SMITH ISLAND, MD — A one of its kind construction project aimed at replacing Smith Island's failing wastewater treatment facility is nearing its completion after two decades. The plant began treating wastewater for the first time Monday, marking a significant milestone for the health of the island community and the Chesapeake Bay.
The Somerset County Sanitary District began looking for alternative methods to treat wastewater on Smith Island around 2005. They discovered that the old wastewater plant, located on the Tylerton but treating all three of the communities that compose Smith Island, had deteriorated after more than 4 decades.
The new construction effort faced numerous delays, including adverse weather conditions, environmental restrictions, and interruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Somerset County Sanitary District Manager Anthony Stockus said completed a project like this on an island poses unique challenges.
"Everything you do ten miles off the shoreline costs about four times as much as it would cost on the mainland," Stockus said. "Anytime you work out on the water you don't know exactly what you're going to get and with the wind and the tides, they kind of do what they're going to do on their own."
The project had to adapt to the elements and consider environmental impact on the local marshland. Stockus said this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved in a project aimed at improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
The updated plant utilizes membrane osmosis technology to remove nutrients that are potentially harmful to the aquatic bay life and the longevity of Smith Island itself.
"The whole point of the project was to be able to maintain the livelihoods of the watermen and the other people that live on the island," Stockus said.
The project received more than $12 million in grant funding but Stockus estimates the cost will be closer to $25 million once completed.
Smith Islander Patrick Kelley said he is glad to see the local investment in Smith Island.
"I like the fact that we're being paid attention to," Kelley said. "We're dead in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay and people forget we're here until it's time for vacation and we need looking after too."
Work on the new facility and to upgrade existing structures will continue as the plant treats wastewater on Ewell. County Sanitary District Officials expect to begin treating water on Tylerton and complete the project within the next few months.