:: Featured Articles

Governor, Secretary Break Ground on Third Bay Fund Plant

Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., Maryland’s Secretary of the Environment Kendl P. Philbrick and others marked another success in the administration’s environmental agenda March 18 by breaking ground for the construction to upgrade the Kent Narrows/Stevensville/Grasonville Wastewater Treatment Plant.

EPA Grant Will Reduce City Fire Truck, Ambulance Emissions

Fire trucks and ambulances operating in Baltimore will emit less harmful pollutants, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Feb.25 with the City of Baltimore. 

Businesses for the Bay Member Spotlight

This first issue of eMDE features Businesses for the Bay member WindCurrent. WindCurrent is a Baltimore-based company that provides organizations with the option to support clean, renewable electricity generated from West Virginia wind power. 

Talbot County Plant Helps in Bay Restoration Effort

The steady march toward a cleaner Chesapeake Bay continued Jan. 21 as Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., key cabinet secretaries, state and local elected officials, and members of the business community and watermen witnessed the signing of a cooperative agreement to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant serving St. Michaels and surrounding areas in Talbot County. 

EPA to Strengthen Protection from Lead In Drinking Water

EPA is initiating the Drinking Water Lead Reduction Plan to strengthen, update and clarify existing requirements for water utilities and states to test for and reduce lead in drinking water. The plan also addresses lead in tap water in schools and child  care facilities to further protect vulnerable populations. 

Agency, Council Seek Nominations for 29th Tawes Awards

The nomination period for the 2005 Tawes Award for a Clean Environment is drawing to a close. The award is named in honor of the late J. Millard Tawes, Maryland Governor (1959-1967) and first secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. The awards are co-sponsored by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Maryland Petroleum Council.

New Class of Hybrid Vehicle

MDE Secretary Kendl P. Philbrick was shown a new class of hybrid vehicle on Jan. 25. Hybrid vehicles are a step in the evolution of motor cars that will ultimately lead the auto industry away from petroleum-fueled engines to other alternatives like hydrogen. 

:: Enforcement and Compliance Notes

This section provides a monthly report on the State's environmental enforcement and compliance acitivities.  This issue covers the period December 13, 2004 - January 15, 2005. 

:: For the Record 

This section provides a partial list by county of applications received by MDE and other permitting activity between Dec. 15, 2004 and Jan. 15, 2004.