BALTIMORE—The Maryland Department of the Environment announced major enforcement actions in recent months for alleged violations of State and federal environmental laws to protect public health and land, air, water and wetlands resources.
ST. CHARLES COMMUNITY, LLC – WALDORF, CHARLES COUNTY: On May 21, 2013, MDE issued a Notice of Violation requiring compliance with Maryland’s Surface Mine Permit laws and seeking $10,000 for alleged violations. The Mining Program regulates all surface coal and non-coal mining in the State and the surface effects from deep mining of coal. The purpose of mining permits is to minimize the effects of sediment and other pollution from surface mining. In addition to environmental controls, the permit provides for proper land reclamation and ensures public safety.
BRUCE A. WENZEL, D.P.M. - CHARLES COUNTY: On August 23, 2013, the Department issued a Complaint, Stop Work Order, Corrective Order, and Administrative Penalty in the amount of $10,000 for alleged radiation machine violations. The fine is in response to violations of Maryland regulations for the control of ionizing radiation from use of radiation (x-ray) machines.
GFG BUILDERS, INC. – CALVERT COUNTY: On September 9, 2013 MDE issued a Settlement Agreement to GFG Builders, Inc. to resolve alleged violations involving a failure to maintain erosion and sediment controls in accordance with an approved plan, which placed sediment in a position likely to pollute waters of the State. The alleged violations occurred at the College of Southern Maryland between November 20, 2012, and April 26, 2013. The Settlement Agreement assesses a penalty of $60,000. The site is now in compliance.
SCHOFIELD WELL DRILLING, INC. – ST. MARY’S COUNTY: On September 6, 2013 MDE issued a Settlement Agreement to Schofield Well Drilling, Inc. to resolve alleged violations involving a failure to maintain erosion and sediment controls in accordance with an approved plan, which placed sediment in a position likely to pollute waters of the State. The alleged violations occurred May 23, 2011, in Lexington Park. The Settlement Agreement assesses a penalty of $5,000.The site is now in compliance.
BALL ROAD, LLC – CALVERT COUNTY: On July 25, 2013 Ball Road, LLC paid $5,900 to the Clean Water Fund to settle the alleged violations that the NPDES General Discharge Permit for Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity permit and logbook was not properly maintained for various weeks from April 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011, at the Calvert Crossing Subdivision site in Port Republic.