Anne Arundel County Halts Development Due to Sewage System Capacity Issues

New subdivisions, building permits, and tenant fit-outs are suspended in parts of the county until further notice.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 10:19pm

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The Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works has announced a development moratorium effective immediately after its sewage system hit maximum capacity following recent wet weather. The moratorium impacts new subdivisions, building permits, and tenant fit-outs connecting to the Baltimore County Patapsco Interceptor and Sewage Pumping Station in the regions of Hanover, Linthicum Heights, and Pumphrey, including the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and Arundel Mills shopping mall.

Why it matters

The county says the moratorium is necessary to protect the health of residents and the environment by avoiding sanitary sewer overflows. This decision highlights the challenges local governments face in managing infrastructure capacity as development continues, especially in the face of extreme weather events.

The details

The development moratorium will remain in effect until the county can increase flow limitations to Baltimore County's Patapsco Pumping Station, which has been limited by ongoing consent decrees. Exceptions will only be made for infill lots with failing septic systems, and tenant fit-out permits will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

  • The development moratorium was announced on March 3, 2026.

The players

Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works

The county agency responsible for managing the sewage system and infrastructure that has reached capacity, leading to the development moratorium.

Karen Henry

The director of the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works, who stated the county had exhausted all options before implementing the moratorium.

Pete Smith

An Anne Arundel County Councilman who represents the impacted area and was unaware of the moratorium until it was announced.

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What they’re saying

“Our primary focus is to protect the health of our residents and the environment by avoiding sanitary sewer overflows.”

— Karen Henry, Director, Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works

“I was flabbergasted by the announcement.”

— Pete Smith, Anne Arundel County Councilman

What’s next

The county is working to increase flow limitations to Baltimore County's Patapsco Pumping Station, which is limited by ongoing consent decrees. The moratorium will remain in effect until this issue can be resolved.

The takeaway

This development moratorium highlights the ongoing challenges local governments face in managing infrastructure capacity and development, especially in the face of extreme weather events. It underscores the need for proactive planning and investment in critical systems to support sustainable growth and protect public health and the environment.