BALTIMORE (April 22, 2008)—Maryland Marina Properties, LLC, of Charles County, on March 19 executed a settlement agreement with the Md. Department of the Environment (MDE) totaling $7,500 for dredging tidal waters without an authorization, in violation of Title 16. The settlement agreement also requires the marina to sample the side cast dredge spoil and possibly have it removed pending the sample results.
According to the MDE, payment was received in accordance with the settlement agreement.
Maryland law (Title 16) requires that MDE be notified of any work conducted in tidal wetlands and waterways of the State before starting any work. MDE will issue a license or give approvals authorizing the work to be conducted as appropriate.
According to MDE officials, the regulations governing tidal wetlands were developed to protect the State's natural resources that depend on unobstructed and open waterways and wetlands while allowing property owners reasonable access. The requirement that someone performing work in tidal wetlands apply to MDE for a license before starting construction ensures that an assessment of the impact to the tidal waters and the associated resources is made before the work is performed and that any impacts are minimized.
"Enforcing environmental laws is an important component of Maryland's efforts to protect human health and the environment," said MDE Secretary Shari T. Wilson. "We are indebted to our 132 inspectors who are responsible for enforcing Maryland's environmental laws."