Works Director David E. Scott announced today that beginning Tuesday, August 3, 2010, trash and recycling collections in the Downtown Service Area will go to One PLUS ONE pick up. Currently, in this service area, the Bureau of Solid Waste collects recycling AND trash every Tuesday and Friday evening. Starting August 3rd, recycling ONLY will be collected every Tuesday evening and trash ONLY will be collected every Friday evening. This completes the transition of city solid waste collections to One PLUS ONE pick up which was initiated nearly one year ago. Collections in the Downtown Service Area will continue to be in the evenings; citizens need to set out recycling and trash before 6 p.m. Trash is limited to 96 gallons per week (three 32-gallon cans) and recycling is unlimited. Trash must be set out in durable trashcans with tight-fitting lids as required by law. Recycling can be set out in paper bags, cardboard boxes or the container of your choice as long as it is marked “Recycling.” We do not accept recyclables contained in plastic bags. The boundaries of the Downtown Service Area are (please see attached map): South: Pratt Street East: The Jones Falls Expressway, I - 83 North: Preston Street Northwest Extensions: Dolphin, Harlem, Schroeder and Franklin Streets West: Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (to Pratt Street) For more information, residents can call 311 or go to www.baltimorecity.gov and enter their address on the City’s iMap to get their trash and recycling collection schedule.

Summer Safety

Friday, June 18, 2010, 1:21:00 PM | DonMonique Joyce

Summer Safety – Protect Yourself and Others. Please do not open fire hydrants. Please do not swim at reservoirs As the first day of summer approaches, Public Works Director David E, Scott, P.E., reminds citizens to not open fire hydrants and to report any that may be opened illegally. In addition he reminds everyone once more that swimming at the Liberty,Loch Raven and Prettyboy Reservoirs is dangerous and illegal. HYDRANTS : An illegally open fire hydrant flows at a rate of 1,000 gallons per minute. The force of this water can easily push a child, or even an adult, into oncoming roadway traffic. This has occurred in Baltimore. Open hydrants reduce water pressure which can hinder the emergency efforts of firefighters and reduce water supply to hospitals and high-rises. Opening and closing fire hydrants improperly can also damage water mains and services to individual homes. Additionally, the loss of this treated water is, literally, money down the drain. All of our water customers must pay for it. As a proactive measure, Public Works installs fire hydrant locks throughout the City. This program began with the installation of 2,000 locks in critical areas, near hospitals and many high-rise buildings, and has now expanded to installation on the rest of our hydrants. Hydrants that have these locks can only be opened by Fire Department, Police or Public Works crews. Remember, a garden hose with a light spray, in your yard or on your sidewalk, is a safe way to cool off in the summer. An open hydrant is not. SWIMMING: Swimming at Baltimore’s three raw water reservoirs, Liberty, Loch Raven and Prettyboy, is dangerous and illegal. Swimming at other Bureau of Water and Wastewater facilities, including Druid Lake, Lake Montebello, Guilford Reservoir and Lake Ashburton, is also dangerous and illegal. All of these facilities are part of our drinking water system and must be treated with care and respect. All of these bodies of water have steep drop-offs and are quite deep. Liberty, Loch Raven and Prettyboy also have swift currents and hidden dangers, including rocks and branches. Already this year one drowning death has occurred at Loch Raven. All of these locations are clearly posted with No Swimming and No Trespassing signs. Violators will be fined up to $1,000. OTHER: Baltimore’s reservoirs are green havens in our metropolitan region. Thousands of visitors enjoy them year-round for hiking, biking, birding, boating and fishing. Reservoir lands are open from sunrise to sunset. Since they are so vital for the protection of our drinking water, we remind visitors of following watershed regulations: NO littering or dumping, NO alcoholic beverages, NO firearms, NO fires, camping or cutting of wood. Boating is allowed by permit only and all boating and fishing regulations must be followed. Biking, hiking and horseback riding are allowed on designated trails. If you see an open fire hydrant, report it right away by calling 311. If you live in Baltimore County, please dial (410) 396-5352. If you see illegal activity at our reservoirs please call 911. For more information please go to: www.baltimorecity.gov .

