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67-557: Alpha Ridge is the third official landfill built in Howard County, Maryland . Howard County's first landfill was New Cut in Ellicott City, Maryland which operated from 1944 to 1980 followed by Carr's Mill, operated between 1953 and 1977. Alpha Ridge was proposed in the late 1970s as an unpopular project that strained the public participation process to address the needs of a population expansion that would quadruple while it

134-563: A deadly flu pandemic swept the county starting with an early outbreak in Camp Meade in adjacent Anne Arundel County. The 1930s saw a shift from one-room schoolhouses to centralized schools with bus service. By 1939 wheat harvesting fell to just 18,800 acres (7,600 ha). In 1940, local newspaper owner Paul Griffith Stromberg led a five-county commission to study a superhighway between Baltimore and Washington through Howard County. The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 eventually led to

201-601: A district that splits into Anne Arundel County to the south-east, along with two Democratic state delegates. From 1914 to 1968, Howard County was governed by a system of three elected commissioners with four-year terms. Prior to 1962, the only polling location in the county was located in Ellicott City. In May 1962, voters were offered a second location to vote, also in Ellicott City at the National Armory on Montgomery Road. Senator James Clark Jr. proposed

268-439: A dozen unusable dirt streets across the site to camouflage its use on street maps with names like "main street", "manor lane", "3rd ave", "wind drive", "river country drive", "howard drive", "back road". An onsite metal recycling program was initiated requiring contractors to provide daily deposits of fill-cover to the site. The same year, the council voted 3–2 against building its 12th high school Marriotts Ridge High School on

335-399: A family was $ 119,810. Males had a median income of $ 82,307 versus $ 59,128 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 45,294. About 2.8% of families and 4.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over. As of the census of 2000, there were 247,842 people, 90,043 households, and 65,821 families residing in

402-507: A five-person County Council and a County Executive in 1965. In 1968, the county implemented a charter form of government. In 1984 a councilmanic referendum was approved, switching council from at-large representation to district representation. The County Council serves as the county's legislative branch; members also provide constituent service and sit as members of the Zoning Board and Liquor Board. The current Howard County Executive

469-581: A given vicinity. The groundwater may be from precipitation or from groundwater flowing into the aquifer. In areas with sufficient precipitation, water infiltrates through pore spaces in the soil, passing through the unsaturated zone. At increasing depths, water fills in more of the pore spaces in the soils, until a zone of saturation is reached. Below the water table, in the phreatic zone (zone of saturation), layers of permeable rock that yield groundwater are called aquifers . In less permeable soils, such as tight bedrock formations and historic lakebed deposits,

536-441: A permanent change in the water table in such regions. Most crops need a water table at a minimum depth. For some important food and fiber crops a classification was made because at shallower depths the crop suffers a yield decline. A water table close to the surface affects excavation, drainage, foundations, wells and leach fields (in areas without municipal water and sanitation), and more. When excavation occurs near enough to

603-704: A planned community that included people from diverse socioeconomic and racial backgrounds. African-Americans have lived in Howard County for centuries, with the African-American population increasing greatly after the 1960s. Immigration from Asia, particularly Korea, India, and China, as well as Latin America, has also contributed to Howard County's diversity. While historically primarily Christian, Howard County now has sizable Jewish , Muslim , and Hindu populations. As of 2019, 18,700 Jewish people lived in

670-715: A quarter million residents by the year 2000. Race relations and desegregation became major issues of the time. From 1963 to 1966 the Rouse Company bought 14,000 acres (5,700 ha) of land and rezoned it for the Columbia Development. In 1972, the Marriott company proposed to build a regional theme park on Rouse-owned land but was denied zoning. The county has a number of properties on the National Register of Historic Places . According to

737-533: A record of acting as a bellwether in state-wide elections since the late 20th century: Since at least the 1950s, Howard County has voted for the successful senatorial candidate in both Maryland's Class I and Class III seats, and since 1998 the county has voted for the successful gubernatorial candidate, voting for Republican Bob Ehrlich in the 2002 gubernatorial election , Democrat Martin O'Malley in 2006 and 2010 , Republican Larry Hogan in 2014 and 2018 , and Democrat Wes Moore in 2022 . Since 1984,

