Sustainable Frederick County
Quarterly Newsletter
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A snow-covered landscape of Creek ReLeaf tree plantings |
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County Executive Gardner Announces Food Resource Map |
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On December 22, 2020, County Executive Jan Gardner announced a new mobile-friendly online mapping tool that allows users to find food distribution sites all across Frederick County.
The mapping tool provides detailed information about more than 80 locations, including hours of operation, directions, and more.
“We are blessed to live in a caring community, with people who are willing to step up to offer help to others in need,” Executive Gardner said. “This new online tool makes it easier for people to find the resources they need."
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Septic Pump-Out Rebate Program Update |
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The Septic Pump-Out Rebate Program, was launched in April of 2018. The program encourages Frederick County residents to pump out their septic system every five years. Regular maintenance increases the effectiveness and longevity of the system, provides a reduction of nutrient leaching over time, and protects our local groundwater and drinking supplies.
The Frederick County Septic Pump-Out Rebate Program funding has been exhausted for this period and is now closed. Please visit our website after July 1, 2021, for funding updates. If funding becomes available, we encourage you to apply.
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Frederick County Joint Information Center (JIC) Vaccine Information |
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The Frederick County, Maryland Joint Information Center (JIC) website provides updated COVD-19 vaccine information and
the latest COVID-19 statistics. You can also opt-in to receive the JIC updates by texting FredCoVID19 to 888777. The purpose of the Joint Information Center is to ensure consistent coordinated messaging across the participating allied agencies.
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Orchard Park at Ballenger Run Wins Award |
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The Frederick County Department of Housing and Community Development partnered with the Orchard Development Corporation on developing the new Orchard Park at Ballenger Run community in order to bring affordable housing to Frederick County residents with low to moderate income. We are pleased to share that in November, 2020 Orchard Development Corporation received the "Builder of the Year Award" from Potomac Edison ENERGY STAR New Homes for Orchard Park at Ballenger Run! Award winners were selected by Potomac Edison, and other electric utilities in Maryland, for their contributions to the program, ranging from total energy savings and working with limited income housing.
The Orchard Park at Ballenger Run project, consisting of 210 rental apartment homes, saved 324 MWh of energy which accounted for 19% of Potomac Edison's annual energy savings goal. For these savings, Potomac Edison contributed $83,600 in incentives to the project. Orchard Park at Ballenger Run received an ENERGY STAR certification in 2019 and was the only limited income multifamily project in the Potomac Edison service area to achieve that certification. Other financial and development partners on this project included AGM Financial, the Stratford Capital Group, the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development, DW Taylor Associates, Inc. (Architect), Pando Alliance, LLC (Energy Consultant) and Morgan Keller (General Contractor). Orchard Development is committed to sustainable development and green building practices and providing affordable housing in our local communities.
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors |
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If your home has any fuel-burning devices, it is important that you install a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is produced by devices that burn charcoal, wood, propane, gasoline or any other fuel. Appliances and engines in enclosed spaces, with inadequate ventilation may allow carbon monoxide levels to rise to high and dangerous levels which could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
To find out more information about carbon monoxide visit cdc.gov.
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OSER offers practical solutions for protecting the environment, conserving energy, and living sustainability in Frederick County, Maryland. OSER’s key focus areas revolve around sustainability and watershed management. Our team provides resources and initiatives for citizens and homeowners to create a more sustainable lifestyle. Click here to view our brochure to learn more about what we do!
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OSER Engineering Technician, Christina Lima |
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OSER is pleased to welcome Christina Lima to the team as our new Engineering Technician!
Christina looks forward to using her recent education and past work experience in GIS and mapping to assist the OSER Team with many projects! A couple of her current projects include the stormwater infrastructure mapping, septic system pump-outs, and Creek ReLeaf Reforestation.
Christina and her family have been Maryland residents for 11 years, where they have raised two children.
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Wanted: Energy Services Contractors for PACE Focus Group |
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Bar-T Mountainside in Urbana was the first business in Frederick County to receive PACE funding for a solar project. |
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OSER is seeking energy services contractors for a focus group on promoting PACE. PACE, Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, provides financing for building improvements such as energy efficient lighting, renewable energy, HVAC upgrades, and more. Businesses interested in receiving PACE financing may also participate in a focus group. PACE helps businesses to save money and free up capital. Focus groups will meet as needed to discuss ways to make PACE more accessible to Frederick County businesses.
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Winter Home Maintenance and Safety Tips |
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Chimney Cleaning
Keeping your chimney inspected and cleaned prevents the build-up of creosote, a highly flammable tar-like substances that adheres to the walls of your chimney. Creosote forms when wood burns and is the leading cause of house and chimney fires.
Sealing Drafts
Caulking and weather-stripping, are easy and inexpensive ways to save money on your energy bills. Energy.gov provides some great tips on how to do it!
Icicle Safety
Elsa from “Frozen” made icicles into beautiful works of art, but in reality they can be very dangerous, causing injuries if they fall. Avoid walking or standing under roof overhangs if icicles are present. If icicles are on your home, it’s best to leave them alone or call a professional to remove them safely.
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County GIS Layer Helps to Manage Local Waterways |
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Stream restoration in Point of Rocks, MD |
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Frederick County is bordered by the Potomac River to the south and the Monocacy River to the northwest, and there are over 1,400 miles of streams in the county. In order to better manage this natural resource, Frederick County often uses a geographic information system (GIS) layer representing the local waterways. GIS is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS integrates many types of data. It analyzes spatial location and organizes layers of information into visualizations using maps and 3D scenes. With this unique capability, GIS reveals deeper insights into data, such as patterns, relationships, and situations, helping users make smarter decisions.
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Environmentally-Friendly New Year Resolutions |
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Make a resolution to live more sustainably this year! It’s a great way to save money and the planet at the same time!
- Switch to reusable water bottles
- Take reusable grocery bags to the store with you
- Compost your food scraps
- Walk or bike more, and drive less
- Shop locally
- Install a rain barrel
- Plant native and pollinator-friendly plants
- Recycle
- Switch out personal care items to plastic-free options to reduce your environmental footprint
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Register for the Green Homes Challenge for more energy saving actions! Complete the challenges and become a Frederick County Green Homes Challenge Certified Household!
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Frederick County Government
Office of the County Executive
Sustainability and Environmental Resources
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