Maryland. Department of the Environment

The Department of the Environment was created in 1987 by the General Assembly to protect and preserve the state's environmental resources (Chapter 306, Acts of 1987). Replacing and reorganizing several existing laws regarding the environment, the department consolidated the environmental activities of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Department of Natural Resources into one executive level government agency headed by a secretary of the environment.

The Department of the Environment was given the authority to regulate and enforce laws pertaining to air and water quality, solid and toxic waste, sedimentation and stormwater runoff, and environmental health. Progroms for clean air and water and proper disposal of solid or hazardous wastes are designed by administrations in the department.

Programs to achieve clean air and maintain air quality standards are developed and implemented by the department's Air Management Administration. Formerly under the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the activities of the administration include setting regulations and issuing permits for construction or operation of equipment that emits to the atmosphere; managing the motor vehicle emissions inspection program; licensing asbestos removal contractors; investigating and resolving complaints of noise pollution; and developing state implementation plans in conjunction with federal standards.

The water management administration sets and enforces clean water quality standards by regulating the discharge of pollutants from municipal and agricultural sources; upgrading water quality standards by regulating the discharge of pollutants from municipal and agricultural sources; upgrading water quality standards on toxic pollutants; and ensuring safe drinking water.

The department works closely with state and local governments and private industry to enforce environmental regulations and to provide the funds necessary for cleanup or control through federal and state grants and grants-in-aid. Through cooperative efforts, the department inspects and monitors local programs to ensure compliance with established standards. The department is also responsible for regulating activities that may be detrimental to the environment, and many agencies are required to receive permits, licenses, certificates or approvals issued by the department of the environment.

From the description of Agency history, 1987-. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 162145930