BALTIMORE (May 21, 2008) – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Waste Management Administration today announced several enforcement actions taken between January 15 and April 15, 2008 against individuals and organizations in southern Maryland as follows:
Solid Waste Enforcements:
Mona Enterprises, Inc., et al., Charles County—On January 31, 2008, MDE issued a Consent Order to Mona Enterprises, Inc., et al. requiring that they pay a civil penalty of $12,000 for violations of solid waste laws. Mona had operated an unpermitted dump for wood waste and some demolition debris on their property in Charles County. MDE sued them in Charles County Circuit Court to stop this unpermitted operation, which led to the settlement. Modern landfills are required to have a both the State permit and sophisticated systems to keep pollutants from escaping the landfill, which the Mona site lacked. In addition to paying the penalty, Mona is also required to clean up the dump, which is ongoing.
Oil Control Enforcements:
Euclid of Virginia, Inc. and 3507 Enterprise, LLC, Prince George’s County, Md. – On March 28, 2008, MDE issued a Consent Order equaling $40,000 to Euclid of Virginia, Inc. and 3507 Enterprise, LLC for violations of Maryland’s Oil Pollution Laws.
The MDE Waste Management Administration (WAS) is responsible for ensuring that underground storage tanks are operated in a manner that protects groundwater. Under Maryland law, when there is a release, MDE requires corrective action to remediate the contamination and can assess fines.
Lead Violations:
Edwin Ndubisi, Fort Washington, Md. – 10 affected properties – On February 11, 2008, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty to Edwin Ndubisi equaling $31,500 for properties that were out of compliance with risk reduction standards.
Kimberly F. Jones, Accokeek, Md. – 6 affected properties – On February 15, 2008, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty to Kimberly F. Jones equaling $33,000 for properties that were out of compliance with risk reduction standards.
Monique Tate, Fort Washington, Md. – 2 affected properties - On March 12, 2008, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty to Monique Tate equaling $23,000 for properties that were out of compliance with lead paint risk reduction standards.
“Lead is one of the most significant and widespread environmental hazards for children in Maryland,” said MDE Secretary Shari T. Wilson. “MDE’s aggressive enforcement of our lead laws is critical to eliminating childhood lead exposure by the year 2010.”
Children are at greatest risk from birth to age six while their neurological systems are developing. Sustained exposure to lead can cause long-lasting neurological damage or death. Effects of sustained exposure include learning disabilities, shortened attention span, irritability, and lowered IQ.
The major source of exposure for children is lead paint dust from deteriorated lead paint or from home renovation. Most childhood exposure occurs through children's normal hand-to-mouth activity after contact with a source of leaded dust. The most effective prevention of childhood lead poisoning is to reduce or eliminate exposure.
The Maryland Department of the Environment's (MDE) Lead Poisoning Prevention Program serves as the coordinating agency of statewide efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. Under the 1994 "Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law", MDE assures compliance with mandatory requirements for lead risk reduction in rental units built before 1950; maintains a statewide listing of registered and inspected units; and, provides blood lead surveillance through a registry of test results of all children tested in Maryland.
Source: Maryland Department of the Environment's (MDE)