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804-456: A ton. In 1992, Howard County proposed to expand the landfill, beyond its original 2.3 million ton capacity. $ 11 million was budgeted to install cell liners on the remainder of the property to bring capacity up to 6.8 million tons. Citizen opposed the expansion showing documentation from 1978 that the intent was not to expand. Public hearings on expansion in February were emptied by

871-706: Is Democrat Calvin Ball III , who was elected in November 2018 and took office on December 3, 2018. The county is entirely within Maryland's 3rd congressional district , represented by Democrat John Sarbanes . The County Council adopts ordinances and resolutions, and has all of the county's legislative powers. There are five council districts throughout the county. The current County Council as of December 2022 includes 4 Democrats and 1 Republican. Statistics for July 2014 indicate that Howard County's unemployment rate

938-481: Is an aquifer that occurs above the regional water table. This occurs when there is an impermeable layer of rock or sediment ( aquiclude ) or relatively impermeable layer ( aquitard ) above the main water table/aquifer but below the land surface. If a perched aquifer's flow intersects the surface, at a valley wall, for example, the water is discharged as a spring . On low-lying oceanic islands with porous soil, freshwater tends to collect in lenticular pools on top of

1005-408: Is at 5.2 percent (7,527 persons). Howard County Public School System employs 8,136 of which 4,670 are teachers. The County Government employs 3,323 outside of the school system with 672 police, 482 public works, and 472 fire and rescue employees. The top ten private sector employers in Howard County are as follows: Awards and recognitions achieved by Howard County or locations within it include

1072-679: Is bounded on the north and northeast by the Patapsco River , on the southwest by the Patuxent River , and on the southeast by a land border with Anne Arundel County. Both the Patapsco and Patuxent run largely through publicly accessible parkland along the county borders. The Patuxent border includes the Triadelphia and Rocky Gorge reservoirs . Howard County lies in the humid subtropical climate zone. As one travels west in

1139-586: Is part of the Central Maryland region of the state. Recent county development has led to some realignment towards the Washington, D.C. media and employment markets. The county is home to Columbia , a major planned community of approximately 100,000, founded in 1967. Howard County is frequently cited for its affluence, quality of life, and excellent schools. Its estimated 2020 median household income of $ 124,042 (~$ 143,882 in 2023) makes it one of

1206-443: Is referred to as the potentiometric surface , not the water table. The water table may vary due to seasonal changes such as precipitation and evapotranspiration . In undeveloped regions with permeable soils that receive sufficient amounts of precipitation, the water table typically slopes toward rivers that act to drain the groundwater away and release the pressure in the aquifer. Springs , rivers , lakes and oases occur when

1273-490: The 2020 United States census , there were 328,200 people by June 1, 2020 The population density was 1,300 inhabitants per square mile (500/km ) As of the 2010 United States census , there were 287,085 people, 104,749 households, and 76,333 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,144.9 inhabitants per square mile (442.0/km ). There were 109,282 housing units at an average density of 435.8 per square mile (168.3/km ). The racial makeup of

1340-602: The Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples. The Maryland Historical Trust has documented Indigenous sites along the Patapsco, Patuxent, Middle and Little Patuxent River valleys. In 1652, the Susquehannock tribes signed a peace treaty with Maryland, giving up their provenance over the territory that is now Howard County. In 1800, the mean center of U.S. population as calculated by the US Census Bureau

1407-528: The U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 253 square miles (660 km ), of which 251 square miles (650 km ) is land and 2.7 square miles (7.0 km ) (1.0%) is water. It is the second-smallest county in Maryland by land area and smallest by total area. Howard County is located in the Piedmont Plateau region of Maryland, with rolling hills making up most of the landscape. It

