Community Involvement

Community Outreach Meeting

Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division held a community outreach meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at Savage Branch Library (9525 Durness Ln, Laurel, MD 20723) in the Albert Einstein Room to discuss the Forest Stormwater Pond Repair project.

The proposed project is located near 10404 Stansfield Road in Laurel and will include the replacement of the old metal outlet structure with a new concrete outlet structure that has a longer service life span. The project will also bring the pond into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements.

The informal meeting included an overview of the existing design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant were on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. 

This project is funded through the County’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.

For questions or more information about Capital Project D-1177, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

Community Outreach Meeting

Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division held a public meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at Dayton Oaks Elementary School, to discuss the Rutherford Way Pond Repair project.

The proposed project is located at 4525 Rutherford Way in Dayton and will include the replacement of the old metal outlet structure with a new concrete outlet structure that has a longer service life span. The project will also bring the pond into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements.

The informal meeting included an overview of the existing design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant were on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. The presentation and exhibits are available at the links below.

This project is funded through the County’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.

For questions or more information about Capital Project D-1177, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

Community Outreach Meeting

Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division held a public meeting on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., in the Belmont Room of Howard County Library System’s Elkridge branch, to discuss the Cedar Acres Stormwater Pond Repair project.

The proposed project is located near 8328 Granville Road in Jessup and will include the replacement of the old metal outlet structure with a new concrete outlet structure that has a longer service life span. The project will also bring the pond into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements.

The informal meeting included an overview of the existing design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant were on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. The presentation and exhibits are available at the links below.

This project is funded through the County’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.

For questions or more information about Capital Project D-1177, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

November 28, 2023, Project Update:

On November 28, 2023, the County sent a follow up email to those who provided email addresses at the September 28, 2023, public meeting or whose email addresses were available from separate communications with the County about the project. The contents of the email can be viewed at the link below labeled “November 28, 2023 Update”.   

Community Outreach Meeting

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division held a public meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in Linden Hall at 4765 Dorsey Hall Drive in Ellicott City, to hear community feedback on the Dunloggin-Plumtree Branch stream project located behind Dunloggin Middle School.

The meeting included a brief overview of the current project design, followed by an opportunity for the public to provide comments. County staff and representatives of an independent third-party environmental design/construction firm heard public input. Based on community input and a review the project’s current design, the firm will provide guidance to the County on how it can further tailor the project to reduce impacts to the existing environmental conditions while pursuing the objectives of stream stabilization and downstream nutrient reduction.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Mark Richmond with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6413 or email msrichmond@howardcountymd.gov.

This project is partially funded through the County’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund and a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund.

For questions or more information about Capital Project D-1176, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

Community Outreach Meeting

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division (SWMD) held a public meeting on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the George Howard Building’s Columbia/Ellicott City Room, located at 3430 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City, to hear community feedback on the South Meadow/Centennial Park North Ponds repair project.

 DPW’s SWMD, in coordination with the County’s Department of Recreation & Parks, has collaborated on a capital project to repair a failed stormwater pond at the end of South Meadow Court, which is adjacent to Centennial Park. The capital project also addresses an old failing sediment basin within Centennial Park’s North area, that is also located next to the failed South Meadow Court pond. Repair of the pond and sediment basin will bring the two structures into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment standards and regulations, as well as minimize any risk to public safety.

The informal meeting included an overview of the existing design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant were on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Mark Richmond with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6413 or email msrichmond@howardcountymd.gov.

This project is funded through the County’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.

Community Outreach Meeting

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division held a public meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., in the Marvin Thomas Room at Howard County Library System’s East Columbia branch, to present plans to repair an existing pond located near 7680 Woodpark Lane in Columbia.

The project will include the removal and replacement of the pond’s old metal outlet spillway with a new concrete outlet structure that has a longer service life. The pond will also be brought into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements.

The informational meeting included an overview of the project design, followed by an open discussion. County staff and representatives from the project’s design consultant were on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Bill Liu with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6416 or email bliu@howardcountymd.gov.

This project is funded through the County’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.

For questions or more information about Capital Project D-1177, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

Construction Update

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – A Howard County construction project to mitigate flooding in downtown Historic Ellicott City caused by large storm events is expected to begin on or about Wednesday, June 5, 2024. The H-4 stormwater retention pond will be located along the north side of Frederick Road just west of Route 29. A ceremonial groundbreaking event will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2024, to celebrate the initiation of this project. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late September 2025.

The H-4 pond is the third of five stormwater retention ponds in the Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan. The County has completed construction of the Quaker Mill and H-7 ponds. These facilities are designed to temporarily hold water and control its release after larger storms.

