CountyClick 311 Open House During Customer Service Week

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release:

October 1, 2013

For Information Contact:

Sherry White-Talbert

Public Information Officer

Prince George’s County Office of Community Relations

(301) 952-4729

Prince George’s County Office of Community Relations to

Hold CountyClick 311 Open House During Customer Service Week

Upper Marlboro, MD: The Prince George’s County Office of Community Relations is celebrating the one - year anniversary of its 311 Call Center and National Customer Service Week.  CountyClick 311 was an initiative of County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III.  At its opening the County Executive said, “I am elated that this day has finally come for the residents and citizens of Prince George’s County.  CountyClick 3-1-1 is a one-stop location that residents can call to get answers to questions and resolve non-emergency issues.”

Since its opening on October 1, 2012, the call center has handled more than 184,000 calls.  Additionally, CountyClick, the on-line portal for 311 has handled more than 136,000 service requests.  The average service level rate is 94% compared to the industry average which is 80%.  “The program has exceeded our goals in terms of customer service accessibility for citizens and working towards a more efficient government,” said Musa L. Eubanks, Director of the Office of Community Relations, which houses the CountyClick 311 program.

Customer Service Week 2013 is recognized during the week of October 7^th.  It is an international event devoted to recognizing the importance of customer service and to honoring the people who serve and support customers with the highest degree of care and professionalism.  In 1992, the U.S. Congress proclaimed Customer Service Week a nationally recognized event, celebrated annually during the first full week in October.

In celebration of our first anniversary of the opening of the call center and customer service week, CountyClick 311 will hold an open house.  Citizens and media are able to tour the call center and be briefed by the staff.

WHO:             Prince George’s County Office of Community Relations

WHEN:          Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 1:00 -2:00p.m.

WHERE:       Prince George’s County Administration Building

                        14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Suite L106

                        Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

The call center’s hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Citizens and residents may also access CountyClick by going to www.countyclick311.com or downloading the free App to their Apple or Android mobile device. Residents with any questions are encouraged to call Prince George’s County 3-1-1   

                 

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Impact of Federal Shutdown on Prince George's County

Statement from County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III

Federal Government Shutdown

Upper Marlboro, MD – Tonight, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III released the following statement prior to the October 1, 2013, federal government shutdown:

“Once again, the citizens and economy of Prince George’s County are put at risk over political gamesmanship on Capitol Hill.  The Prince George’s County government, like all local and state governments and citizens around this nation, count on certainty and clarity from the federal government. By shutting down federal government operations, Republicans in the House of Representatives have made it clear that they would prefer to throw the livelihoods of millions of Americans, including many Prince Georgians, into turmoil in order to make a political point.

The support that the County receives to fund services for our children, elderly, veterans and those most in need will be impacted.  16% of Prince George’s County’s workforce is employed by the federal government and thousands more benefit either directly or indirectly from federal government employment and spending.   10% of the jobs located in the County are federal jobs. Ultimately, the County’s AAA bond rating may be at risk, which would affect the services the County provides and subsequently hampering our economic development, progress, and job creation efforts. 

On behalf of nearly 900,000 Prince Georgians, I urge an immediate solution to avoid this shutdown.  Congress cannot and should not create this unwanted and unneeded damage to our families, our economy, and our nation.”    

Impact of Federal Government Shutdown

Prince George’s County Facts

Income Tax Impact

• Approximately $3 billion in Federal spending on salaries and wages in the County annually.
• Assumptions:

• 260 work days per year (52 weeks x 5 days per week)
• $3 billion – federal salaries – County residents – annually
• 70% of gross wages = Net Taxable Income
• 3.2% = County income tax rate

• Based upon the above assumptions, the Federal government spends $12 million each work day to County residents in salaries and wages ($3 billion / 260 work days).
• Accordingly, each day that the Federal government shuts down without paying employees will cost the County approximately $270,000 in income tax revenues ($12 million x 70% x 3.2%).
• The impact of Federal shutdown on County income taxes will be minimal.  For example:

• 5 days without pay = $1.4 million in lost income tax revenues

• As a point of reference, the County collects approximately $500 million annually in income tax revenues.

