DENTON — The Caroline County commissioners agreed to wait on taking a stance on Cecil County’s proposed legislation that would require property owners applying for a permit to use sewage sludge to post a sign on the property to alert neighbors.
Caroline County’s government received a letter from Cecil County Executive Tari Moore, saying Cecil County recently became aware of the inadequacy of the Maryland Department of the Environment’s notification requirements for residents who want to use sewage sludge, which only include printing a public notice in a local newspaper.
Moore said in addition to posting a sign on the property with information about the application, under Cecil County’s proposal, property owners also would be required to mail notices to neighbors containing additional information about public hearing dates.
Cecil County is seeking Caroline County’s support for the legislation, Moore said, to demonstrate to its delegation and the Maryland General Assembly that a broad base of support exists.
Caroline County Department of Planning and Codes Director Katheleen Freeman said this change in state law would not have an effect on daily operations for the county planning and codes staff, only on residents applying for a permit.
Freeman said she could not think of an instance when a neighboring property owner had ever commented on a sewage sludge use notice in the paper anyway.
“I don’t see this adversely affecting anyone in Caroline,” Freeman said.
Vice President Jeff Ghrist said it might be in Caroline County’s favor to support Cecil County’s position, because Caroline may need Cecil’s support on a future legislative request.
“It’s always nice to have an ally,” Ghrist said.
Commissioner Larry Porter said he would like to see the fiscal note that will be part of the legislative filing, to see any possible financial impact on property owners, before making a decision.
Chief of Staff Sara Visintainer said she would get more information from Moore and reach out again to Caroline’s local delegation, to see if they had any concerns about the legislation Caroline should consider.
Commissioners agreed to table the decision until they had more information.
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