Queen Anne’s County Hosts Maryland Department of the Environment Leadership for Environmental and Infrastructure Tour
County Commissioners welcomed Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Secretary Serena Mcllwain and members of her team to Queen Anne’s County in October. The day included discussions and tours focused on water and wastewater infrastructure, shoreline resiliency, environmental concerns, and ongoing sustainability initiatives.
Visits with state agencies like MDE are an important part of how Queen Anne’s County builds partnerships and makes progress on complex issues. They allow us to exchange information, align priorities, and work together to deliver long-term solutions.
Staff from Queen Anne’s County Planning & Zoning, Environmental Health, Public Works and the Town of Centreville provided updates on, Southern Kent Island (SKI) Sewer Project, capacity and compliance challenges in Centreville’s water and wastewater systems, upcoming sewer extension project in Marling Farms and Dominion, regulatory requirements related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and shoreline stabilization efforts, including the Beach Road Revetment Project.
Members of Plastic Free QAC joined the group to highlight our partnership on several successful environmental programs, including The Boat Shrinkwrap Recycling Program, The Fishing Line Recycling Program and the upcoming The Reusable Bag Initiative.
The day concluded with a tour of Harris Seafood in Grasonville, where discussions focused on the oyster recovery process and aquaculture practices.
“This visit reinforced how critical continued state and local partnership is to the long-term health of our waterways, infrastructure, and communities,” said County Commissioner Chris Corchiarino. “From expanding our sewer system to protecting our shoreline and supporting working waterfronts, we appreciate the Maryland Department of the Environment’s willingness to listen and collaborate on real solutions.”
Queen Anne’s County will continue to work closely with MDE and municipal partners to identify next steps and advance shared priorities.