2010 AFRO Clean-Green Block Campaign

Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 9:22:00 AM | DonMonique Joyce

Baltimore, Maryland – June 16, 2010 - The Afro-American Newspapers are once again delighted to announce the launch of the 2010 AFRO Clean-Green Block Campaign. This year marks the 76th campaign, continuing the oldest urban environmental program in the country and the 3rd year in official partnership with the City of Baltimore and the Initiative for a Cleaner Greener Baltimore. Since its inception as a simple contest to keep the youth of Baltimore involved in civil action during the summer months, Clean Block is a Baltimore institution for both past and present generations. It is our hope that this year’s campaign will once again serve as a reminder that neighborhood pride and cooperative community effort are just some of the things that make Baltimore City great.

Update : Frederick Road Water Main Break Lane closures in effect

Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 4:01:00 PM | DonMonique Joyce

Lane closures remain in effect as county crews repair a storm drain damaged in conjunction with the 10-inch water main break that occurred on Frederick Road. Water main repairs are complete but repairs to the storm drain and roadway are expected to continue late into the evening. As water is restored, DPW reminds customers that cloudy or discolored water and/or some visible sediment is normal after a main repair. Customers should simply run water until it is clear. Traffic in the 700 to 900 blocks of Frederick Road is reduced to one lane eastbound and one lane westbound between Ingleside and Mellor Avenues. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes where possible.

Frederick Road Water Main Break Lane closures in effect; 35-40 businesses affected

Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 11:11:00 AM | DonMonique Joyce

The Department of Public Works is repairing a 10-inch water main break on Frederick Road in Catonsville that occurred early this morning. To facilitate repairs, traffic in the 700 to 900 blocks of Frederick Road has been reduced to one lane eastbound and one lane westbound between Ingleside and Mellor Avenues. Approximately 35 to 40 businesses are without water in the immediate area surrounding the break. Motorists should expect delays and consider using alternate routes. DPW will provide updates as repairs progress. For additional information, citizens may call 311.

Frederick Road Water Main Break Lane closures in effect; 35-40 businesses affected

Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 11:08:00 AM | DonMonique Joyce

Board of Estimates approves water and sewer rate increases

Friday, June 11, 2010, 7:49:00 PM | Michael Karr

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works, at a public hearing today, asked the Board of Estimates for increases in water and sewer rates and fees. The 9% increases for both water and sewer rates for Baltimore City customers were approved. These increases are required to meet State and Federal regulatory mandates, homeland security needs, and to address infrastructure replacement costs. These rate increases will raise the annual water and sewer bill for a family of four by approximately $81. Bureau of Water and WastewaterHead, Kishia L. Powell, P.E., stated: “We have a looming CRISIS underfoot. The City’s water infrastructure, critical to basic sanitation, health, public safety and economic growth, is failing at an alarming rate. We not only have to choose HOW to spend our money, we have to choose TO spend money to replace our mains.” Ms. Powell cited numerous instances of major water main failures in 2009-2010: E. Madison St., Dundalk, W. Saratoga St., Halethorpe, Reisterstown, E. Lombard St., Argonne Dr., E. Monument St., etc. She also noted that for some periods during the past winter, there were 50 active water main breaks in a single day. The reasons for the rate increase: Over 95% of the City’s water mains have been in service for 65 years without inspection; many are beyond 100 years of service. In FY2009 just 0.12% of the system’s water main was replaced; 0% in all of FY2010. In the past five years, DPW has responded to 5,762 water main breaks. Because of the aging system, the City looses enough water daily to fill the Baltimore’s World Trade Center; 20% of our finished water revenues. The continuing work mandated by a federal consent decree requiring $1 billion dollars in sewer system improvements. Homeland security improvements since 9/11 have increased costs for guard services, chemicals, water quality monitoring and facility security. Changes in Safe Drinking Water Act regulations requiring hundreds of millions of dollars in filtration and reservoir improvements. Improvements at wastewater treatment plants to meet federal mandates to reduce nutrients entering the Chesapeake Bay. While seeking to address our infrastructure needs and unfunded mandates, Baltimore City has taken, and is taking, action to keep costs down: Made cuts to the operation to reduce overhead; since 2005 the Bureau of Water and Wastewater has reduced its workforce by 10%. Making operational and organizational changes to become a more efficient operation. Fielding additional crews to cut costs of overtime and water loss. Implementing water audit recommendations to achieve cost savings. Implementing cost-saving strategies such as the Back River Co-generation facility; investigating solar energy for reservoir projects. Continuing to seek out state and federal dollars to offset costs which would have otherwise been billed directly to rate-payers. Baltimore City has an outstanding water system. In order to keep it that way we must continually invest in it. Delaying needed infrastructure improvements will only result in more damage and cost us much more in the long run. While these increases mean that we will all pay more for our water and sewer services, they are not out of line with what is happening elsewhere in the nation. Indeed, Baltimore City continues to have lower rates than most comparable east coast cities and we are striving to keep it that way.

