County says broken sewer at Franklin railroad crossing is an emergency; staff seeks flood funds

Director (Public Works) (S6) told the commissioners that a broken sewer line below the railroad crossing near Moran Manor appears to be related to the May 2026 high-water event and has triggered elevated E. coli samples where Georges Creek meets the Potomac. "We were notified in the morning. Select's team was there by lunchtime. At 03:30, he text me a picture of this," Director (Public Works) (S6) reported, describing a rapid field response.

S6 said the repair is technically challenging because of flat grades and the need to cross Georges Creek; staff estimate a repair cost between $300,000 and $400,000. S6 described outreach to DHCD and MDEM to add the repair to the flood-funded project list and said MDE is prepared to meet on-site for permitting. Commissioners asked staff to keep the board informed and to coordinate with contractors and permitting agencies to expedite repairs.