Other Federal Facts

• Approximately $14 billion in Federal spending annually in the County
• Approximately $5 billion annually in Federal procurement spending in the County

• Each day that the Federal government shuts down without paying contractors/vendors will cost businesses $19 million

• Approximately 10% of the County’s jobs are federal jobs

• Approximately 27,400 out of 299,000 total jobs in the County

• Approximately 16% of the County’s civilian employed population 16 years of age or older are Federal employees

• Approximately 71,800 out of 447,800 total civilian employed population

Boehner Chooses to Shutdown the Federal Government

Just moments before the President spoke, Boehner made the decision to let/shut down the Federal Government.  Immediately municipal officials were invited to a telephone conversation with the WHITE HOUSE.  Here's what I learned from the call with the White House:

1.  Everyone should be contacting their FEDERAL OFFICIALS, and insisting that they come to an agreement on keeping the Federal Government open

2.  The shutdown WILL RESULT IN $100 of thousands of dollars not being paid on the Federal debt (Congress' responsibilities are to pass the budget and pay bills)

3.  100s of thousand federal employees will be furloughed with no indication of when they will be returning to work

4.  Housing loans, business loans, SBA's ability to loan money, and other similar agencies will NOT be making loans during this period

5. National Parks, and the Smithsonians will be CLOSED

6.  Annual appropriations will not be impacted, e.g. Social Security, Medicare, will continue without interruption

7.  This will have a SERIOUS impact on our rebounding economy and will impact our progress negatively

8.  THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT WILL ROLL OUT ON OCTOBER 1, and the MARKET PLACE will be open for business providing health care to millions of Americans many of whom have NEVER had health care before.

9.  Number of Federal Workers impacted across the US is not known

10.  For information on specific projects, e.g., Federal Highway repairs, development etc. contact those Agencies DIRECTLY through their website

11.  General information may be obtained from iga@who.eop.gov

I hope this was helpful, and please feel free to pass this around to your network with the share button.

OPEN SPACE IN DANGER -- Thank you Delegate Niemann

A Bad Idea

Proposed Shopping Center and Road at University of Maryland Golf Course Makes No Sense

The University of Maryland and a well-connected developer are teaming up on a plan that could have serious consequences for our neighborhoods.

Although officially arriving as an “unsolicited proposal” from the developer, top officials of the University of Maryland have been promoting the idea of a big-box, multi-use development to be built on the grounds of the university’s golf course at the intersection of University Blvd (Route 193) and Adelphi Road.

A key part of the proposal is to extend Interstate 95 from the Beltway to the new development on the golf course. It is suspected that this is the real reason the university is interested in the proposal. It would provide the direct access to Byrd Stadium, Comcast Arena and other university facilities they have long wanted. It would also channel thousands of commuters every day onto Adelphi Road, University Road, Metzerott Road and Queens Chapel Road – while doing little to relief congestion elsewhere.

The proposal fails on every front:

· It would replace critical open space with one more sprawling shopping center. The state and the university have invested millions into upgrading the golf course and making it an environmental leader. This would be thrown away.

· The proposed road would channel commuter traffic onto local roads. This is contrary to our official policy of fostering smart growth and encouraging transit-oriented development. The City of College Park, working with the university, county and state, is making headway on reducing Route 1 traffic congestion. This would also undermine those efforts.

· There is no shortage of comparable shopping options in the area. College Park, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Laurel and other nearby areas already have many of the businesses this development would presumably attract. If there is a need for more, there are plenty of other sites where growth can occur without the negative impacts. In fact, the City of College Park reports that there are 17 projects already planned for the area.

· The proposal was developed in secret and is being promoted in the backrooms. Because it would be on land owned by the university, it would not be subject to the same county review and comment that other developments have to undergo. This is a bad precedent that will circumvent processes designed to ensure that new development causes no harm.

