Wicomico County Public Works Department

09/09/2026

Did you know that storm drains are designed to carry rainwater directly to our local streams, rivers, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay without first being treated to remove pollutants? When anything other than stormwater enters the drainage system, it may be considered an illicit discharge. Illicit discharges can cause significant harm to water quality, public health, and wildlife.

Examples of illicit discharges include:
• Oil or fuel spills
• Paint, household cleaners, chemicals, or solvents
• Sewage leaks
• Soapy wash waters
• Restaurant cooking oil
• Lawn and yard waste
• Pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides
• Concrete washouts

What should you do if you suspect an illicit discharge?
 Note the location of the storm drain and discharge.
 Take photos if it is safe to do so.
 Look for unusual colors, odors, foam, or oily sheens.
 Report it to the Wicomico County Department of Public works at (410) 548-4927 or [email protected].

You can help eliminate illicit discharges by:
 Keeping storm drains clear of trash, leaves, and lawn clippings
 Wash your car at a car wash
 Limit pesticide and fertilizer use
 Dispose of vehicular fluids properly
 Pick up pet waste

Remember, only rain belongs in the storm drain! Working together, we can help keep our waterways clean and protect the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States!

08/31/2026

For Immediate Release:
August 31, 2026

Wicomico County Clarifies Trailer Access on County Ferries

Wicomico County Department of Public Works (DPW) is issuing this notice to clarify the rules regarding trailers on the Upper Ferry and Whitehaven Ferry.
Recently, several vehicles towing trailers have made contact with ferry decks, ramps, and other ferry equipment. These incidents have raised concerns about possible damage to both personal property and County equipment. They have also led to rumors that trailers may soon be banned from using the ferries.
DPW wants to make it clear that trailers are still permitted on both ferries, as long as they meet existing weight, passenger, length, and space requirements.
Wicomico County understands that the ferries are an important part of many residents’ daily travel and that customers may need to cross while towing trailers or other equipment.
However, drivers should be aware that tidal conditions can affect the angle of the ferry ramps. Depending on the length and ground clearance of a trailer, certain tide conditions may increase the risk of damage when entering or leaving the ferry.
For the safety of passengers and to protect both personal property and County equipment, Ferry Operators have the authority to determine whether conditions are safe for vehicles towing trailers to board. If tide conditions make it unsafe, access for certain vehicles or trailers may be temporarily restricted until conditions improve.
Drivers should also be aware that there are limited places to turn around near the ferry approaches if access is temporarily restricted. Please plan accordingly before traveling.
For daily ferry status information, please call the Ferry Hotline at (410) 543-2765 or contact the Wicomico County Roads Division at (410) 548-4872.

08/28/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: August 28, 2026

WICOMICO COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES

Wicomico County Government Offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

CONVENIENCE CENTERS, LANDFILL, BRUSH PILE, FERRIES
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

On Monday, September 7, 2026, the Newland Park Landfill and Brush Pile will be closed. All external Convenience Centers will be closed. Upper and Whitehaven Ferries will be closed also.

For more information, please contact the Newland Park Landfill at 410-548-4935. Ferry information is available by calling 410-543-2765.

08/10/2026

The Wicomico County Solid Waste Division is pleased to announce that the finishing touches are being made at our Hebron Convenience Center, and the station will be back open to our Residential Household Permit holders as of Wednesday August 12, 2026 at 8:00 AM. The site recently underwent a full renovation, including; full dock and bulkhead replacement, earth work, a new 24x80’ concrete base and pad, and site beautification. Our team is proud to present the finished product and we look to bringing projects like this to bear, as we prioritize other locations across the County.

If you are a regular customer of our Hebron site, please note that our waste-oil and antifreeze collection station is still being renovated at this time. If you are in need of disposal of these products, please visit our main Solid Waste Campus on Brick Kiln Road, or the next closest Convenience Center to your home. The full list of stations can be found here;
https://www.wicomicocounty.org/671/ConvenienceRecycle-Center-Information

We hope to have the Hebron waste-oil/antifreeze collection back up and running in a few weeks.

08/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Wicomico County Department of Public Works booth at National Night Out in Salisbury on Tuesday, August 4,2026!

Visitors tested their knowledge with our hands-on "Name That Pollutant" trivia game and learned simple ways to help prevent stormwater pollution. Protecting our waterways starts with community awareness and action. We also encouraged residents to recycle whenever possible, helping reduce litter and keep potential pollutants out of our storm drains, streams, and rivers.

🚨 See something going into a storm drain that shouldn't be there? Email us at [email protected] and we'll send someone to investigate.

Remember: Only rain down the storm drain!🌧

08/05/2026

For Immediate Release:
August 5, 2026

Old Railroad Road Temporarily Closed

Old Railroad Road will be temporarily closed between Culpepper Lumber and the Transfer Station from August 17th to the 21st for culvert pipe replacement. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause.

For more information call 410-548-4935

07/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 29, 2026

Wicomico County Burn Ban Lifted

Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano announces that the countywide burn ban has been officially lifted following a comprehensive meeting of the Burn Ban Committee.

The committee, which included representatives from four local Fire Chiefs, the Maryland Forest Service, the Wicomico County Department of Planning & Zoning and the Health Department, unanimously agreed that conditions have improved to a point where lifting the ban is safe and appropriate.

The decision comes after careful assessment of weather patterns, environmental conditions and public safety concerns. Residents are now permitted to resume open burning activities in compliance with existing state and county regulations.

“Safety remains our top priority, and we are grateful to our partners in public safety and environmental management for their diligent work,” said County Executive Julie Giordano. “We encourage all residents to continue to exercise caution and follow proper guidelines when burning.”

