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DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

FUNCTIONS

[photo, Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, Maryland] The Department of the Environment formed in 1987 to protect and preserve the State's environmental resources (Chapter 308, Acts of 1987; Code Environment Article, secs. 1-401 through 1-407). It restores Maryland's environment and safeguards the environmental health of Maryland citizens. Departmental duties encompass enforcement and regulation, long-term planning and research, and technical assistance to industry and communities in their efforts to take responsibility for pollution, waste disposal, and emergency spills of waste or oil.

Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, Maryland, February 2004. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

In 1995, the Department's Chesapeake Bay Program transferred to the Department of Natural Resources, and the Water Resources Administration, a direct descendant of the Water Pollution Control Commission, moved from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of the Environment (Chapter 488, Acts of 1995). Since all departmental programs affect the health of the Chesapeake Bay, the Department of the Environment continues to play a crucial role in all initiatives to restore the Bay.

The Department's four key programs are Air and Radiation Management; Science Services; Waste Management; and Water Management.

OFFICE OF SECRETARY

Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230

Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the Secretary of the Environment heads the Department. The Secretary appoints the Deputy Secretary with the Governor's approval.

In addition to administrative responsibilities, the Secretary of the Environment (or the Secretary's designee) is authorized to subpoena any person or evidence, administer oaths, and take depositions and other testimony. The Secretary also investigates the influence of locality, employment, habit, and other conditions on health, and researches the causes of diseases and mortality, to the extent that they may relate to environmental factors. To obtain information about causes and incidence of cancers, the Secretary may institute studies.

The Secretary serves on the Governor's Executive Council, the Base Realignment and Closure Subcabinet, the BayStat Subcabinet, the Governor's Subcabinet for International Affairs, and the Smart Growth Subcabinet; chairs the Asbestos Oversight Committee, and serves as vice-chair of the State Children's Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council. The Secretary also is a member of the Governor's Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture; the Interstate Air Quality Council; the Governor's Council on the Chesapeake Bay; the Chesapeake Bay Trust; the Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee; the Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays; the Climate Change Commission; the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities; the Maryland Green Building Council; the Maryland Green Purchasing Committee; the Maryland Advisory Commission on Manufacturing Competitiveness; the Maryland Integrated Map Executive Committee; the Maryland Military Installation Council; the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs; the Pesticide Advisory Committee; the Renewable Fuels Incentive Board; the Scenic and Wild Rivers Review Board; the State Soil Conservation Committee; the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission; and the Task Force on Sustainable Growth and Wastewater Disposal. In addition, the Secretary serves on the Appalachian States Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, and the Ozone Transport Commission.

Within the Office of Secretary are offices for audit, BayStat, budget and infrastructure finance, emergency preparedness and planning, environmental crimes, legislation and policy, and planning. The Secretary is assisted by the Deputy Secretary and the Assistant Secretary.

OFFICE OF BUDGET & INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE
The Office of Budget and Infrastructure Finance was created in 1995 as the Office of Budget to combine the functions of capital and operating budget management with those of bond sale and loan processing from the Water Quality Financing Administration. The Office became the Office of Budget and Finance in February 2007, and adopted its present name in July 2009.

Under the Office are the Engineering and Capital Projects Program, the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration, and two divisions: Capital Budget, and Operating Budget.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & PLANNING PROGRAM
In August 2010, the Emergency Preparedness and Planning Program organized under the Office of Secretary.

OFFICE OF LEGISLATION & POLICY
The Office of Legislation and Policy oversees two offices: Communications, and Environmental Justice.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

The Assistant Secretary oversees the Administrative Services Administration, and the Science Services Administration, and is responsible for the Office of Fair Practices.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

The Administrative Services Administration started as Finance and Administration and reorganized as the Administrative and Employee Services Administration in 1995. In April 2003, it moved under Operations, which later became Business Operations, abolished in February 2007. The Administration adopted its present name in February 2007.

Under the Administration are seven offices: Central Services; Fiscal Services; Human Resources; Information Management and Technology; Operational Services and Management; Planning and Project Management; and Procurement and Contract Management.

OFFICE OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY

To consolidate information technology functions, the Office of Information Management and Technology was created under the Technical and Regulatory Services Administration in July 1999. In April 2003, the Office moved from the Technical and Regulatory Administration to Operations, then Business Operations, and in February 2007, under the Assistant Secretary. In December 2009, the Office was placed under the Administrative Services Administration.