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1474-586: The wealthiest counties in the US . Many of the most affluent communities in the area, such as Clarksville , Dayton , Glenelg , Glenwood , and West Friendship , are located along the Route 32 corridor in Howard County. The main population center of Columbia/Ellicott City is regularly ranked in Money magazine 's Top 10 "Best Places to Live". According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau , Howard County ranks fourth in

1541-716: The " Maryland Line " of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War , commander notably at the Battle of Cowpens in South Carolina in 1781, among others. He was the fifth governor of Maryland , serving from 1788 to 1791. Prior to the European colonization of what is now Howard County in the 1600s, the area served as farming and hunting grounds for Indigenous peoples including

1608-481: The 1800s and 1900s, Howard County was a predominantly white and mainly rural county with a small population. In 1950, the population was only 23,000. Since the 1950s, the county's population has increased tenfold and has diversified into a majority minority county. Almost half of Howard County's population identified as non-Hispanic and/or non-white by 2017. Much of the racial diversification of Howard County came after 1967, when The Rouse Company designed Columbia to be

1675-512: The Alpha ridge site. Howard County, Maryland Howard County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maryland . As of the 2020 census , the population was 334,529. Since there are no incorporated municipalities, there is no incorporated county seat either. Therefore, its county seat is the unincorporated community of Ellicott City . Howard County is part of the larger Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area . The county

1742-490: The January 1851 constitutional convention, Thomas Beale Dorsey submitted a petition led by James Sykes. A committee was formed with Dorsey, Bowie, Smith, Harbine and Ricaud. After several postponements, the district was erected officially as Howard County on July 4, 1851, after the approval of the new constitution at the election held June 4, 1851. The plantations of modern Howard County used slave labor as early as 1690. At

1809-565: The Maryland Constitution in November 1864. On May 1, 1883, Howard County joined Anne Arundel County and Harford County in liquor prohibition. By 1899, Howard County contained 400 miles (640 km) of dirt and 48 miles (77 km) of stone roads, including three paid turnpikes maintained by 118 men. Most traffic consisted of loads delivered to rail crossings. In 1909, County Commissioners Hess, Werner and O'Neil were charged with malfeasance regarding contract bids. In 1918,

1876-410: The age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 27.1% were non-families, and 21.9% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.72, and the average family size was 3.20. The median age was 38.4 years. The median income for a household in the county was $ 103,273, and the median income for

1943-428: The age of 18 living with them, 60.50% were married couples living together, 9.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.90% were non-families. 20.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71, and the average family size was 3.18. In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.10% under

2010-406: The age of 18, 6.30% from 18 to 24, 34.40% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 7.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.90 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 101,003, and the median income for a family was $ 117,186 in 2009. The per capita income

2077-442: The construction of Interstate 70 across northern Howard County and Interstate 95 across the eastern part of the county. The sparsely populated county hosted population centers in Ellicott City, Elkridge, Savage, North Laurel and Lisbon with W.R. Grace and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab as the largest new employers. Residents elected officials that campaigned to keep the county rural while planners prepared public works to support

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2144-489: The county away from the Baltimore area, the winter temperatures get lower and winter snow is more common. Annual rainfall is about 45 inches (1,100 mm) throughout the county. Over a 60-year period from 1950 to 2010, there were 394 National Climatic Data Center reportable events causing 617 injuries, and 99 fatalities. There were 9 reported tornadoes, reaching a maximum of F2, with no recorded fatalities. For much of

2211-605: The county has also voted for the state-wide presidential winner, a streak of 10 straight presidential elections. At the state level of government, Howard County is represented by nine Democrats in the Maryland House of Delegates and three Democrats in the Maryland Senate . One Democratic state senator from the county represents a district that spills into Montgomery County to the west, as do two Democratic state delegates. Another Democratic state senator represents

2278-411: The county was 62.2% white, 17.5% Black or African American, 14.4% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 2.0% from other races, and 3.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 5.8% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 17.7% were German , 13.9% were Irish , 10.6% were English , 7.0% were Italian , and 4.6% were American . Of the 104,749 households, 39.3% had children under

