ALWI was retained by the developer of a proposed funeral home, to be located near Clarksville, in Western Howard County. Neighbors were concerned about the impact of the project on the neighborhood and upon their property values.  In addition to stated concerns about issues such as traffic and noise, they also worried about effects that the operation of the proposed funeral home would have on their wells, septic systems and upon the environment as a whole.  

A cadre of technical experts testified at a 23-night hearing convened at the Howard County MD Board of Appeals spanning two years and concluding earlier this year.  Among many witnesses, a geologist who lives near the proposed facility testified that the water and wastewater flows would be excessive and that the environmental impacts thus would be dire.  

In rebuttal, Mark Eisner, ALWI President, presented facts and professional opinions supported by the local Health Department's independent findings. As reflected in the Board's Decision and Order, Mr. Eisner's key testimony was that the flows were akin to those generated by only two houses and that no adverse groundwater impact of environmental effect should occur.   

Based in part on Mr. Eisner's testimony, the hearing concluded and the Howard County Board of Appeals found in favor of the funeral home project. 

Developers for Two Subdivisions Secure MDE Water Appropriation Permits

ALWI was separately retained by the developers of two large subdivisions, one in Carroll County near Eldersburg and one in Charles Country near Waldorf.  

Both clients sought MDE Groundwater Appropriation Permits to support recordation of 50 to 70 new lots to be served by individual supply wells and private septic systems. These may be among the last projects of their nature in Maryland, as recently enacted SB 236 of the 2012 session prevents rural land development projects of this nature.  

 Both developers engaged us to design and install test wells, perform pumping tests, assess water quality, monitor for possible test effects on neighboring wells and streams, and perform predictive groundwater flow modeling to assess the potential for future, adverse impacts.  

MDE was satisfied that no unreasonable impacts would occur, and advertised the completed applications for opportunity for public hearing. The permits were issued, following consultative services that the developers found to be timely and cost-effective.