By combining five information technology units from throughout the Department, the Office makes best use of resources, standardizes data and system development, and provides information technology support for Department objectives.

SCIENCE SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230

In 1995, the Science Services Administration formed as the Technical and Regulatory Services Administration. It reorganized as the Science Services Administration in February 2007. The Administration encompassed functions of former units, including Emergency Response and Enforcement Coordination; the Water Quality Program of the Water Management Administration; and the Water Quality Monitoring Program and the Environmental Assessment Program of the Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Management Administration. In December 2004, the Administration was placed under the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Community Relations, and Outreach.

The Administration provides technical and scientific analyses and data for departmental regulatory activities. It devises solutions to multimedia environmental problems, and makes environmental risk assessments. The Administration also maintains geographic information systems and the Toxics Inventory, does computer modeling of environmental conditions, and monitors shellfish waters for contaminants.

Under the Administration are five programs: Environmental Assessment and Standards; Field Services; Operational Services and Administration; TDML Technical Development; and Water Quality Protection and Restoration.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT & STANDARDS PROGRAM

The Environmental Assessment and Standards Program was created in February 2004 as the Environmental Assessment and Planning Program from components of the Environmental Health and Risk Assessment Program, and the Environmental Planning and Analysis Program. It was renamed the Environmental Assessment and Standards Program in March 2007.

Environmental Health & Risk Assessment Program. In 1985, the Environmental Health and Risk Assessment Program started as the Division of Standards and Certification within the Water Management Administration. In 1990, it was renamed the Water Quality Program; in 1991, the Water Quality Operation Program; and, in 1992, the Standards and Shellfish Sanitation Program. The Program regained its former name, the Water Quality Program, in 1992. It transferred to the Technical and Regulatory Services Administration in 1995 as the Environmental Risk Assessment Program, and became the Environmental Health and Risk Assessment Program in 1999.

Environmental Planning & Analysis Program. The Environmental Planning and Analysis Program was established in 1992 as the Office of Emergency and Enforcement Coordination. In 1994, it was renamed Emergency Response and Enforcement Coordination. It reorganized as the Emergency Operations and Technical Support Program under the Technical and Regulatory Services Administration in 1995, as the Emergency Operations Program in 1998, and as the Environmental and Emergency Planning Program in 1999. It reformed as the Environmental Planning and Analysis Program in January 2001.

By certifying the quality of water for the safe harvest of oysters and clams and establishing water quality standards for State waters, the Program protects public health. The Program monitors shellfish and fish tissues for contaminants; and studies water quality. To evaluate and reduce whole effluent toxicity, the Program oversees tests at municipal and industrial facilities and develops and promulgates regulations to protect the quality of groundwater and surface water.

Four divisions carry out Program responsibilities: Bacteriological Assessments; Biological Assessments; Chemical Assessments; and Data Management.

FIELD SERVICES

In February 2004, the Field Services Program was established as the Monitoring Program within the Technical and Regulatory Services Administration. In February 2007, it reformed as the Water Quality Monitoring Program under the Science Services Administration, and assumed its present name in August 2007.

The Program consists of the Compliance Monitoring Division from the former Environmental Planning and Analysis Program, and the Water Quality Monitoring Division from the former Computer Modeling Program.

OPERATIONAL SERVICES & ADMINISTRATION

Operational Services and Administration organized under the Science Services Administration in March 2007.

TMDL TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

TMDL stands for Total Maximum Daily Loads. These loads signify the greatest amount of a pollutant or stressor that a waterbody can absorb and still meet water quality standards. Federal law requires states to establish these loads for waters that do not meet water quality standards.

Maryland's scientific database for water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, rivers, streams, lakes, and other waters within the State is managed by the TMDL Technical Development Program. The Program develops and applies mathematical and other predictive models as the basis for Department water regulations and policy. In addition, the Program assesses water quality associated with channel dredging in Baltimore Harbor and Chesapeake Bay.

The TMDL Technical Development Program began in 1987 as the Division of Modeling and Analysis under the Planning and Evaluation Program of the Water Management Administration. By 1989, the Division reorganized as the Technical Support Division under the Chesapeake Bay and Special Projects Program. In 1991, it became the Modeling and Assessment Division and, in 1992, was placed under the Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Management Administration. In 1993, the Division was renamed the Mathematical Modeling Division under the Environmental Assessment Program, and in 1994 the Program itself was reconstituted as Mathematical Modeling and Information Systems Management. It became the Computer Modeling and Information Management Systems Program in 1995, and the Computer Modeling Program in 1999, when Information Management Systems transferred to the Office of Information Management and Technology. In February 2004, it reorganized under its current name.