Residents should remain mindful of potential fire risks and adhere to the following guidelines for safe burning:

• Obtain any required permits for open burning activities.
• Ensure that burning is conducted during permissible hours.
• Avoid burning on windy days or during dry conditions to prevent accidental spread.

For additional information on open burning regulations in Wicomico County, please contact the Wicomico County Health Department or your local fire department.

07/27/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2026

Wicomico County Secures State Aid Funding for Resurfacing Improvements on Spring Hill Lane and Gordy Mill Road

Wicomico County, MD - Wicomico County is pleased to announce the successful allocation of State Aid funding to support critical roadway resurfacing improvements on Gordy Mill Road and Spring Hill Lane, advancing the County's ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving its transportation infrastructure.

Through strategic planning and coordination with State partners, Gordy Mill Road has secured $344,276.32 in State Aid funding in lieu of Federal Aid, while Spring Hill Lane has secured $448,080.56 in State Aid funding in lieu of Federal Aid. Together, these investments represent a combined $792,356.88 dedicated to improving roadway conditions and extending the useful life of these important County transportation corridors.

The Gordy Mill Road project will address roadway deficiencies, including repairs to spider cracking and potholes, followed by milling and overlaying from Stage Road to Rum Ridge Road. The project is designed to improve the condition and longevity of the roadway while maintaining the existing roadway footprint.

The Spring Hill Lane project will include repairs to spider cracking and resurfacing along Spring Hill Lane from Memory Garden Lane to the Delaware State Line. The work will improve the roadway surface and support continued safe and reliable travel for residents and motorists in the northern portion of the County.

Both projects are planned within the existing right-of-way, with the project documentation indicating that the proposed work will have no impacts to streams, wetlands, or trees.

"These projects are an excellent example of the importance of strategic planning, responsible funding, and strong partnerships with our State agencies," said Executive Julie Giordano. "Securing State Aid funding in lieu of Federal Aid allows Wicomico County to continue advancing needed roadway improvements while making the most effective use of available transportation resources. Our goal is to remain proactive in maintaining our infrastructure and investing in the roads that connect our communities."

The Wicomico County Department of Public Works continues to prioritize roadway preservation and infrastructure improvements through careful project planning, coordination, and pursuit of available funding opportunities. Investments such as these help the County address roadway needs before conditions deteriorate further, supporting long-term infrastructure stewardship and fiscal responsibility.

Wicomico County appreciates the continued partnership and support of the State of Maryland and all agencies involved in advancing these important infrastructure projects.

07/22/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2026

Wicomico County Reaches Major Milestone in Dredge Management Program

Salisbury, Md. — Wicomico County is celebrating another significant achievement in its long-term dredge management strategy as the Department of Public Works (DPW) has successfully completed Phase II of the County's dredge material recovery and relocation program—delivering the project on time and on budget.

The milestone represents another major step in ensuring the continued maintenance and economic viability of the Port of Salisbury while advancing Wicomico County's long-term vision for responsible dredge management and future beneficial reuse opportunities.

Following the successful completion of Phase I in November 2025, which included the recovery and relocation of more than 100,000 cubic yards of stored dredge material from the Sharp's Point Dredge Management Facility, DPW continued building momentum. After prescribed burns and enhanced aerial survey work conducted in the spring of 2026 provided a clearer path for future maintenance dredging operations, the department launched Phase II under an accelerated schedule.

This week, DPW completed the recovery and relocation of an additional 110,000 cubic yards of dredge material to County-owned property immediately adjacent to the Roads Division and Solid Waste campus. The effort was made possible through close coordination with the County's contractor, neighboring municipalities, and state and federal regulatory agencies.

"This is another example of Wicomico County taking a proactive approach to infrastructure and long-term planning," said County Executive Julie Giordano. "Our Department of Public Works has demonstrated exceptional leadership and collaboration to ensure this project was completed efficiently and responsibly. By preparing the Sharp's Point Dredge Management Facility for future dredging operations, we are protecting a critical economic asset while positioning our County for future opportunities."

"The completion of Phase II marks a significant achievement for Wicomico County's long-term dredge management strategy," said Adam Corry, Deputy Director of Public Works. "This project required extensive planning, coordination, and collaboration with our contractor, neighboring municipalities, and regulatory agencies. By completing this work on time and within budget, we have successfully prepared the Sharp's Point Dredge Management Facility for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' upcoming maintenance dredging while also strategically positioning dredge material for future beneficial reuse projects. It is a testament to the dedication of our team and the County's commitment to thoughtful infrastructure planning."

The completion of Phase II secures the County's primary objective of creating more than 370,000 cubic yards of available capacity at the Sharp's Point Dredge Management Facility, ensuring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has the space necessary to conduct scheduled maintenance dredging operations this season. The project also strategically positions dredge material closer to future beneficial reuse projects, reducing transportation costs and improving logistical efficiency.

The County's enhanced focus on dredge management over the past two years has established a sustainable framework for maintaining navigation channels while creating opportunities for future environmental and infrastructure projects. Through strategic planning, innovative partnerships, and disciplined project management, Wicomico County continues to make measurable progress toward protecting the region's maritime infrastructure and supporting future economic growth.

Send a message to learn more

07/13/2026

🌟Wicomico County Public Works Employee Gets Employee of the Month!🌟

Jessica Hunter, Superintendent of Administrative Operations for the Solid Waste Division, has been named the June 2026 Employee of the Month! Her commitment, skills, professionalism, and leadership are exceptional and highly deserving of such a title.

To add to the celebration, James Bendix, a Senior Crew Leader for the Solid Waste Division, received a nomination for Employee of the Month. His strategic operations, dedication to the success of construction of Cell 7, and skillset on equipment is applaudable and also deserving of his nomination.

These employees are a great reminder of the strong leadership and teamwork that has been created within the Department of Public Works. We thank these employees and those that assist in achieving our goals daily.