2345-543: The county, making up 5.8% of the total population. More than 6,000 non-Jewish people in the county have Jewish people in their households. As of 2010, only 1% of Jews in the county were Orthodox , while one-third each were Conservative and Reform and one-quarter were secular or non-denominational. In the same year, one-quarter of the Jewish community were poor or financially insecure, 17% made less than $ 50,000 per year, and half made annual incomes of $ 100,000 or more. As of

2412-573: The county. The population density was 983 inhabitants per square mile (380/km ). There were 92,818 housing units at an average density of 368 per square mile (142/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 74.33% White, 14.42% Black, 0.24% Native American, 7.68% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.11% from other races, and 2.19% from two or more races. 3.02% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 15.1% were of German, 11.0% Irish, 9.3% English, 6.6% Italian and 5.7% American ancestry. There were 90,043 households, out of which 40.00% had children under

2479-399: The denser seawater intruding from the sides of the islands. Such an island's freshwater lens, and thus the water table, rises and falls with the tides. In some regions, for example, Great Britain or California , winter precipitation is often higher than summer precipitation and so the groundwater storage is not fully recharged in summer. Consequently, the water table is lower during

2546-482: The direction of groundwater flow typically has both a horizontal and a vertical component. The slope of the water table is known as the “hydraulic gradient”, which depends on the rate at which water is added to and removed from the aquifer and the permeability of the material. The water table does not always mimic the topography due to variations in the underlying geological structure (e.g., folded, faulted, fractured bedrock). A perched water table (or perched aquifer)

2613-625: The fire marshal for overcrowding. In 1993, Ecker sought alternatives as groundwater contamination suits were imminent. He proposed a regional trash incinerator facility with Anne Arundel County to provide power to NSA. On 8 June 1994, the County Council voted 5–0 to start transporting trash out of the county. An Anne Arundel transfer site was choose for the USA Waste residential contract and the historic Trinity Church graveyard in Elkridge

2680-414: The following Census-designated places in the county: Unincorporated places not listed as Census-designated places but known in the area include: 39°14′7″N 76°56′29″W  /  39.23528°N 76.94139°W  / 39.23528; -76.94139 Water table The water table is the upper surface of the zone of saturation . The zone of saturation is where the pores and fractures of

2747-614: The following: Howard County does not have any commercial or public-use airport facilities. A 1967 Airport Study Commission recommended a facility for 150–250 aircraft to provide economic development, but was not initiated. With the closure of Haysfield Airport in 2012, there is one privately owned airstrip, Glenair Airport in Glenelg . Commercial air service is provided by Baltimore/Washington International Airport , Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport , and Washington Dulles International Airport . The Census Bureau recognizes

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2814-433: The ground are saturated with groundwater , which may be fresh, saline, or brackish, depending on the locality. It can also be simply explained as the depth below which the ground is saturated. The water table is the surface where the water pressure head is equal to the atmospheric pressure (where gauge pressure = 0). It may be visualized as the "surface" of the subsurface materials that are saturated with groundwater in

2881-481: The historical status of the plantation in 1976, County archivist Cleora Barnes Thompson added "It should be stated here that the presence of a landfill in the surrounding area of Burliegh might not be in any way harmful as it will prevent the encroachment of future suburban development and will later provide a large area for a park, recreation or open space". Protests from citizens and Goodloe Byron against Clarksville, Guilford and Ellicott City sites left Marriotsville as

2948-580: The issues with contamination by then. In 1994, Interstate commerce laws were enforced removing local municipalities monopolies on commercial dumping locations. Commercial operators were able to choose cheaper sites other than Alpha Ridge which charged up to $ 60 a ton. The County lost a dedicated source of income, leaving a liability. After dumping operations discontinued at Alpha Ridge, Howard County chose to export solid waste by an Anne Arundel County train terminal in Annapolis Junction, Maryland to

