(4/22) At their April 19 meeting, the town commissioners unanimously approved several requests submitted by the developer of the proposed Emmitsburg East Industrial Park II regarding the construction of a wastewater pump-station required by the site.
Specifically, the commissioners agreed that the town developer-constructed pump-station be located on the town's property near the existing wastewater treatment plant, that the town supply electricity to the pump-station once it is completed, and that the town assume the operation and maintenance of the plant upon its completion.
Developer Dan Reaver had requested the approvals in order to further progress the creation of Emmitsburg East Industrial Park II, to be located on the east side of Route 15. Presently, only Reaver's Emmitsburg Glass is located on that site. That land was annexed to the town in 2006.
Prior to the approvals, town Attorney Leslie Powell stated that none of the requests were overly concerning to staff, provided the pump is properly installed, warranted, and that it not imposes any undue burden on wastewater treatment plant staff in terms of additional maintenance.
"If everything is constructed in accordance with MDE and town requirements, this provides an opportunity for further development within the town limits, may possibly create additional job opportunities, and certainly additional revenue for the town," Powell said, adding, "The developer's requests seem reasonable and will allow the town to manage the system, once it is installed."
The necessity of constructing a pumping station was the result of the town having construction a new wastewater treatment plant, which could not accept gravity-fed wastewater from the proposed industrial park Ð thereby nixing prior plans that the site employs gravity-fed sewer lines.
Town Manager Cathy Willets stated that no matter what the commissioners approved at the meeting, it must ultimately, also be approved by the MDE "who has the final say in everything."
Attorney Bruce Dean, representing Reaver, posed several other requests, including if the town could assist with the 'unforeseen' costs of the pumping station, if the town would consider the creation of a less-expensive station, and if there is anything the town could offer Ð such as incentives Ð to help move the project forward. The commissioners did not address any of those additional requests.
Town Planner & Zoning Administrator Zach Gulden said that Reaver is proposing subdivision of his property into seven more lots Ð Lot 1 being the location of Emmitsburg Glass. Lot 8 is under contract to Federal Stone Industries of Thurmont, which is expanding their operations and plans to relocate to everything to Emmitsburg.