Curtis Bay/Brooklyn Community Meeting DPW, Bureau of Solid Waste, to Present Proposed Expansion of Quarantine Road Landfill

Thursday, June 03, 2010, 5:14:00 PM | Michael Karr

WHO: Residents of Curtis Bay/Brooklyn and the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, Bureau of Solid Waste. WHAT: The Bureau of Solid Waste/KCI Technologies will give a presentation on a proposed expansion of the Quarantine Road Landfill to include the former Millennium Landfill at 5901 Quarantine Road. WHEN: Thursday, June 10, 2010 (Community meeting begins at 7 p.m.; landfill expansion presentation will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Curtis Bay Recreation center, 1630 Filbert Street, Baltimore, MD 21226 HOW: For more information, call (410) 396-5276 .

Appointments for Bulk Trash Pickups No Longer Being Accepted

Friday, May 28, 2010, 5:02:00 PM | Michael Karr

Director David E. Scott announced today that the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Solid Waste, will no long accept appointments for bulk trash pickups. Operational considerations precluded extending this service through June 30, 2010, the remainder of the current funding year. Contingent upon funding for Fiscal Year 2011, bulk trash services may be resumed after July 1. Citizens may drop off bulk trash items free at any of the City’s Citizen Drop-Off Centers. Citizens can go to www.baltimorecity.gov for their locations and hours of operation. The Bureau of Solid Waste is continuing to look at various methods of providing citizens ways to dispose of bulk items through special bulk collection events or an expanded community pitch-in program.

Don’t Open Fire Hydrants!

Friday, May 28, 2010, 4:32:00 PM | Michael Karr

Public Works Director David E, Scott, P.E., today reminded citizens not to open fire hydrants and to report any opened illegally. An open fire hydrant flows at a rate of 1,000 gallons per minute. The force of this water can easily push a child, or even an adult, into oncoming roadway traffic. Open hydrants reduce water pressure, hindering the emergency efforts of firefighters and affecting hospitals and high-rises. Opening and closing fire hydrants improperly can also damage water mains and services to individual homes. Finally, the loss of this treated water is literally money down the drain. All of our water customers must pay for it. As a proactive measure, Public Works installs fire hydrant locks throughout the City. This program began with the installation of 2,000 locks in critical areas, such as near hospitals and high-rise apartment buildings. We have now expanded the program to install them on the rest of our hydrants. Only Fire Department, Police or Public Works crews can open hydrants that have these locks. Remember, a garden hose with a light spray, in your yard or on your sidewalk, is a safe way to cool off in the summer. An open hydrant is not. We are asking citizens to do their part in keeping our City safe. If you see an open fire hydrant, report it right away by calling 311. If you live in Baltimore County, please call (410) 396-5352 .