As part of the design for the H-4 pond, a portion of the site will be excavated to provide the required water storage and a concrete weir structure will be constructed to control the release of water from the pond. The remainder of the site will remain wooded. The project will also include the replacement of an existing 60-inch corrugated metal pipe downstream of the facility and a plunge pool at the pipe outfall to provide for erosion protection.

This project is partially funded through a State of Maryland Comprehensive Flood Management Grant.

Residents and motorists are reminded to use caution while driving or walking in this area of Frederick Road for their safety and the safety of the construction team.

Community Outreach Meeting

A Community Outreach Meeting was held on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, to present plans for the construction of a flood mitigation facility (Pond H-4), that is part of the County’s Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan. Howard County Department of Public Works, Bureau of Environmental Services’ Stormwater Management Division, plans to construct the pond on County property located at 8960-9000 Frederick Road in Ellicott City. The objective of the new pond is to help mitigate flooding in Historic Ellicott City by capturing stormwater runoff from the upper parts of the Hudson Branch Watershed and then detaining the stormwater for longer periods to reduce the peak discharge for extreme rainfall events. Construction is expected to begin by August 2023.

Construction Update

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – A Howard County construction project to stabilize sections of the stream along Autumn Harvest and Wheatfield Way in Ellicott City, is expected to begin on or about Thursday, May 30, 2024. This project was created to stabilize the stream and adjacent trees. Natural grade control structures (pools and rock cascades) will be used along the stream to reduce erosion and stabilize banks. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by Fall 2024.

Community Outreach Meeting

A Community Outreach Meeting was held on April 4, 2022, to discuss the Manors of Oakwood/Brampton Ponds and Autumn Harvest Stream Projects. The purpose of these projects is to retrofit one pond, remove an existing pond, and restore a stream. 

Construction Update

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – A Howard County construction project to replace the pedestrian bridge along the Bright Passage pathway in Columbia, is expected to begin on or about Monday, April 22, 2024. Located behind 11856 Bright Passage, the existing pedestrian bridge will be replaced with a new culvert and a new pathway will be constructed over top. Additionally, the storm drain channel in the project area will be stabilized using wood and rock structures. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late August 2024. 

Signs will be posted at the trailhead next to 11856 Bright Passage to alert pedestrians of the pathway closure. Adjacent property owners will also be notified of the work.

This project is funded through the County’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.

For questions or concerns about Capital Project D-1176, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov. 

Community Outreach Meeting

Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division in conjunction with the Department of Recreation & Parks held a public meeting on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., in the Hawthorn Center located at 6175 Sunny Spring in Columbia, to present plans to remove the severely undermined pedestrian bridge behind 11856 Bright Passage in the Village of Hickory Ridge and replace it with a new culvert and new pathway over the culvert. Additionally, the project will stabilize the heavily eroding storm drain channel in this area.  The informal meeting included an overview of the design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant were on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.

Community Outreach Meeting

Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division held a public meeting on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., in the Belmont Room of Howard County Library System’s Elkridge branch, to discuss the Cedar Acres Stormwater Pond Repair project.

The proposed project is located near 8328 Granville Road in Jessup and will include the replacement of the old metal outlet structure with a new concrete outlet structure that has a longer service life span. The project will also bring the pond into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements.

The informal meeting included an overview of the existing design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant were on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. The presentation and exhibits are available at the links below.

This project is funded through the County’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.

For questions or more information about Capital Project D-1177, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

Howard County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) Stormwater Management Division is starting the field data collection and design to repair the existing stormwater management pond that is located adjacent to 2729 Thornbrook Road. The initial data collection will include performing geotechnical soil borings, topographic field surveys, and identification of existing natural resources including any trees, streams, or wetlands in the project area. The proposed project is anticipated to include replacement of the old metal outlet structure with a new concrete outlet structure. As design progresses the County will conduct a public meeting to provide additional information regarding the design efforts and the estimated future date when construction will start. Any questions about this project can be directed to Bill Liu at 410-313-6416.

Community Outreach Meeting

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division (SWMD) held a public meeting on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the George Howard Building’s Columbia/Ellicott City Room, located at 3430 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City, to hear community feedback on the South Meadow/Centennial Park North Ponds repair project.

 DPW’s SWMD, in coordination with the County’s Department of Recreation & Parks, has collaborated on a capital project to repair a failed stormwater pond at the end of South Meadow Court, which is adjacent to Centennial Park. The capital project also addresses an old failing sediment basin within Centennial Park’s North area, that is also located next to the failed South Meadow Court pond. Repair of the pond and sediment basin will bring the two structures into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment standards and regulations, as well as minimize any risk to public safety.

The informal meeting included an overview of the existing design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant were on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Mark Richmond with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6413 or email msrichmond@howardcountymd.gov.

This project is funded through the County’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.