The Program includes three divisions: Nutrient and Bacteria TMDLs; Outreach and Coordination; and Sediment and Toxics TMDLs.

WATER QUALITY PROTECTION & RESTORATION PROGRAM

Formerly the Implementation and Restoration Program, the Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program assumed its present name in February 2007.

DEPUTY SECRETARY

The Deputy Secretary is responsible for three administrations: Air and Radiation; Land Management; and Water Management.

AIR & RADIATION MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION

Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230

State concerns with air quality and the effects of radiation were evident by 1951 when the Division of Industrial Health and Air Pollution formed under the Bureau of Environmental Hygiene, Department of Health. In 1966, the work of monitoring and regulating was restructured. The Division of Air Quality Control was established within the Bureau of Resources Protection, and the Division of Radiological Health functioned under the Bureau of Consumer Protection. When the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene was created in 1969, these divisions continued under the Environmental Health Administration. By 1977, under the Environmental Health Administration, Community Health Programs regulated the control of dangerous emissions from ionizing and nonionizing radiation sources, while Air Quality Programs developed air resource management plans. Air Quality Programs reorganized as the Air Management Administration by 1983 and, with the Division of Radiation Control of Community Health Programs, transferred to the Department of the Environment in 1987 (Chapter 306, Acts of 1987). In 1992, the Administration reformed as the Air and Radiation Management Administration to include the Radiological Health Program.

Programs for cleaner air are developed and implemented by the Air and Radiation Management Administration. The Administration monitors levels of ambient air pollutants across the State and devises plans to achieve and maintain air quality standards. To control air emissions, it makes and enforces regulations and issues permits that set emission standards for construction or operation of equipment that emits to the atmosphere. The Administration sets standards for and (with the Department of Transportation) manages the Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program. The Administration also licenses asbestos removal contractors.

The Administration works through six programs: Air Monitoring; Air Quality Compliance; Air Quality Permits; Air Quality Planning; Mobile Sources Control; and Radiological Health. The Administration also is helped by the Air Quality Control Advisory Council.

AIR MONITORING PROGRAM

The Air Monitoring Program traces back to the Air Monitoring and Information Systems Program created in 1988. The Program became the Air Monitoring and Data Management Program in January 2000. On July 1, 2002, it merged with the Air Quality Planning Program to form the Air Quality and Data Analysis Program. In August 2003, the Program reorganized as the Air Quality Planning and Monitoring Program and, in August 2005, it restructured under its present name.

To control air pollutant emissions, the Program develops plans and regulations that help the State meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The Program also operates a statewide air sampling and monitoring network and collection stations for acid deposition.

The Program oversees the Analytical Laboratory Section, and two divisions: Air Quality Measurements, Modeling, and Analysis; and Data Management and Quality Assurance.

AIR QUALITY COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

The Air Quality Compliance Program organized in September 1988 as the Enforcement Program. In 1995, it adopted its present name when it was placed under the Permits and Compliance Policy Office. The Program conducts inspections and enforces air pollution laws and regulations affecting industries that are major and technically demanding stationary sources of air pollution. The Program responds to all citizen complaints regarding air pollution and coordinates 24-hour responses of the Air and Radiation Management Administration.

In July 2004, the Air Quality Compliance Program became responsible for the Asbestos and Industrial Hygiene Program, which was initiated in 1988 as the Community Environmental Services Program. The Program is responsible for State asbestos programs and enforces air quality standards for categories such as asphalt plants, quarries, special medical waste incinerators, and training for incinerator operators.

Program oversight extends to four divisions: Asbestos; Field Services; Industrial Compliance; and Process Compliance.

ASBESTOS DIVISION
Functions of the Asbestos Division began in September 1988 with the Community Environmental Services Program under the Air Management Asministration, and with the Center for Special Toxics under the Toxics, Environmental Science and Health Administration in October 1988. The Center for Special Toxics became the Toxics Operations Program in 1989, and was responsible for Asbestos and Industrial Hygiene Services; the State Employees Asbestos Program; and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (asbestos in schools program). The Program also oversaw programs for lead poisoning prevention and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) compliance awareness. In 1993, asbestos programs were consolidated under the Community Environmental Services Program, which reorganizaed as the Asbestos and Industrial Hygiene Program in 1994. In July 2004, the Asbestos and Industrial Hygiene Program transferred to the Air Quality Compliance Program as the Asbestos Division.

