(10/1) After the approval of mandated backflow preventers in both residences and businesses in Emmitsburg, residents have shown frustration with the town’s decision and regulations regarding these devices. One resident in particular, Dennis Ebaugh, attended the town meeting in September to voice his concerns on behalf of the Emmitsburg community.

The state mandated backflow preventer device was approved by the Board back in April, requiring all properties in town to install this device within five years of the ordinance enactment. A permit is required for installation and the device has to be tested and approved by a certified plumber. The permit must be renewed by residents every ten years, commercial businesses every two years. In July, Commissioners voted to approve contractors for the installation of these devices in residences and businesses.

“On behalf of the community I am one of the many people who watch the meetings online and I represent them this evening…. I’m frustrated with the backflow preventer,” stated Ebaugh. Ebaugh currently works as the Facilities Manager at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in town and is also a long time resident of Emmitsburg.
Ebaugh recently used one of the approved/contracted plumbers to evaluate St. Joseph’s Church and rectory. Throughout this interaction Ebaugh commented that he “got a run around from the town. The way this is set up is not right, and there is too much mixed information going on. Even the plumber said he didn’t know why the town was doing this.”

According to Ebaugh the plumber who he worked with at St. Joseph’s Church stated that residential backflow preventers can’t be tested, and after reaching out to the county, Frederick County said they don’t test them either. “Most plumbers recommend throwing them away every 2-3 years,” added Ebaugh. As feared by many residents and some Commissioners, this mandate has the potential to run a lot of money for the residents of Emmitsburg, money that many don’t have.

He continued to voice his frustration noting that residents were only given part of the information, but it’s a “goose chase” trying to get any more information or clarity on what was mandated. He also mentioned that in his time spent trying to gain more information, he was back and forth between members of staff, which made his frustrations even greater.

Ebaugh mentioned that it would be helpful to see a copy of the state mandate and explained that every citizen in town should have a copy of that mandate too.