Operations at the Chesapeake Beach Wastewater Treatment plant have been amazingly fluid since the municipality took over operations of the facility from Calvert County Government early last year. During the Sept. 20 meeting of the Chesapeake Beach Town Council, Jon Castro, the plant’s superintendent, presented another favorable report to elected officials and residents.
According to Castro, the town received the draft of the wastewater permit last month that allows the facility’s continued operation from Nov. 1 to Oct. 31, 2017. Additionally, the plant’s enhanced nutrient removal (ENR) upgrade project has made it through the permit process and design stage. The three-year project is expected to go out to bid next month. “Construction should begin in the beginning of 2013,” Castro stated.
The best news of all was an item that Castro has posted in all his reports since becoming a town employee—“the wastewater treatment plant had no spills or violations to report.”
Castro had some other good news to share with Mayor Bruce Wahl and the members of the town council. It seems on Aug. 20 the plant personnel helped the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office identify a North Beach resident who had been dumping trash just outside the plant. “This happens a lot,” Castro admitted. However, this time the perpetrator aided authorities. “We found some papers with the person’s name and address on it inside the trash,” Castro explained. Police were able to use that information to make an arrest for illegal dumping.
Coull Appointed to Commission
Town resident David Coull was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Chesapeake Beach Planning and Zoning Commission. Coull was recommended for the panel by Wahl. Still, his approval by the town council was not quite a routine matter. Councilwoman Dr. Valerie Beaudin stated that vacancies on the commission ought to be advertised in the town newsletter. Wahl pointed out that the mayor traditionally makes a recommendation to council. Still, Council Vice Chairman Patrick J. “Irish” Mahoney recommended the appointment be tabled but the motion died on a 3-to-2 vote. Mahoney then asked Coull to come forward and answer the council’s questions. “I’m glad to meet you,” said Mahoney. “We’ve met before,” Coull responded.
When asked why he wanted to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Coull stated, “I’m interested so I can be part of this community.” The applicant added that he has attended several commission meetings.
Councilman Robert Carpenter stated he had met Coull pr
