Description

Frederick Douglas Tunnel Program B&P Tunnel Replacement Project INTERIM WEST BALTIMORE BUS TRANSFER FACILITY

Baltimore City, Maryland

Application for Qualitative Control Waiver for Stormwater Managementt
 

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is accepting public review and comments on this project’s application for a qualitative control waiver for stormwater management.

Applicant:

Mark Milton, AMTRAK 1 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC  20001 For additional information about the Frederick Douglas Tunnel Program, email fdtunnel@matrak.com or call (443) 423-1115 to speak to a member of the project team.

BCNR #:

11894

Watershed(s):

Gwynns Falls

Project Location:

West Baltimore MARC Station – 401 N. Smallwood Road

Project Description:

 This project proposes to disturb 2.12 acres [or 92,341 square feet] of land and increase the amount of impervious area by 0.09 acres [or 4,325 square feet]. The project will consist of a temporary bus transfer facility.  To meet the minimum design requirements for stormwater management, the project proposes to install 2 microbioretention facilities.  

The Applicant has also applied for a qualitative control waiver for this project, in accordance with City Code Article 7, Division II, § 23-2.  The existing conditions of the project meet the criteria for redevelopment. So, the stormwater management requirements have been reduced for 1.00 acres [or 43,655 square feet] of impervious area of this project.  The Applicant has demonstrated that 0.65 acres [or 28,355 square feet] of the project’s disturbed area will be returned to existing runoff conditions; therefore, the stormwater management requirements have been reduced for this portion of the project.  The Applicant has demonstrated to the maximum extent practicable that any additional stormwater management cannot be implemented on-site. The Applicant will satisfy the remaining qualitative control requirements for this project by payment of fee-in-lieu of on-site stormwater management for 0.23 acres or 9,635 square feet] this project.  

To obtain information or send comments specifically about this qualitative control waiver request, please contact Michael Savage, DPW - Plans Review and Inspections Section at Room 227, 3001 Druid Park Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215, (410-396-0732) or by e-mail to dpw.plansreview@baltimorecity.gov.  Comments received after 4:30 PM, May 29, 2026 will not be considered. 

Public Notice for Application for Qualitative Control Waiver for Stormwater Management Answers to Common Questions 

Why am I getting this notice?

The referenced construction project is proposed on a property next to your property. The DPW-  Plans Review and Inspections Section is required by law to notify you.

What is a qualitative control waiver?​

By law, land-disturbing construction activities require stormwater management, specifically qualitative control, which is a system of vegetative, structural, and nonstructural practices, natural areas, environmental site design practices, stormwater management measures, and any other structure that reduces or eliminates pollutants that might otherwise be carried by surface runoff.  These requirements may be waived based on the justifications provided in the public notice.  

Is this waiver legal?

Yes, under City Code Article 7, Division II, § 23-2.  

Does this have anything to do with the Maryland Stormwater Fee?

No. The fee that property owners have to pay is not related to the stormwater management rules that developers have to follow.

Will it affect my property?

The waiver, if approved, should not affect you or your property after the construction is completed.   

Will it cost me anything?

No. Any fees associated with this waiver will be paid by the Applicant listed on front page of this notice.

Do I have to do anything?

No action is required, but you can send comments or inquiries to the contacts listed on the front of this notice.  Please limit comments or inquiries to the subject of stormwater management. 

How do I find out additional information about the project itself?

The Applicant can provide additional information about the project, including estimated construction schedules or traffic impacts during construction.  See page 1 for the Applicant’s contact information.