Salisbury, MD — The City of Salisbury, in collaboration with the Salisbury University Presidential Citizen Scholars Program and several City Departments, proudly announces the successful completion of a groundbreaking bioremediation project that promises to transform the local environment and leave a lasting legacy for the community. Spearheaded by William White, Transportation Manager with the City of Salisbury, this project marks a significant milestone in the City’s commitment to sustainable development and redevelopment efforts.
The project, which brought together dedicated scholars from Salisbury University’s Presidential Citizen Scholars (PCS) Program, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Lower Shore Land Trust and Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), aimed to address the critical issue of impervious surfaces in the region. The PCS Scholars Emma Tarquino (Senior, SU), Bryce Machelek (Senior, SU), and Charles Laird (Graduate, SU) navigated the complexity of this civic engagement project to achieve remarkable results, under the guidance of Prof. Ryan Weaver (PCS Director and PACE/IDIS Lecturer at Salisbury University) and William White.
“This project represents a crucial step towards transforming impervious parking lots into green spaces, benefiting the environment, the economy and the Salisbury community,” stated White, who has been instrumental in driving the bioremediation efforts in the City of Salisbury.
According to the Wicomico Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Annual Progress Report (MS4, 2019), there are 3,400.77 impervious acres in Wicomico County, including Salisbury. The project’s ultimate goal is to address 20% of the total impervious land in the county as part of the restoration requirement, bioremediating 667.86 acres by 2024. Collaboration and creativity from governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, students from area schools and universities, and citizens in the local community will be crucial in achieving this ambitious target.
The PCS project accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as SU PCS Scholars secured a $5,000 grant from The Chesapeake Bay Trust which resulted in the removal of 16,000 square feet of impervious cover from BISM’s east campus, contributing significantly to local bioremediation efforts. The project is also collaborating with Lower Shore Land Trust to install native trees and plants in the bioremediated area next week. Governor Wes Moore celebrated the impact that PSC Scholars have had in this City through this project during his visit to Salisbury commemorating his 100th Day in Office on April 28, 2023.
To commemorate this achievement, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. Distinguished guests, including Mayor Jack Heath, Salisbury University President Lepre, and BISM’s Director, will offer remarks highlighting the project’s positive impact on the community and environment.
“We are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication displayed by all involved in this project, especially William White, who played a pivotal role in guiding our PCS scholars,” said Mayor Heath. “This project exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and commitment to sustainability that defines Salisbury.”
The completion of this bioremediation project not only aligns with global efforts for sustainable development but also serves as a shining example of the positive change that can occur when communities come together for a shared purpose.
