Organic Recycling Facility Abandons Plans For White Marsh Location

WHITE MARSH - Baltimore County Councilman David Marks announced on Wednesday that an organic recycling company is no longer pursuing plans to open a plant at the former Vince's Auto Parts site on Philadelphia Road.

In a Facebook post, Marks said that PEH Organics Recycling sent him an email stating their intentions not to renew their lease on the property.

"PEH Organics Recycling, Inc. will NOT be leasing Vince's Auto (11235-11239 Philadelphia Rd) for a Composting Facility and therefore will not be seeking special exception approval for this use at this location."

Although a new compost and recycling company in White Marsh may not seem controversial, many in the government and community expressed their concerns. Adding the facility was opposed by Councilman Marks, Delegate Szeliga, Delegate candidate Ryan Nawrocki, and the White Marsh-Cowenton Community Association.

In February, PEH Organics was granted a General Composting Permit through The Maryland Department of the Environment. However, the project stalled as it became difficult to secure local and county permits.

In a February Facebook post, the White Marsh-Cowenton Community Association voiced their opposition to the project, stating that they were unsure of the effects this would have on local property values and quality of life.

"20 dump truck loads daily of food scraps, manure, and yard waste; what's not to love?" The community association said.

WMCCA went on to site a plethora of concerns about what the facility would bring if allowed to operate. Issues such as increased traffic, noise from the machinery and equipment, potential odors, dust and vermin, increased breeding of flies, and more were listed in the post from February.

In his statement about the facility, Councilman Marks called the addition of the facility "an issue of equity." He said, "We do not need another facility like this in the Philadelphia/Pulaski corridor."

Marks also thanked Heather Patti, president of the White Marsh-Cowenton Community Association. "Ms. Patti put together a well-researched case and deserves a lot of credit for her work on behalf of the community. She went above and beyond."