Page 21 - Port of Baltimore - December 2021

Wharf Logs to Find
New Life at Local Park
A bright idea will help keep surplus Port material out of the waste stream and, at the same time, help local communities. Wharf logs, placed on the edge of vessel berths at Port marine terminals to serve as curb stops, wear out over time and need to be replaced. Bill Richardson, Office
of Environmental Quality General Manager at the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA), wanted to repurpose these worn-out “bumper pads,” made of composite plastic material, to keep them from ending up in a landfill.
Although they no longer had value to the Port, the wharf logs were officially state property, and appropriate protocols needed to be followed in order to donate the surplus material. After receiving all the necessary approvals, MDOT MPA oversaw their donation to the Baltimore Port Alliance (BPA) for future use by community associations.
The Greater Baybrook Alliance (GBA) had been searching for materials to serve as bollards to prevent illegal dumping at Farring Baybrook Park in Curtis Bay.
A match was made, and BPA member C. Steinweg generously supplied the labor to cut the wharf logs to size and bundle them on pallets. The Maryland Environmental Service arranged for transportation.
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Park is an important local resource for the community,
especially during the pandemic. However, illegal dumping was creating the perception that the park was unsafe and limited resident use. Working with a local landscaping company, the bollards will be used to prevent vehicle access and improve the overall park experience.
“Environmental sustainability is a priority for the Baybrook community and GBA’s development strategies. GBA was thrilled to collaborate with the Port and others to repurpose materials for a much-needed new use,” said Hope. “The material donation came at the perfect time, just after GBA received a grant for park gating from Keep Maryland Beautiful.”
“We’re excited to see these retired wharf logs find new purpose at Farring Baybrook Park,” said Richardson. “This is the power of partnerships at work for the environment and for a great cause.” 􏰀
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