Md. Health Agency Closing 2 Marydel Trailer Parks

MARYDEL, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is ordering two Caroline County mobile home parks to close after complaining for years about excessive arsenic in their drinking water and an inadequate sewage disposal system.

The Star Democrat of Easton reported in its Tuesday edition that hundreds of people would have to move from the Cedar and Hilltop mobile home parks by Aug. 1 unless the owner corrects the problems to the state's satisfaction.

Both properties are owned by Shahi International Investments of Brookeville. Calls to the business went unanswered Tuesday.

The order notes that excess arsenic has been found in the drinking water since 2009. Environmental Health Director Clifford Mitchell says the levels are not alarmingly high. He says he doesn't think it poses a threat to children.

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