The proposal has big backers. In addition to its well-connected developers, the university's president has been working behind the scenes to build support.

The Maryland Golf Course Coalition has also been formed by alumni, friends of the golf course and others in opposition. They have a very useful website that has information on what is going on and what you can do to help. Check it out at: www.saveumdgolfcourse.com

What Can You Do?

Contact the key decision-makers and tell them what a bad idea this is.

· Dr. Wallace Loh, President, University of Maryland, 3300 Metzerott Rd, Adelphi, MD 20783 – wdloh@umd.edu

· Dr. William Kirwan, Chancellor, University of Maryland System, 3300 Metzerott Rd, Adelphi, MD 20783 –bkirwan@umd.edu

· Gov. Martin O’Malley, State Capitol, Annapolis, MD 21401 -http://www.gov.state.md.us/mail/

· State Treasurer Nancy Kopp, 80 Calvert St, Annapolis, MD 21401 – treasurer@treasurer.state.md.us

· State Comptroller Peter Franchot, 80 Calvert St, Annapolis, MD 21401 - pfranchot@comp.state.md.us

· County Executive Rushern Baker, County Administration Building, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 – rlbaker@co.pg.md.us

If you want more information, drop me a line atdoyleniemann@verizon.net or call me at 240-606-1298.

Delegate Doyle Niemann
Our mailing address is:

Friends of Doyle Niemann

P.O. Box 51

Mt. Rainier, MD 20712

NEW LAWS IN MARYLAND as of Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Don't get caught.  Ignorance of the LAW is no EXCUSE!  Here are the latest laws signed into law from the last Legislative Session:

News laws slated for Oct. 1 in Maryland

A long list of new laws go into effect Tuesday, Oct. 1. Here are some of the most talked about and most likely to make an impact on your daily life.

In the car

In Maryland, using a handheld device while driving is already illegal. But on Oct. 1, it will be primary offense, which means drivers can get a ticket if they are using the phone, even if they are not breaking any other traffic rules. Until Oct. 1, it is a secondary offense, meaning that a driver must first be committing another offense, such as speeding or negligent driving.

"Police officers can and will be pulling people over just for talking on their hand-held cellphone device without a hands-free option," says Montgomery County Police Captain Thomas Didone.

The fines for driver's caught using cellphones are as follows:

• $75 - first offense
• $125 - second offense
• $175 - third and subsequent offenses

"An officer needs no other reason other than to watch somebody talking on the cellphone to pull them over and issue a citation," says Didone, who adds the the first offense is $83 when factoring in court costs.

Another adjustment in the car is a seat belt law making it a primary offense to drive or be a passenger in the front seat without a seat belt. Drivers or passengers riding in a car in the front seat must wear a seat belt or face a $50 fine.

Since it's a primary offense for people in front seats, a driver can be pulled over for only the seat belt offense. The fine doesn't apply only to the driver; a passenger can be ticketed, too. If the passenger is younger than 16, the driver will get the ticket.

An unbuckled backseat passenger faces a $50 fine as well, but it's a secondary offense.

On the road

Starting Oct. 1, drivers who go through a toll booth at a bridge or on the Intercounty Connector without paying up could face problems with their vehicle registration.

Initially, drivers are notified of the dues by mail and have 30 days from the mail date to pay. If the driver pays, the case is closed. After that, if no payment is received, Maryland Transportation Authority will issue a $50 ticket on top of the original toll. The driver has the option to challenge the ticket in court or pay up.  If the citation is ignored, registration will be flagged for non-renewal or suspended.

Guns

Controversial gun laws begin on Oct. 1 in Maryland. The new law requires safety training and fingerprinting to purchase a handgun and limits magazines to 10 rounds. A total of 45 assault weapons will be banned as well.

However, on the same day the new gun laws go into effect, a hearing is scheduled in an attempt toblock them from being implemented. Ahead of the law, Maryland has experienced a massive influx of applications for licenses as people try to beat the legislation.

