PEARCE CREEK OUTREACH

As the communities around the site grew over the years, concerns were raised about whether the site was contributing to poor water quality in domestic wells, which many homeowners have experienced. In January 2013, the US Geological Survey (USGS) released a report commissioned by CENAP, which identified a missing or thin confining clay layer beneath the Pearce Creek DMCF that has allowed degraded water to enter the aquifers underneath the DMCF. The study also found that migration of this groundwater, which moves very slowly, has gradually impacted the water quality in some residential wells in the communities of West View Shores (WVS), Bay View Estates (BVE), and Sunset Pointe, as well as homes along Pond Neck Road adjacent to the Pearce Creek DMCF. Community leaders from WVS, BVE, and Sunset Pointe meet regularly with representatives from the Maryland Port Administration (MPA) and CENAP. These initial meetings focused on solutions to the domestic well water problems the communities were experiencing as well as what should be expected when the site reopened for dredged material placement. Community leaders visited other active MPA placement sites to observe how DMCF sites are managed. A number of public events have been held to inform residents about the project and listen to their questions and concerns as the project progresses. Public quarterly Implementation Committee meetings are also held to provide an open forum for all residents and interested parties to receive project updates.

Economic Impacts of the
Port of Baltimore (POB)
Cecil County

In 2017, the POB identified 15,330 direct jobs that were generated by port industrial and marine activities. There are another 16,780 jobs induced as the individuals in the "direct jobs" spend their wages on goods and services, such as food, housing and clothing. Also, there are an estimated 5,188 jobs indirectly created by the maritime firms and industries that purchase goods and services, such as utilities, office supplies, or maintenance. These induced and indirect jobs are sometimes referred to as secondary or ripple effect jobs. In total, there are over 37,297 jobs in Maryland that are generated by Port activity. This activity produced $3.3 billion in total salaries; and $395 million in state and local taxes.

Cecil County's Share of POB Direct Employment

There are an estimated 15 companies and individuals located within Cecil County that use the Port of Baltimore for international shipping.

CECIL COUNTY COMPANIES EXPORTING AND IMPORTING VIA THE PORT OF BALTIMORE (2018)