DSG Announces Workshop for non-profit Community Energy Savers Grants

Friday, May 28, 2010, 9:45:00 AM | Michael Karr

The Baltimore City Department of General Services (DGS), in conjunction with the City’s Office of Sustainability, has begun to schedule workshops to assist those applying for its new Community Energy Savers grants. Three workshops will be held. The first is planned for noon, Wednesday, June 2, 2010, on the 8th floor of the Charles L. Benton building, 417 E. Fayette Street. Under Community Energy Savers, DGS will award $1 million in grants to community and neighborhood non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations, for energy-efficient building and equipment upgrades, and for energy education and outreach to groups targeted by the non-profits. Community Energy Saver grants will empower community groups and community oriented non-profits with the technical assistance and financial resources needed to reduce energy use for a better, stronger and more sustainable future. The grants are being made available through energy stimulus funds received by DGS. Workshops will assist potential applicants with the grant process and with planning and implementing grant energy initiatives. Community Energy Savers grants will be awarded in amounts up to $50,000 per organization. Awards will be made in three rounds with applications due June 18, 2010; October 13, 2010 and March 23, 2011. Additional workshops will be held in September 2010 and March 2011. Interested non-profits should contact the agency for additional information on workshops. To obtain an application or for more detail, citizens should contact Sam Grillo, DGS Energy Division, at (443) 794-2371 or by email Sam.Grillo@BaltimoreCity.gov . Applications and program criteria may also be obtained on the web at www.Baltimorecity.gov and at www.BaltimoreSustainability.org.

Public Meeting - Reservoir Forest Management Study

Tuesday, May 25, 2010, 10:30:00 AM | Michael Karr

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Jefferson Building – Hearing Room 104 105 W. Chesapeake Ave. Six study sites, 21 acres total, to be partially cleared Public Works Director David E, Scott, P.E., today announced a public meeting for citizens to learn about, and comment on, the upcoming Forest Management Study in the Liberty and Prettyboy watersheds. This is a long-term cooperative research program being conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service (MD-DNR Forest Service) and the City of Baltimore. The project is first being tested on a small scale in order to see if it will result in a healthy and increasingly diverse native forest. The goal of the project is to create and maintain a healthy forest for long-term watershed protection through comprehensive, ecosystem-based management. Six study sites, comprising a total area of 21 acres, were chosen at Liberty and Prettyboy Watersheds, by foresters from the MD-DNR Forest Service. In each site, trees will be thinned in order to allow more light to reach the forest floor and stimulate new growth. High quality, mature trees will be left in order to provide seed for repopulation. In addition, invasive species will be treated to allow for native plant regeneration and eight-foot tall deer-proof fencing will be erected to prevent damage from grazing by white-tailed deer. Data will be collected annually by City of Baltimore Reservoir Natural Resources Section staff to evaluate tree regeneration for the next three years. The trees you may see being removed are only being removed for the purpose of the study. Baltimore’s three reservoirs, Loch Raven, Liberty and Prettyboy, consist of 17,580 square acres of woodlands. These large forests are in the midst of suburban development and open farmland and are vital for protecting our drinking water and providing habitat for wildlife. Throughout millennia, natural disturbances kept forests in balance. Some, like wildfires, periodically thinned trees and enabled the hardiest species to thrive and others to regenerate. Natural predators kept wildlife in balance. Today, fires are extinguished, natural predators are gone and human activity has introduced invasive species from across the world. For these reasons, active intervention through forest management is needed to maintain and conserve our woodlands. Areas were chosen based on their tree composition and they comprise several forest types. Within each study area, a sample plot of 1/10th of an acre will be used to monitor forest regeneration. The sample plots will be surrounded by the deer-proof fencing. In order to preserve sensitive areas of the forest, steep slopes and stream buffers have been avoided. Once the project is concluded, we will evaluate our study plots and make recommendations based on the results. A program will be then be designed, using this information, to enhance and sustain our reservoir forests for future generations.

Mayor joins AOL volunteers for “Monster Help Day” Gardens planted, rain barrels installed and storm-drains tagged.