Cyberbullying

A cyberbullying law, also known as "Grace's Law," makes it a criminal offense to use an interactive computer service, like Twitter or Facebook, to cause "serious emotional distress on a minor" or causes the minor to fear for his or her life or physical safety.

Those found guilty of the misdemeanor offense face up to a year in prison in addition to a possible $500 fine.  The law is named after Grace McComas, a 15-year-old from Woodbine, Md., who committed suicide in 2012 after being bullied on Twitter.

Your lawn

Lawn fertilizer laws are changing. New laws are set to go in place for manufacturers and distributors of fertilizer, lawn care professionals and homeowners or others treating residential lawns. The Department of Agriculture says the new requirements are meant to protect the Chesapeake Bay.  For a detailed list of requirements, view the Department of Agriculture's website.

Workplace pregnancy

Starting Oct. 1, new legislation will be in place for pregnant women in the work place. The law is designed to make sure those who are pregnant can't be denied certain reasonable accommodations at work or be forced out of their jobs because of disabilities brought on by pregnancy.

Drugs

Certain chemicals found in synthetic marijuana, often known by street names such as "Spice" and "K2," will be designated as controlled and dangerous substances effective Oct. 1. This means they can't be distributed or possessed and if they are, it's a criminal offense.

More details on the new law will be provided on Monday, Sept. 30 at 10:30 a.m. at the Council Office Building in Rockville, Md. Retailers will also be sent a letter regarding the law.

Death penalty

Officially in effect on Oct. 1, the death penalty is repealed in Maryland.

http://www.wtop.com/41/3467962/News-laws-slated-for-Oct-1-in-Maryland

Kudos and Thank Yous for Public Safety Night in Mount Rainier

Last night, Mount Rainier had Public Safety Night.  It was to make up for our missed National Night Out (NNO), but it did more than that.  It brought people out of their homes to visit, hear great music, eat a hot dog or hamburger with a neighbor, and to just have a sense of community.  

Chief Scott and our police department, Luther Smith and our public works department did a yeoman's job in putting this together, and ensuring that other men and women in blue were on sight to share in this event.  Of course, 

Ms. Janis Lomax once again made sure that we had entertainment.  The band, the moon bounce, face painting with the clown, and of course my favorite, horseback riding.  

Our SPECIAL EVENT, however, was the landing of the police helicopter.  As soon as everyone decided that it was landing on the field, they started moving toward it.  You could feel the energy.  

Special guest appearances by Senator Victor Ramirez, Delegates Doyle Niemann, Delegate Jolene Ivey, Delegate Michael Summers, and Councilman Chris Mendoza.  

No competition with other municipalities, so most were able to stay and enjoy the music, and mingle with the residents.  Who knows, we just may have started something!

Artist Reception Tonight

Jewel Box Gallery

The Shops at Queens Chillum

3104 Queens Chapel Road

Hyattsville, MD 20782 

 

Artist Reception Tonight

September 5 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

    

Exhibition: September 5-28, 2013

Gallery Hours: Thursdays 7-9 PM, Fridays 7-9 PM, Saturdays 1-5 PM

  

Erin Antognoli, Alan Binstock, Jo Ann Block, Stephen Boocks, Matt Carl, Alexandra Chiou, Sarah Dale, Kathy Hart, Joe Hicks, Tom Hill, Emily Hoxworth, David Hubbard, J'Nell Jordan, Ani Kasten, Courtnye Koivisto, Lisa Rosenstein, Casey Snyder, Jeffrey Trueblood, and Laurie Tylec    Jewel Box (Pop-Up) Gallery  Designed and Curated  by John Paradiso and Tim McLoraine

Art Lives Here is coordinated by Joe's Movement Emporium with  Gateway Community Development Corporation, Hyattsville Community Development Corporation and many arts organizations and county agencies on behalf of the vibrant creative community residing in the Gateway Arts District. Art Lives Here has received major funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, ArtPlace America, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the Cafritz Foundation and many generous local businesses.