November 28, 2023, Project Update:

On November 28, 2023, the County sent a follow up email to those who provided email addresses at the September 28, 2023, public meeting or whose email addresses were available from separate communications with the County about the project. The contents of the email can be viewed at the link below labeled “November 28, 2023 Update”.   

Community Outreach Meeting

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division held a public meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in Linden Hall at 4765 Dorsey Hall Drive in Ellicott City, to hear community feedback on the Dunloggin-Plumtree Branch stream project located behind Dunloggin Middle School.

The meeting included a brief overview of the current project design, followed by an opportunity for the public to provide comments. County staff and representatives of an independent third-party environmental design/construction firm heard public input. Based on community input and a review the project’s current design, the firm will provide guidance to the County on how it can further tailor the project to reduce impacts to the existing environmental conditions while pursuing the objectives of stream stabilization and downstream nutrient reduction.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Mark Richmond with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6413 or email msrichmond@howardcountymd.gov.

This project is partially funded through the County’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund and a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund.

For questions or more information about Capital Project D-1176, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

Community Outreach Meeting

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division held a public meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., in the Marvin Thomas Room at Howard County Library System’s East Columbia branch, to present plans to repair an existing pond located near 7680 Woodpark Lane in Columbia.

The project will include the removal and replacement of the pond’s old metal outlet spillway with a new concrete outlet structure that has a longer service life. The pond will also be brought into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements.

The informational meeting included an overview of the project design, followed by an open discussion. County staff and representatives from the project’s design consultant were on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Bill Liu with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6416 or email bliu@howardcountymd.gov.

This project is funded through the County’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.

For questions or more information about Capital Project D-1177, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

Community Outreach Meeting

Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division held a public meeting on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., in the Lucille Clifton Rooms A/B at Howard County Library System’s East Columbia branch, to present plans to repair an existing dry stormwater pond located 8916 Twelve Sons Court in Jessup.

The project will include the replacement of the pond’s riser and spillway pipe, creation of a shallow wetland within the pond to provide water quality treatment, and stabilization of inflow channels and pond outfall with rock structures. Areas disturbed during construction will be replanted. Weather permitting, the project is expected to start in June 2024 and take seven months to complete.

The informational meeting included an overview of the project, followed by an open discussion. County staff and representatives from the project’s design consultant were on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Radhika Wijetunge with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6429 or email rwijetunge@howardcountymd.gov.

An interpreter for people who are deaf or hard of hearing will be available if requested seven working days prior to the meeting. Please call DPW at 410-313-3440 (voice) or use Relay at 7-1-1, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

This project is partially funded through the County’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.

For questions or more information about Capital Project D-1177, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

Community Outreach Meeting

Howard County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division held a public meeting on Thursday, June 29th at 6:00 p.m. at the County’s North Laurel Community Center to present plans to repair an existing pond located along US 1 in the Country Meadow development.

The project will include the removal and replacement of the old metal outlet spillway with a new concrete outlet structure that will have a longer service life than metal and to bring the pond into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements. Weather permitting, this project is expected to begin in late fall 2023.

This informational meeting included an overview of the project design, followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant were on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Avinash Dewani with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6417 or email adewani@howardcountymd.gov.

Community Outreach Meeting

Howard County Department of Public Works’ Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., in The Linden Hall at 4765 Dorsey Hall Drive in Ellicott City, to present plans for the Woodland Road stream restoration project.

The project will include stabilizing a section of a stream near the 4000 block of Woodland Road in Ellicott City, using wood and rock structures. Bio-engineered plantings will also be used to re-establish a more natural stream, reduce instream erosion, improve water quality and protect the newly upgraded forced main sewer and the existing gravity sewer main from future erosion. The project is estimated to begin in the summer of 2023 and weather permitting, is expected to take five months to complete.

The informal meeting included an overview of the project followed by an open discussion. County staff and representatives from the project’s design consultant were on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.

Those unable to attend the meeting and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Avinash Dewani at 410-313-6417 or email adewani@howardcountymd.gov.

Community Outreach Meeting

The Howard County Department of Public Works Stormwater Management Division held a public meeting on Monday, January 30, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the Hockley Room at the Elkridge Branch Library, located at 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge MD 21075. The purpose of the meeting was to present the proposed repairs and replacement of the existing dry pond principal spillway under Guilford Road  in the vicinity of 10560 Guilford Road that discharges into  Pickett’s Branch  near MD R32.  The project is estimated to begin in the Summer of 2023 and be completed in the Summer/Fall of 2024. This meeting included a brief presentation with exhibit boards. DPW staff and the design engineer were on hand to take comments and answer any questions.

Construction Update

A Howard County construction project to improve the stormwater management pond in the vicinity of 6364 Tamar Drive in the Village of Long Reach will include the removal and replacement of the existing spillway to bring the pond into compliance with current Maryland Department of the Environment requirements. 

