BALTIMORE (May 12, 2010) – The Maryland Department of the Environment recently announced 4 major enforcement actions against an individual and three businesses in southern Maryland for alleged violations of MDE requirements for water, air and radiation management, or land.
CHRISTOPHER AXTELL – ST. LEONARD, CALVERT COUNTY: On March 24, MDE issued a Site Complaint and Stop Work Order for conducting earth disturbance activities in excess of 5,000 square feet for a forest harvest operation without an approved erosion and sediment control plan. The Site Complaint and Stop Work Orders require all activity to cease at the site, that the site be stabilized with vegetation, and that an approved erosion and sediment control plan be obtained prior to any work.
A&M CONCRETE CORPORATION – SAINT MARY’S COUNTY: On March 11, MDE executed a Settlement Agreement for alleged violations of the general permit for stormwater discharges associated with construction activity, failure to implement and maintain the erosion and sediment controls of the Soil Conservation District-approved erosion and sediment control plan, and introducing soil or sediment into waters of the State at a State Highway Administration construction site on Maryland Route 5 into an unnamed tributary of Glebe Run. The Settlement Agreement requires that A&M Concrete Corporation pay $12,000 to the Maryland Sediment Fund.
MIRANT MID ATLANTIC, LLC – MONTGOMERY COUNTY, CHARLES COUNTY, AND PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY: On April 1, MDE issued a Demand Letter in the amount of $91,000 in stipulated penalties to Mirant to resolve alleged violations of air quality requirements. Mirant violated a Consent Decree by exceeding opacity limits on 91 days at its coal-fired power plants. The Decree requires payment of $1,000 for each day of violation.
HILLIS - CARNES ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES – WASHINGTON COUNTY AND CHARLES COUNTY: On March 17, Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates signed a Settlement Agreement requiring a $36,800 penalty, in addition to corrective actions already taken, for alleged radioactive materials violations.