Montgomery County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Montgomery County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Long-term solid waste disposal
The county must decide whether to close the Dickerson incinerator by January 2027 and truck waste to out-of-county landfills, or spend an estimated $356 million refurbishing it. Environmental justice, truck traffic, and composting capacity are all in play; a decision is targeted for this fall.
Clarksburg Road Sewer Connection for Assisted Living Facility
A property owner wants public sewer for a proposed assisted living center at 21820 Clarksburg Road, but the Friends of Ten Mile Creek say it would break master plan protections for a pristine watershed and set a precedent for 15 other RE-1 parcels.
PFAS contamination and well-water safety
'Forever chemicals' were found at elevated levels near the former public safety training academy, likely from old firefighting foam. Free well testing is offered within a mile, and Councilmember Balcombe wants a comprehensive county system for testing private wells — especially after Poolesville's water tested positive.
Future of the Resource Recovery Facility (incinerator)
The Council kicked the incinerator close-or-keep decision out of the budget and into a fall worksession, funding current operations for FY27 and requiring Council approval before any contracts change the county's solid waste approach. DEP warns delay raises long-haul trucking and composting costs.