Easton, Maryland, is home to a state-of-the-art Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) Wastewater Treatment Facility, recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly plants in the state. Engineered, constructed, and managed by Easton Utilities, this facility was designed to meet the town’s wastewater needs to 2030 while exceeding Chesapeake Bay water quality goals. And at the helm of these operations is Douglas R. Abbott, who was recently promoted to Director of Engineering, Water/Wastewater, and Gas departments for Easton Utilities.
Under the leadership of Abbott, the wastewater treatment facility has maintained exceptional performance outcomes regarding discharge concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus since its completion in 2007. The results have been so significant that the plant has received additional grant funding from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)/Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund. Some key metrics include:
- Nitrogen Reduction: Over the past ten years, the facility reduced effluent nitrogen concentrations to an average of 1.41 milligrams per liter (mg/L), achieving a 96% reduction
- Phosphorus Reduction: Over the same time period, effluent phosphorus levels are lowered to an average of 0.06 mg/L, resulting in a 99% reduction
- Biosolids Recycling: A byproduct of the treatment process, biosolids are converted into a dry, manageable product and sold to local farmers as fertilizer, reducing landfill waste.
“I credit the team of dedicated individuals at our wastewater treatment facility led by Superintendent Kenny Marks who are stewards of the environment and strive to ensure excellent performance results,” stated Abbott. “They are passionate about their role knowing their impact as they too live and recreate on the waters of the Eastern Shore.”
The wastewater treatment facility is situated at Easton’s Sustainability Campus, which is also home to a two-megawatt solar array that was significantly grant-funded and commissioned in 2017. On average, 20% of the electricity generated by the panels is fed back onto the local electric grid, directly benefiting Easton Utilities customers. In a collaboration with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund, a 16-acre pollinator habitat was created around the solar array.
“The solar array and pollinator habitat are great examples of how we proactively seek out opportunities that are fiscally responsible and reflect our commitment to protecting the environment,” said Abbott.
Addressing PFAS Concerns:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals used in various industries since the 1940s. Known as “forever chemicals,” they are highly resistant to heat, water, and oil, making them valuable in products such as nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics, firefighting foams, and food packaging. However, their persistence in the environment and the human body has raised significant health and environmental concerns. Due to these concerns, governments and regulatory agencies are working to limit their use and improve technologies to remove them from wastewater.
In response, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) initiated a PFAS monitoring and testing program starting January 1, 2025. Because wastewater plants receive waste and water from numerous sources that may contain PFAS, Easton Utilities is participating in this initiative and received their first quarterly sample results of dried biosolids in March. As outlined below, the results show that both categories fall well below the threshold recommended, 20 parts per billion (ppb), for reducing the application rate of biosolids on agricultural land.
Easton Utilities Q1 2025 results
- PFOS (perfluoro octane sulfonate) = 3.7 ppb
- PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) = 2.0 ppb
In addition, Easton Utilities is working actively with MDE to identify potential sources of PFAS by gathering data from industries that discharge to our wastewater collection system.
“As part of our commitment to protecting public health and the environment, Easton Utilities will ensure compliance by adhering to all federal and state guidelines for the management of PFAS,” said Abbott.
Leadership Spotlight – Doug Abbott:
With over 45 years of experience in the water and wastewater utility industry, Abbott is a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Easton Utilities. In 2023, he was appointed to serve on the Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) Advisory Committee for a four-year term. Most recently, he was promoted to Director of Engineering, Water & Wastewater, and Natural Gas departments. In his new role, Abbott will expand his leadership to three vital departments to ensure safety, accountability and exceptional customer satisfaction.
In addition to providing the strategic direction of these teams, Abbott will have operational oversight of the dynamic engineering department as they work to ensure the utilities for various projects are designed and constructed to our standards for long-term reliability. He will be responsible for the safe delivery of natural gas and the dedicated meter team as they ensure accuracy of equipment and readings. He will also oversee water treatment, storage, and distribution, as well as wastewater collection processes and the Enhanced Nutrient Removal Wastewater Treatment Facility.
“Doug’s operational knowledge and expertise combined with his esteemed leadership skills make him the ideal candidate to lead these teams,” stated John J. Horner, President and CEO of Easton Utilities. “From day one, I’ve been impressed with his passion for preserving the quality of life on the Eastern Shore where he was born and raised.”
Before joining Easton Utilities in 2006, Abbott provided operations consulting services to utilities and regulatory agencies both in the U.S. and internationally. His commitment to excellence is evident in the facility’s outstanding performance metrics and its proactive approach to emerging environmental challenges. Beyond his professional endeavors, Abbott is a native of Talbot County and an avid racing sailor. He is a member of the Miles River Yacht Club and the Tred Avon Yacht Club, where he has served as Commodore.=
In summary, Easton Utilities remains committed to ensuring the protection of local waterways and public health thanks in large to Doug Abbott’s leadership and influence. Through advanced treatment processes and diligent monitoring, Easton Utilities continues to provide its residents with safe and clean water, addressing contemporary challenges such as PFAS with transparency and efficiency. Clearly, Easton Utilities’ environmental stewardship is an extension of its mission to enhance the quality of life in our community.
Easton Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility and telecommunications company operating the Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Cable Television, and Internet services for the Town of Easton and portions of the surrounding area. Visit eastonutilities.com for more information.
0 Responses
What is Talbot County doing to assure that all residents in the incorporated towns within Talbot County are provided this level of excellence ?
Yes we all know that EU is a community owned no profit that is for the town of Easton but does that allow the county to under serve the county residents?
The County needs to better with issues like water and wastewater. It should not be a us and them game.
Having local town council members make decision on the incorporated towns water and wastewater is failed. Just like in 2018 when the Trappe existing plant was cited for violating nitrogen discharge limits.
I pay taxes to Talbot County which the county provides to the town. As a county we should all be on the same page. You should not have one town marked as excellence and the next town failing! That don’t say much about County leadership or does it.