Thursday, May 20, 2010, 5:23:00 PM | Michael Karr

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Councilwoman Sharon Middleton, community leaders and over 100 Baltimore Area AOL employees joined forces today to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of AOL during “Monster Help Day”. Baltimore was chosen as one of 18 cities worldwide to be part of an AOL global day of service. As part of the day’s events, community greening projects were undertaken at four locations in Northwest Baltimore. Activities included removal of invasive plants and shrubs, planting of raised and in-ground vegetable gardens, installation of fencing and rain-barrels, as well as cleaning and marking of storm drains to discourage dumping. Mr. Dave Jacobs, Senior Vice President of Publisher Services for AOL stated: “Next week AOL will reach an important milestone – its 25th anniversary….Helping people is part of AOL’s DNA, so we are thrilled that we can bring AOL’s Monster Help team here to help make Baltimore a greener city. We couldn’t be more proud than we are today that our colleagues from around the world are demonstrating their commitment to AOL and their communities by taking part in Monster Help volunteer projects in their area. From New York to Bangalore, Detroit to Dublin – AOLers are out and giving back in a Monster Way.” Mayor Rawlings-Blake used this event as an opportunity to remind citizens of the importance of volunteering and noted: “We are so fortunate in Baltimore to have good corporate neighbors, faith-based organizations, and individual citizens who are so willing to give back to our City.” The Mayor also spoke on the need to stop littering and reminded everyone in attendance that “trash along the curb will end up in our streams, harbor and the Chesapeake Bay.” Mr. Julius Colon, President and CEO of Park Heights Renaissance, speaking at the Woodland Garden, remarked that it “provides open space access to community residents to take control of their health by growing their own vegetables and reclaiming their neighborhood.” Mr. Willie Flowers of the Park Heights Community Health Alliance echoed this sentiment by noting that the gardens “promote healthy lifestyles and to inspire environmental activism….” Volunteers began the day at 9:00 a.m. and were scheduled to work through mid-afternoon.

Extended Summer Hours At City’s Citizen Drop-Off Centers

Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 5:09:00 PM | Michael Karr

The Bureau of Solid Waste announced today that Extended Summer hours at three City Citizen Drop-Off locations will go into effect after Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. Baltimore residents can drop-off residential waste, bulk trash, recycling and ecycling at these sites located around the city, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. These hours will remain in effect through Saturday, September 4, 2010. The drop-off locations where Extended Summer hours will be in effect are: Western Sanitation Yard at 701 Reedbird Avenue Eastern Sanitation Yard at 6101 Bowleys Lane Northwest Sanitation Yard at 2840 Sisson Street

Celebrating National Public Works Week May 16-22

Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 11:46:00 AM | Michael Karr

AOL’s 25th Anniversary “Monster Help Day” - Thursday, May 20, 2010 Public Works Director David E. Scott, P.E. today announced that over 100 Baltimore Area AOL employees will join together with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, City elected officials and workers, as well as community volunteers for a “Monster Help Day” in various communities within the Jones Falls Watershed. Activities will include preparing and planting neighborhood gardens with vegetables and native perennials. In order to bring awareness to surface water pollution, curbs, alleys, gutters and storm drains will be cleaned. Storm drain awareness markers will be placed on many of these drains to remind citizens that trash on the street and in storm drains may end up polluting our streams, harbor and the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is one of just 18 cities from around the world to be part of this global day of service in celebration of AOL’s 25th Anniversary. PRESS EVENT: National Public Works Week – AOL’s Monster Help Day. Please join Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, City and Community Volunteers & Officials and the AOL Leadership team. WHERE: Park Heights Community Woodland Garden 3300 – 3500 Woodland Avenue, Baltimore MD, 21215 (off of Park Heights Avenue) When: Thursday, May 20, 2010. 11:30 am - 12:00 pm Event Day Schedule: 9:00 am – 10:00 am Arrival: AOL and community volunteers The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg – AFYA Center Park West Health System Men and Family Health Center 4151 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215 (corner of Quantico) AFYA Center’s garden and fence installation (PHOTO OP) 10:20 am – 11:20 am Team formation, t-shirts, and scope-of-work communicated Disperse to work sites (see list below) 11:30 am – 12:00 pm Press Event with Mayor – 3300-3500 Woodland Avenue 12:15 pm – 2:00 pm Volunteer teams return to worksites Work Sites: AFYA Center (4151 Park Heights Ave): rain barrel and fence installation; garden planting; storm drain cleaning and marking. Woodland Garden (3300-3500 Woodland Ave): invasive weeds and shrub removal, seedling plantings and raised bed garden preparation. St. Ambrose Family Outreach Center Community Garden (3454 Park Heights Avenue – directly across from Center): invasive shrub and weed removal, soil enhancement, and site preparation. Auchentoroly Terrace (2066 Liberty Heights Ave): Weeding, tree planting Why: “Monster Help” Volunteer Day celebrates the 25th anniversary of AOL, which was founded on May 24, 1985. In honor of this day, AOL employees in 18 cities around the world will join together to give back in their communities in recognition of one of the company’s core values of helping people. AOL reaches more than 100 million unique visitors per month in the U.S. and more than 250 million unique visitors globally.