3015-592: The landfill to minimize surface water from leaching. A series of 150-foot deep wells surrounding the landfill were designed to pump and "evaporate" pollutants into the air, then dump the treated water into the Little Patuxent River. Methane gas buildups would be vented to a burning facility. An additional $ 20 million was budgeted to perform similar remediation at Carr's Mill and New Cut landfills funded by an additional $ 120 trash tax implemented by Charles I. Ecker . In January 1997, Ecker announced that

3082-527: The landfill within 5 feet from the water table . Yearly water quality surveys were performed only in September 1978 and January 1991. By 1992, 1,600 residents in 300-400 subdivisions drew well water from the Alpha Ridge watershed. Well tests onsite in 1992 revealed contamination from seven paint and degreaser related compounds at eight times the current EPA limits and tetrachloroethene at twenty times

3149-458: The limits. A May 1992 test revealed that the clay lining and bedrock were not adequate to prevent contamination into the groundwater. In January 1993, the County executive claimed he had not been given the results to act upon. In 1993, the county faced multiple contamination issues, as the older Cars Mill landfill was found to have 390 drums of hazardous chemicals dumped on the landfill years after it

3216-548: The list for all Maryland school districts. Reservoir High School is currently the largest school in the county with over 1,900 students. In 2013 Howard County Library System was selected as the Library of the Year by Library Journal and cited by editor-at-large, John N. Berry, as "a 21st-century library model, with a position, doctrine, purpose, and curriculum worthy of study and consideration by every library in America, if not

3283-497: The nation for educational attainment, with an estimated 63.6% of residents 25 and over holding a bachelor's degree or higher. In 2022, the Howard County Public School System was ranked the best school district in Maryland. In 2010, the center of population of Maryland was located in the Howard County town of Jessup . The name of the county honors Colonel John Eager Howard , an officer in

3350-573: The plastic cap to keep rainwater out would be reduced to 43 acres (17 ha), excluding sloped surfaces. Three days later he flew toxicologist Laura Green in to discuss the cancer rates of the community, explaining that estrogen, sunlight, alcohol, asbestos, cigarettes and radiation are also contributors to cancer. Public water was made available for 280 homes in July 1997, with the Council excluding homes built after 1993, stating purchasers should have known

3417-545: The privately run King George County Landfill in Virginia . Both sites were developed by Blake Van Leer II and were the first waste on rail facilities in Maryland and Virginia. Howard County has adapted a number of uses to capitalize on the long term liability of managing a landfill site. The County did not rename the landfill as a park for residential development marketing like the Carr's Mill landfill site, but it did lay out over

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3484-530: The realtor for the subdivision of Burleigh Manor afterward. Howard County Citizens for Conservation gathered 3000 signatures against the project and sued the county for lack of public meetings on the selection. The suit was dismissed in May with acknowledgement that meetings did not have adequate notice. In May 1979 the Maryland State Health department granted the permit for Alpha Ridge. The initial site

3551-490: The residential collection expense to $ 33 a ton. Alpha Ridge remains open as a recycling center and transfer station. The Trinity Church trash transfer location was converted to the Blue Stream Housing development in 2014. The Alpha Ridge site was situated in a section of Marriottsville Maryland that was converting from mainly agricultural use to residential development. In 1987 The State granted permission to dig

3618-409: The service. Public Works Director James M. Irvin said it would take at least 18 months to provide. A year later resident were informed they would have to pay $ 4200 each to connect to clean water and would pay the county in 10 years of installments at 6% interest. In 1995 Reston based SCS Engineers proposed a $ 15 million project to install a 68-acre 40 mm (2 in) thick plastic membrane over

3685-507: The site with least opposition. Gibes Realty-Woodbrier Enterprises put together an offer of $ 3900 an acre to purchase land contracts. The Company owners, Robert and James Moxley were the original land speculators for Columbia and children of former County Chairman Norman E. Moxley . In February 1977 the Gibes-Woodbrier Alpha Ridge site was selected at the end of County Executive Edward L. Cochran 's term. His wife became

3752-433: The summer. This disparity between the level of the winter and summer water table is known as the "zone of intermittent saturation", wherein the water table will fluctuate in response to climatic conditions. Fossil water is groundwater that has remained in an aquifer for several millennia and occurs mainly in deserts . It is non-renewable by present-day rainfall due to its depth below the surface, and any extraction causes