A public meeting was held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation as well as a recording of the meeting are attached below. Comments on the material presented at the October 26th meeting are requested to be sent to msrichmond@howardcountymd.gov by close of business on November 18, 2022. A copy of the original design plans are attached below, as well, and are for discussion only. The design plans will be revised and re-posted when a revised design is finalized.

A public meeting was held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation, a separate copy of the proposed grading plan, as well as a recording of the meeting are attached below. The design plans will be revised and re-posted when a revised design is finalized.

Howard County has completed the Environmental Assessment for the Sewell’s Orchard Pond. A copy of the assessment document, dated June 7, 2023, is linked below.

Construction is anticipated to start shortly after Labor Day 2023. A copy of the final revised plans can be found below.

• FINAL CONSTRUCTION PLANS_AUGUST 2023
• 6/7/23 Environmental Assessment
• 2/7/23 proposed grading plan
• 2/7/23 public meeting video
• 2/7/23 public meeting presentation
• 10/26/22 public meeting video
• 10/26/22 public meeting presentation
• Original Construction Plans

Construction Update

A Howard County construction project to repair the stormwater management pond in the vicinity of 9562 Many Mile Mews in the Village of Kings Contrivance, Columbia, MD, is started in early January 2024. This repair is required due to the poor condition of the existing metal outlet structure and pipe.  A community outreach meeting was held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, and a presentation was made at the Village of Kings Contrivance virtual meeting on December 7, 2022. A copy of the December 7th and January 25th presentations are attached below along with a copy of the final design plans.

Community Outreach Meeting

Howard County’s Department of Public Works (DPW), Stormwater Management Division, held a public meeting on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., in the Avalon Room at the Howard County Library System’s Miller branch, located at 9421 Frederick Road in Ellicott City, to review the proposed Maple Forest Stormwater Pond Repair Project. The proposed project will include replacement of the old metal outlet structure with a new concrete outlet structure. This meeting included an overview of the project and a presentation of the proposed repair work. DPW staff, as well as representatives from the design consulting firm, were on hand to take comments and answer any questions.

Community Outreach Meeting

This proposed project off of Stonehouse Drive in Ellicott City includes repairing an eroded slope at an existing stormwater drainage outfall and constructing additional underground stormwater drainage pipes to discharge water at a stable location along an unnamed tributary to the Patapsco River. A public meeting was held on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Patapsco Room at Howard County Library System’s Miller branch, located at 9421 Frederick Road in Ellicott City, to present plans for this project.

Construction Update

WOODBINE, MD – A Howard County construction project to repair an existing stormwater management pond located at 15036 Scottswood Court in Woodbine, is expected to begin on or about Monday, April 29th. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late January 2025.

The deteriorating existing infrastructure will be replaced. Additionally, the permanent water level in the pond will be lowered by approximately 1 foot and the pond embankment will be raised in height by approximately 1 foot.  Construction of this project is not expected to impact the flow of traffic. Signs will be posted to alert residents and motorists of the construction.  

This project supports the County’s water quality improvement and restoration efforts under its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit. Additionally, a portion of this project is funded through the County’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.

For questions or concerns about Capital Project D-1177, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

Community Outreach Meeting

A virtual Community Outreach Meeting was held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, to discuss the Scottswood Court Pond Repair Project. The pond’s infrastructure is deteriorating and DPW’s Stormwater Management Division plans to replace the existing principal spillway and riser with a concrete principal spillway pipe and riser structure to repair the facility. Riprap will also be placed at the outfall to reduce erosive velocities.

Community Outreach Meeting

A Community Outreach Meeting was held in May 2019 to discuss the Cherrytree Farms 1/2 Pond Retrofit Project. The purpose of this project is to retrofit an existing stormwater management facility adjacent to 8411 Sand Cherry Lane, Laurel, and restore and stabilize a 300-linear foot section of stream that serves as the outfall channel to the pond. The pond will be retrofitted for safety and maintenance upgrades, and will also increase pollutant load reduction. The primary goal of the stream stabilization is to reduce erosion along the channel bed and banks, while creating ecological uplift and nutrient processing.

Community Outreach Meeting

A Community Outreach Meeting was held on April 4, 2022, to discuss the Manors of Oakwood/Brampton Ponds and Autumn Harvest Stream Projects. The purpose of these projects is to retrofit one pond, remove an existing pond, and restore a stream. 

Community Outreach Meeting

The Woodmark Stormwater Management Pond is a significant hazard dam along Carroll Mill Road in Howard County. This project will bring the pond embankment, control structure (riser), and outfall to current Maryland Department of the Environment Dam Safety requirements. This project also includes stabilizing and relocating an existing stream that meanders near the toe of the pond embankment. Construction currently planned for Mid-Late Summer 2023. An HOA Community Update Meeting was held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.