DPW Wants To Hear From You!

Friday, May 14, 2010, 3:25:00 PM | Michael Karr

Wednesday, May 19, 2010 From 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Curtis Bay Elementary/Middle School 4301 West Bay Avenue Baltimore, MD 21225-2503 As part of a continuing series of meetings throughout Baltimore, Public Works Director David E. Scott, P.E., is inviting citizens to join his leadership team for an informative presentation regarding proposed service and policy changes within the Bureaus of Water and Wastewater and Solid Waste. DPW Discussions are opportunities to meet the men and women charged with managing your Public Works. This is a good opportunity to become informed about services, operations and budget matters and provide input from your community. We hope you will join us for this open dialogue and share your community’s issues and concerns. For more information please contact hope.williams@baltimorecity.gov , or call (443) 984-3961 .

MEMORIAL DAY, MAY 31 DPW OFFICE/YARD CLOSURES AND SERVICE IMPACTS

Wednesday, May 12, 2010, 5:02:00 PM | Michael Karr

Director David E. Scott announced today that Department of Public Works’ Offices will be closed Monday, May 31, a holiday. On Memorial Day – May 31: NO TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION on Memorial Day, May 31. Mondays are not regular curbside trash and recycling collection days in Baltimore City. NO BULK TRASH COLLECTION is scheduled for Memorial Day, May 31. CLOSED: Citizen Drop Off Centers are CLOSED (all yards including Quarantine Road Landfill, the Northwest Transfer Station and the Eastern, Western and Northwestern Sanitation Yards). IN EFFECT - Parking meters will be in effect on Memorial Day, May 31.

National Drinking Water Week LOCH RAVEN DAY – Saturday, May 8, 2010 Water, Wildlife, Walking and Planting

Friday, May 07, 2010, 3:17:00 PM | Michael Karr

Sunday, May 2nd – Saturday May 8th is National Drinking Water Week. Public Works Director David E. Scott, P.E. encourages everyone to join the Baltimore City Department of Public Works to celebrate our outstanding drinking water at Loch Raven this Saturday. This is a great family opportunity to meet with the men and women of DPW who work around the clock to bring you the best-tasting drinking water in the country. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of our modern water system. The first water disinfection processes were implemented in 1910, and plans were drawn up for the present Loch Raven Dam and Montebello I Treatment Plant. Saturday, May 8, 2010, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Loch Raven Day Have you ever wanted to walk out on Loch Raven Dam? On Sunday May 8th you can do that and get a different perspective of one of Baltimore’s three raw-water reservoirs. At the same time engineers from Gannett-Fleming, who worked on the 2005 dam reconstruction, will provide presentations on the history of the dam and how the massive undertaking was accomplished. Watershed personnel will be present to tell you the history of the Gunpowder Valley and how our water system operates. From the river to your tap – the story of your drinking water is fascinating and fun. Up the road in the Pines Area on Loch Raven Drive, numerous activities will be occurring. Exhibits of live local wildlife from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources – Scales and Tales - will show and tell about the animals which inhabit the watershed lands. Rescued wildlife will be there to squawk and hiss for you from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Do you like to hike? Organized guided hikes will take place and you will discover the hidden and not-so-hidden flora and fauna of the Loch Raven forest and how the land is protected and renewed. Want more? The Gunpowder Valley Conservancy will be planting trees at the Reservoir on Saturday, May 8th. These are among the 796 trees being planted this season at Loch Raven by volunteers. Since the early 1990s the Conservancy has planted over 18,500 in the Gunpowder Valley to protect and preserve our water supply. To volunteer in this outstanding endeavor, please contact Ms. Peggy Perry at pperry@gunpowderfalls.org . Pack a lunch, and bring your hiking shoes! Call (410) 396-3500 for more information. (This event may be cancelled if the weather is excessively inclement.)

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