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NEWS RELEASE

June 2, 2008

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Sewage System Overflows Cause Environmental & Health Concerns

Howard County Asks for the Public’s Help

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and the County’s Bureau of Utilities are asking for the public’s help in reducing or preventing sewage system overflows caused by the improper disposal of household fats, oils and grease (FOG). FOG are byproducts of cooking and can be found in foods and food ingredients we use every day like cooking oil, butter, shortening, margarine, meats, sauces and dairy products.

“I was stunned when I was told that 50 percent of all sewage overflows are caused by residents who dispose of their everyday household fats, oils and grease by dumping them down the drain,” said Executive Ulman. “But it’s true--in fact a huge overflow in Howard County (caused by FOG) occurred this past January; more than 500,000 gallons of sewage was spilled. We’re going to do all we can to educate the public about this growing environmental and health concern and let them know what they can do to help.”

At a press conference today, the County announced it had launched a new page on its website under the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Utilities where residents can get answers to frequently asked questions and learn how household fats, oils and grease should be disposed of. The site also has information about a new recycling service offered at the Alpha Ridge Landfill where residents can drop off used liquid vegetable-based cooking oil.

“By not putting fats, oils, and grease down the drains in our sinks we can help prevent back-ups in our homes, improve wastewater treatment plant operations and better protect our streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Maryland Secretary of the Environment Shari T. Wilson, who joined Ulman at the news conference.

Howard County Health Officer Dr. Peter Beilenson spoke about the health concerns sewage spills can cause once they reach local waterways. “Several thousand cases a year of gastro-intestinal infection are caused by these spills; swimmers, waders, and recreational fisherman are the people most at risk.”

Howard County’s Department of Public Works, Bureau of Utilities is the lead agency that responds to sewage overflows. The Bureau works closely with the Howard County Health Department to keep the public informed of any and all health risks as a result of those spills. In 2007, the Bureau responded to 16 sewage overflows, six of which were caused by FOG.