For State agencies and facilities, local schools, and county health departments, the Division provides technical consultation on exposure to toxic substances and support for industrial hygiene. The Division identifies environmental hazards in State facilities; advises on management and control of these hazards; and oversees implementation of the programs of the Asbestos Oversight Committee, which is responsible for the management and removal of asbestos in all State facilities. The Division also trains and medically monitors all State employees who routinely work with asbestos.

The Division oversees two sections: Asbestos Accreditation and School Assistance; and Asbestos Licensing and Enforcement.

AIR QUALITY PERMITS PROGRAM

In 1988, the Air Quality Permits Program began as the Air Toxics and New Source Permits Program. Reorganized under its present name in 1994, the Program was placed under the Permits and Compliance Policy Office in 1995. The Program works to ensure compliance with emission standards for toxic air pollutants. It reviews applications and issues permits for businesses to construct new industrial processes or modify existing ones that might become sources of air pollution. Permits also are issued to allow businesses to sell or burn waste oil with specified equipment.

Operating Permit Program. The Air Quality Permits Program also administers this program of the Air and Radiation Management Administration.

AIR QUALITY PLANNING PROGRAM

The Air Quality Planning Program began in 1988 as the Air Quality Policy, Planning, and Regulation Development Program. In 1994, it reformed as the Air Quality Planning Program. On July 1, 2002, the Program merged with the Air Monitoring and Data Management Program to form the Air Quality and Data Analysis Program. In August 2003, the Program reorganized as the Air Quality Planning and Monitoring Program. In August 2005, that program divided, and the planning function became the Air Quality Planning Program again.

The Program tracks State and federal laws and regulations pertaining to air quality. Regularly, the Program prepares air quality data reports and manages air databases for other programs. In addition, the Program conducts special sampling studies for toxics and other purposes.

Under the Program are the Special Projects Office, and three divisions: Air Quality Policy and Planning; Climate Change; and Regulations Development.

MOBILE SOURCES CONTROL PROGRAM

The Mobile Sources Control Program formed in September 1988 to deal with mobile sources of air pollution. The Program sets standards for motor vehicle emissions and helps administer the Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program.

Under the Mobil Sources Control Program are three divisions: Certification and Auditing; Engineering and Technology Assessment; and Inspection and Maintenance.

RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH PROGRAM

The Radiological Health Program originated in 1959 as a radiation protection section of the Department of Health. By 1967, the section had evolved into the Division of Radiological Health. When Maryland became a party to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Agreement in 1971, the Division reorganized as the Division of Radiation Control within the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In 1987, the Division joined the Department of the Environment as the Center for Radiological Health. The Center reformed in 1989 as the Radiological Health Program under the Toxics, Environmental Science and Health Administration. In 1992, the Program was placed under the Air and Radiation Management Administration.

All radiation sources in Maryland are regulated by the Radiological Health Program. The Program licenses users of radioactive material, registers facilities, and enforces regulations that cover both ionizing and nonionizing radiation sources, by-product material, and limited quantities of special nuclear material. For all radiological emergencies, including industrial, medical or transportation radiation accidents and serious incidents, the Program provides emergency response. It also conducts drills for nuclear emergencies at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant or Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station (Code Environment Article, secs. 8-101 through 8-601).

Two divisions are overseen by the Program: Radiation Machines; and Radioactive Materials Licensing and Compliance. The Program is aided by the Radiation Control Advisory Board.

RADIATION MACHINES DIVISION
The Radiation Machines Division oversees the registration and inspection of facilities with radiation machines, including accelerator facilities; hospitals; offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, dentists, and veterinarians; and scientific, industrial and other institutions. The Division certifies medical, academic and industrial radiation machines as required by law and licenses private inspectors of x-ray machines. Staff inspect dental and veterinary radiation machines which are exempt from the certification requirement and, for the federal Food and Drug Administration, inspect mammography facilities and new x-ray machines.

RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS LICENSING & COMPLIANCE DIVISION
The Radioactive Materials Licensing and Compliance Division was first the Radioactive Materials Licensing, Compliance and Safeguards Division. It reorganized under its present name in January 1997. The Division licenses and inspects users of radioactive materials, such as hospitals, physicians, manufacturing and construction industries, radiographers, and other radioisotope users. The Division also provides emergency response in case of nuclear accident or other radiation emergency.