Working together -- Joe's Movement Emporium and the Gateway CDC

Art Lives Here at The Shops at Queens Chillum

September 5, 2013, from 7 – 9 pm JEWEL BOX, a pop-up gallery, will open its doors in a vacant 2,300 sq. ft. commercial space that was formerly Fleishers Jewelers, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for public viewing. There will be an Opening Reception on September 5, 2013, from 7 – 9 pm. Emerging and established artists applied for an opportunity to participate in this group exhibition, which is curated by John Paradiso and Tim McLorraine. Mount Rainier, MD - Art Lives Here and The Shops at Queens Chillum are pairing up to launch a series of placemaking events that showcase the talents of Gateway Arts District artists in a multi-use shopping center located in Hyattsville, Maryland and on the border of Mount Rainier. The Shops at Queens Chillum are funding these programs and events, which directly support local artists.

First Council Meeting for Fiscal Year 2013

The Mount Rainier City Council has been on recess since July.  I cannot speak for the Council, but I for one thoroughly enjoyed this MUCH needed break.  It is one of the first real breaks that the Council has had in quite a long time.  That being said, some work was done over and during the break.  Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 3 will the first Council meeting of the new fiscal year.  I hope that Mount Rainier residents will join the Mayor and Council as we begin this new session.  Regularly scheduled meetings of the Mayor and Council are held the first and third Tuesdays of each month unless otherwise noted.  Meetings begin at 7:00pm, and are HELD AT THE MOUNT RAINIER CITY HALL at One Municipal Place (next to the Metro Bus Stop), Mount Rainier MD 20712.  There is time on the agenda for public input.

Job Opportunities!

JOB FAIR Shop For Your New Career at Tanger

Stop by to meet with representatives from Tanger Outlets and their brand-name retailers and learn about positions at this top-of-the-line new outlet center. Many full-time and part-time positions available.   Tuesday, September 17, 11am-6pm Wednesday, September 18, 4pm-7pm   Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex 7007 Bock Road Fort Washington, MD 20744    **ATTENDANCE IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC**

CALLING ALL DELTAS, Family and Friends

50th Anniversary March on Washington DC PGCAC Walkers

 

The 50th Anniversary of the Walk on Washington will take place on August 24.  We will walk as a chapter to commemorate this historic event.  Sorors are encouraged to take Metrorail to the Lincoln Memorial, with the closest stop being Foggy Bottom-GWU.  Information regarding the Blue Line and Orange Line routes follows:

• Plan to meet at the Largo Town Center Metro (Blue Line) at 6:45 a.m. for the 6:54 a.m. train which will arrive at Foggy Bottom at 7:27 a.m.
• Another group of Sorors will meet at New Carrollton Metro (Orange Line) at 6:45 a.m. for a 7:00 a.m. departure and 7:32 a.m. arrival at Foggy Bottom. 

We will proceed to the Lincoln Memorial under the PGCAC banner at 7:35 a.m. Sorors are encouraged to wear a red Delta top and white bottom to distinguish you as PGCAC Walkers. Friends and family are invited to participate in this historic march.

Were YOU there?

Were you or someone you know, a part of the March on Washing in 1963?
If so, Please attend the press conference and Rally on August 20, 2013 at 10:30 am at the County Administration Building ( CAB Bldg) 14741 Governor Oden Drive Upper Marlboro MD 20772  Also there will be an update of the march event.
 
For more information call Prince George's County NAACP at  240 619 5418 or  267 987 4817  Email naacp-umarlboro@comcast.net

Please include me on your email:  mayormiles@gmail.com.

The County Fair is COMING to TOWN!

Some of you may not know that Prince George's County has one of the oldest running County Fairs in Maryland.  Here is information about the upcoming Fair in September:

 Welcome to our Fair --- September 5-8, 2013

Friends and neighbors, join us at the County Fair. Everyone is welcome to get into the fun and festivities. There are plenty of things to see and just as many things to do.

