PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A sanitary sewer overflow reported on July 5, 2025, at 11 a.m. released approximately 7,800 gallons of untreated wastewater into the Patuxent River in Calvert County. The leak occurred at 14261 Solomons Island Road, adjacent to a parking lot, prompting a swift response from the Calvert County Department of Public Works, Water & Sewerage Division. By 12:45 p.m., the overflow was contained, and the affected area was disinfected with lime. Authorities have issued health advisories and an emergency shellfish harvesting closure for a portion of the river.
The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Water & Sewerage Division acted quickly to address the spill. Crews contained the flow and applied lime to disinfect the site, ensuring no disruption to water or sewer services for customers. Signage was posted at the treated area to alert the public. The Calvert County Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment were notified of the incident. The Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health issued a public advisory, urging residents to avoid direct contact with the water in the affected area for several days due to potential wastewater contamination. For inquiries, the Department of Public Works can be reached at 410-535-3491 or via email at WaterandSewerage@calvertcountymd.gov.
The Maryland Department of the Environment responded to the spill by issuing an emergency shellfish harvesting closure for a portion of the Patuxent River in Solomons, effective immediately through July 26, 2025. The closure affects all waters east of the Route 4 (Gov. Thomas Johnson) Bridge and north of a line extending from the bridge’s southern end to Sandy Point at the south tip of Solomons Island. This measure aims to protect public health by preventing the consumption of potentially contaminated shellfish. Additional details are available through the Maryland Department of the Environment’s website.
The sewer overflow incident highlights the importance of rapid response protocols in mitigating environmental impacts. The Calvert County Department of Public Works follows established procedures to address such incidents, including containment, disinfection, and notification of relevant agencies. Using lime to disinfect the spill site is a standard practice to neutralize potential pathogens in the wastewater. The Health Department’s advisory to avoid water contact reflects precautionary measures to safeguard public health while assessing water quality.
The Patuxent River, a vital waterway in Maryland, supports recreational activities and shellfish harvesting, making the closure significant for local communities. The Maryland Department of the Environment’s decision to impose a shellfish harvesting ban aligns with state regulations to protect consumers from health risks associated with contaminated shellfish. The closure area was determined based on the spill’s location and the potential for wastewater to affect downstream waters. The department will monitor water quality to determine when the closure can be lifted.
Calvert County has experienced sewer overflows, often due to aging infrastructure or heavy rainfall, though specific causes for this incident were not disclosed. The Department of Public Works maintains ongoing efforts to upgrade sewer systems to prevent such occurrences. As demonstrated in this case, public notifications and inter-agency coordination are critical components of the county’s environmental response strategy. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to health advisories to minimize risks.
The emergency closure and health advisory underscore the broader implications of wastewater spills on environmental and public health. The Maryland Department of the Environment and Calvert County Health Department will continue to assess the situation, providing updates as needed. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the Patuxent River’s ecosystem and the communities that rely on it.
