Program for Water-Pollution Control in Maryland

A Study Commission to Investigate the Problems of Water-Pollution Control reviewed the history of water pollution in Maryland, the efforts to control it, and recommend a new approach to the problem. The State-controlled "Waste Acceptance Service" created by the Maryland General Assembly would receive all municipal and industrial liquid waste in the State and would process and dispose of this waste, making most effective use of new techniques and improved systems. For far-reaching and maximum future benefits, municipal and industrial wastes would be delivered to the Service on a wholesale basis. Only the Waste Acceptance Service would be permitted to discharge cleansed wastes to the waterways of the State. The lengthy litigation often required to clean up individual cases of water pollution would be eliminated. To place this program in effect, the duties and responsibilities, as well as the powers and authorities of the proposed Service, are defined. It is intended that this Service would protect and enhance local autonomy and would operate within all social and economic objectives of the State in providing statewide sewage service.