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And, on Sunday, September 8, we are having "Military Appreciation Day". All active duty military and their families will be admitted to the Fair for FREE. More info can be found at Military Day.

Day	Date	Time of Operation
Thursday	September 5	400PM - 1000PM
Friday	September 6	500PM - 1100PM
Saturday	September 7	1100AM - 1100PM
Sunday	September 8	1100AM - 600PM

See our FAIR SCHEDULE for all the activities and the times for each one.

If your little one is three-years-old or younger, you might consider entering them in the BEAUTIFUL BABY CONTEST.

And don't forget the CARNIVAL, where your family can enjoy the rides or maybe play a game and win a prize.

Ticket Type	Admission Price
Age 12 and over	$ 6.00
Ages 6 to 11	$ 5.00
Age 5 and under	FREE!!

Going Green/Rebates for Stormwater Management

In case you haven't heard the County's new Rain Check Rebate program website is up with a lot of good information. 

 

http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/StormwaterManagement/RainCheck/Pages/default.aspx

Rebates are available for homeowners and non-profit organizations in PG County who install:

• Cisterns
• Rain barrels
• Pavement removal
• Permeable pavers
• Green roofs
• Rain gardens 
• Urban trees

 

There are also grants available for the installation of stormwater BMPs for non-profit or not-for-profit organizations. It is a competitive grants program subject to funding. Would be good to think about low-hanging fruit from the Green Infrastructure Plan or on the City's to do list and be in the running early for these funds.

 

Mount Rainier residents are encouraged to check out the website, but also to take advantage of what we already do to preserve our planet!

STUDENTS Kindergarten through 12th Grade MUST have 2 MUMPS and RUBELLA Vaccines!

IMPORTANT: Immunization regulations in Maryland have changed for the 2013-2014 school year. As a result, all Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) students enrolled in kindergarten through Grade 12 must have received two Mumps and Rubella vaccines prior to the start of school on August 19. Most students in the United States already receive two doses of this vaccine in the form of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine; however, some foreign-born students receive these vaccinations separately.

Mumps and Rubella are serious diseases. Mumps can cause deafness and meningitis (an infection of the brain and spinal cord). Rubella (German Measles), if contracted while pregnant, can lead to a miscarriage or serious birth defects. Both Mumps and Rubella are airborne diseases, therefore easily contracted by simply being near someone who already is infected.

Parents are encouraged to check their child’s health record to ensure he or she m...eets the new state requirements. If the current immunization form on record does not include this second MMR vaccine, please provide proof of immunization by submitting an updated immunization form or a note from your child’s doctor on his/her letterhead to school. Some health insurance plans offer an electronic copy of the immunization form that can be submitted to school staff.

Parents should contact their child’s primary care provider if they have any questions. For those families without health insurance, contact the Division of Maternal and Child Health Immunization Program at the Prince George’s County Health Department at 301.583.3300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 301.583.3300 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Free immunizations are available for children without health insurance for Prince George's County residents. Appointments MUST be scheduled in advance by calling the Prince George's Health Department at 301.583.3300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 301.583.3300 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Immunization clinic locations include:

Cheverly Health Clinic
3003 Hospital Drive
Cheverly, MD 20785
HOURS: M, Tu, Th, Fri.
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Clinton Health Clinic
9314 Piscataway Road
Clinton, MD 20735
HOURS: First and third Wednesday of every month (unless it falls on a holiday)
8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

After August 5, the Cheverly Health Clinic’s hours of service will change to Mondays from 12:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. After August 5, the Clinton Clinic will provide immunization service on August 7th and 21st from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Up to date immunizations are a requirement for entry into school. Maryland State immunizations regulations have changed for the 2013-14 school year. When school begins on August 19 all students enrolled in grades K through 12 must have two Mumps and Rubella doses.