3819-660: The time of the Underground Railroad , some Howard County residents assisted slaves who were escaping to freedom. This was particularly risky, as many prominent plantation families were Confederate sympathizers during the Civil War , contributing militiamen to the South to protect local interests. Maryland was exempt from the Emancipation Proclamation , later abolishing slavery in the update of

3886-413: The water table may be more difficult to define. “Water table” and “ water level ” are not synonymous. If a deeper aquifer has a lower permeable unit that confines the upward flow, then the water level in this aquifer may rise to a level that is greater or less than the elevation of the actual water table. The elevation of the water in this deeper well is dependent upon the pressure in the deeper aquifer and

3953-420: The water table reaches the surface. Groundwater entering rivers and lakes accounts for the base-flow water levels in water bodies. Within an aquifer, the water table is rarely horizontal, but reflects the surface relief due to the capillary effect ( capillary fringe ) in soils , sediments and other porous media . In the aquifer, groundwater flows from points of higher pressure to points of lower pressure, and

4020-718: The world." In 2015 the Howard County Library System was designated the top Star Library in its class. Howard County has voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in every election from 1992 on. In the 2020 presidential election , Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden received the highest percentage of Howard County's votes of any presidential candidate in the history of the county. The less populated western and northern parts of Howard County lean Republican. The more heavily populated southern and eastern parts are heavily Democratic. Howard County has

4087-414: Was $ 44,120. About 2.70% of families and 4.00% of the population were below the poverty line . The Howard County Public School System , the school district for the entire county, manages 71 schools and serves approximately 49,000 students. The graduation rate from this school district was 90.4% in 2009, and the county's schools are ranked among the best in the state. Student test scores consistently top

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4154-489: Was built on a compacted base without liners . Residents were informed that Alpha Ridge would operate until the year 2000 without expansion and be converted to a park at the end of its collection phase. BFI Recycling service started in 1989 as part of a Maryland initiative to increase recycling to 20% by 1994. The same year a $ 52 million project was earmarked to bring the landfill into compliance with Maryland Environmental regulations. By 1990, Alpha Ridge operations cost $ 75

4221-532: Was built on landfill property on the opposite side of the Little Patuxent River that flows through the site. A ten-year plan for waste was produced in January 1994, with a suggestion to continue to receive ash from a regional incinerator. In 1994 the park required chemical toilets due to the potential of groundwater contamination. In June 1995 The County council debated providing public water hookups to local residents at no cost, or providing loans for

4288-434: Was closed. In May 1993, Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning director Joeseph Rutter amends the county water service area to include land around the landfill including a new Donald R Reuwer development on the historic Waverly Plantation . The director announced the effort was for safety, not increased housing density around the contaminated site, but joined Reuwer's land development company later. The 72 acre park

4355-601: Was found in what is now Howard County. In 1838, Dr. William Watkins of Richland Manor proposed the "Howard District" of Anne Arundel County . After several adjournments, the area of western Anne Arundel County was designated the Howard District in 1839. The district had the same status as a county except that it was not separately represented in the Maryland General Assembly . In 1841, the county built its first courthouse in Ellicott City. At

4422-472: Was in operation. The search for a third County landfill started in 1973 with opposition causing the drop of selections at Triadelphia Road and Route 144 , Interstate 70 and Sand Hill Road and Henryton Road at Route 99 . In 1976 the search centered around the 600-acre Burliegh Manor slave plantation purchased by future Maple Lawn developer Steward Greenbaum. Community members quit the site study claiming they were denied meaningful participation. When updating

4489-462: Was selected as a transfer station for the BFI commercial waste contract by creating a solid waste overlay zoning for the site. Alpha ridge remained in operation as hearings were held about lack of notification for the Elkridge waste transfer facility, and concerns about importing out of county residential waste. The redirection of waste at Alpha Ridge lost the $ 60 per ton commercial waste revenue, but reduced

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