By Greg Ellison

(July 16, 2020) Looking to limit impacts to private property, the OPA Board of Directors approved a request from Worcester County to install a section of underground sewer pipe slightly outside of easement areas during a special meeting on Friday.

General Manager John Viola said both OPA Public Works & CPI Director Eddie Wells and Worcester County Construction Technician Mike McCabe were available during the virtual meeting.

OPA President Doug Parks introduced a motion to approve the request to permit county crews to install an underground six-inch diameter pipe heading northwest from the adjacent Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute to connect with the existing pines sewer system.

“The proposed location of the pipe will be slightly outside of the easement which is the reason for the request,” he said.

Board member Dr. Colette Horn asked if the proposal could result in any adverse environmental impacts.

Viola said, after quickly conferring with McCabe, that outcome is unlikely.

Horn also wanted to know the precise distance variance.

“It’s not real clear from this drawing, but how far out of the easement is it?” she said.

Viola estimated the distance in question was roughly five feet outside easement areas.

“So it doesn’t affect private property?” she said. “It’s just Ocean Pines property owned by us?”

Viola confirmed Horn’s supposition.

“Colette, that’s actually why they’re doing this,” he said. “They’re trying to stay away from (private) properties as much as they can.”

Director Frank Daly asked if all the piping would be installed below ground.

Viola said the proposed boring would permit a direct run of underground piping to connect the medical center parcel with Ocean Pines Water and Wastewater systems.

“It’s my understating that they took that route to avoid cutting down trees, disturbing private property and at the same time being able to minimize the cost,” Parks said.

“That’s spot on Doug,” Viola replied.

The board voted unanimously to approve the county’s request to install underground piping in a northwest direction from the medical center parking lot underneath Ocean Parkway and directly above North Gate Pond.