Mandatory Water Restrictions Lifted

Mandatory Water Restrictions Lifted in Southern Prince George’s County 54-Inch Main is Back in Service, Quality Tests Show Water is Safe to Drink
	Contact: Jim Neustadt jneusta@wsscwater.com (301) 943-1237 Jerry Irvine jirvine@wsscwater.com (240) 461-8680
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Laurel– July 19, 2013: The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is lifting mandatory water restrictions for previously affected portions of southern Prince George’s County, effective immediately. The section of 54-inch water main in Forestville has been repaired and returned to service. Water quality tests returned from the lab this evening showing the water flowing through this pipe meets EPA standards.   Repairs to the 54-inch transmission main, which began in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 16, progressed smoothly with little-to-no complications. This fact, coupled with our customer’s adherence to calls for conserving water, enabled WSSC to return the 54-inch main to service at the early end of our timeline estimates.   “First and foremost we want to thank our residential and business customers for their incredible patience throughout this evolving situation," said WSSC GM/CEO Jerry N. Johnson. “We are fully aware this was an extremely difficult week to be confronted with both water restrictions and a heat wave. We are heartened that the response to our calls for conservation were taken so seriously. Customers used less water, and that took a significant strain off of our system while repairs were carried out.”   “I want to extend a special thank you to everyone involved in making the repair to this pipe happen under some incredibly difficult logistical and weather-related circumstances,” continued Johnson. “We are very proud of the dedication and commitment to our customers exhibited by our workers this week.”   “I’d also like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of the officials from Prince George’s County, the State of Maryland, and our neighbors in Howard and Harford counties who provided tremendous support and cooperation as we worked to resolve this issue,” stated Johnson. “While we were able to avert a major crisis, all parties mobilized resources and coordinated efforts in a timely and efficient manner.”   As reported earlier this week, a small team of workers—facing extremely long odds—were able to perform an operation to temporarily repair a “frozen” valve, allowing WSSC to divert water to its customers throughout the repair of the 54-inch pipe. Closing this previously stuck valve meant no customers in the affected area were ever without water service. WSSC’s Acoustic Fiber Optic early warning system signaled an imminent failure of this pipe last weekend, requiring the emergency repair.

Mandatory Water Restrictions Continue

***5:30 PM Update*** Repairs on 54” Pipe Move into Final Phase Mandatory Water Restrictions Continue
	Contact: Jerry Irvine jirvine@wsscwater.com 301-206-8100 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 301-206-8100 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Laurel– July 18, 2013:  Repairs on the 54-inch pipe in Forestville are moving into their final, crucial stage. Acoustic Fiber Optic cable, a key technological tool used to monitor the integrity of our pipes, is now installed in the new pipe. The pipe is fully sealed and is now being flushed to fully cleanse this section and test the integrity of the pipe. A water sample will then be taken to confirm water quality.  If test results confirm the required water quality level, we hope to put the pipe back into service this weekend.   WSSC has been able to repair the failing pipe with no disruption in service to customers. Dedicated workers were able to perform a long-shot operation to fix a “frozen” valve, allowing WSSC to divert water to its customers throughout the repair process. Earlier today a press conference highlighted these dedicated technicians, and they answered questions about their feat and demonstrated the process of “turning a valve.”  Pictures of this work are available on our Facebook page.    It is important to note that mandatory water restrictions remain in effect. The restrictions are mandatory to preserve firefighting capabilities and to ensure a continuous supply in the system. To find out if you are in the affected area, please visit our online interactive map.     Until repairs are complete, it is imperative that all business and residential customers restrict their water use. The less water that is used, the longer it will be available for critical functions to customers in this affected area.   Customers need to:    Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, shrubs, flowers; no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools Use water only as necessary – i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use) Postpone using washing machines and dishwashers These mandatory water restrictions apply to WSSC customers, commercial and residential, in the affected area of Prince George’s counties.   WSSC will provide updates through the local media, social media and at www.wsscwater.com until mandatory restrictions are no longer necessary.