LAND MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION

Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230

Functions of the Land Management Administration originated in 1912 with the Bureau of Sanitary Engineering in the Department of Health. In 1951, the Bureau became the Division of Sanitary Engineering under the Department's Bureau of Environmental Hygiene. Certain functions of the Division in 1966 were assigned to the Division of Solid Waste Disposal under the Bureau of Resources Protection. As the Division of Solid Wastes, the Division was placed under the Environmental Health Administration, when the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene formed in 1969. The Division was renamed the Division of Solid Waste Control by 1973 and assigned to Community Health Programs by 1977. Also under the Environmental Health Administration by 1977 was the Toxic Substances Control Program. Elements of these programs were combined by 1980 as the Waste Management and Enforcement Program of the Environmental Health Administration. The Program reorganized as the Waste Management Administration by 1982, became part of the Department of the Environment in 1987, and was renamed the Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Administration in 1988 (Chapter 306, Acts of 1987). In 1992, it was renamed the Waste Management Administration, and adopted its current name in July 2009..

The Land Management Administration provides for the safe collection and disposal of solid wastes. It regulates and inspects industrial facilities that treat wastewater, and controls the transport, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.

Industrial wastes and designated hazardous substances may not be discharged or disposed of without a permit from the Land Management Administration. The Administration conducts inspections to assure compliance with the conditions of permits, certifications, and licenses that have been issued and investigates reported water and pollution violations. Under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Planning Act of 1976, it is the State agency designated to regulate hazardous substances (P.L. 94-580). The Recycling, Marketing and Operations Program leads State recycling initiatives.

Under the Administration are seven programs: Hazardous Waste; Land Restoration; Lead Poisoning Prevention; Mining; Oil Control; Recycling and Operations; and Solid Waste.

HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM

In 1977, the Hazardous Waste Program formed as the Toxic Substances Control Program under the Environmental Health Administration of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Duties of the Program were assigned to the Waste Management and Enforcement Program by 1980 and to the Waste Management Administration of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene by 1982. They transferred to the Department of the Environment in 1987.

The Hazardous Waste Program issues permits to and certifies all who generate, treat, store, dispose of, or transport hazardous waste in the State. The Program certifies haulers of hazardous waste and drivers of vehicles that transport hazardous waste. In 1993, the Program became responsible statewide for managing the generation, storage, and removal for disposal of low-level nuclear waste.

Three divisions constitute the Program: Hazardous Waste Compliance; Regulations and Permitting; and Tracking and Hazardous Materials Transportation.

TRACKING & HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION DIVISION
The Tracking and Hazardous Materials Transportation Division organized as the Toxics Information and Operations Center. The Center reorganized as the Toxics Registries and Analysis Program in 1989, the Toxic Registries Division in 1992, and the Tracking and Toxics Inventory Division in 1993. The Division reformed under its present name in 1995.

Under the federal Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act, the Division receives and stores information about the use of toxics by industry. The Division serves as a central repository for this data which Maryland counties use to develop emergency response plans.

The ecological effects of toxics, primarily on the aquatic environment, are assessed by the Division. These assessments are used by the Department and local agencies. In addition, the Division assists the Department of State Police and the Department of Transportation with commercial vehicle safety and the transport of hazardous materials.

LAND RESTORATION PROGRAM

The Land Restoration Program began in January 1989 as the Emergency Response Program. In 1992, the Program merged with four other units: the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) Program from the Waste Management Administration; and the Hazardous Materials Transport Division, Lead-in-Soil Project, and the Lead Poisoning Prevention Project of the Toxics, Environmental Science and Health Administration. From this merger, the Environmental Response and Restoration Program formed in 1992 under the Waste Management Administration. The Program restructured as the Environmental Restoration and Redevelopment Program in 1995, and as the Land Restoration Program in February 2007.

At hazardous waste disposal sites, the Program investigates, assesses, and removes environmental and public health threats. The Program also oversees cleanup of State and federal Superfund sites.

The Program has three divisions: Brownfields and Voluntary Clean-up; Federal and National Priorities List (NPL) Superfund; and Site Assessment and State Superfund.

LEAD POISONING PREVENTION PROGRAM

The Lead Poisoning Prevention Program was created in 1994 and placed under the Planning and Resource Management Program which became the Regulatory and Technical Assistance Program in 1995 (Chapter 114, Acts of 1994).

In September 2000, the Regulatory and Technical Assistance Program reorganized as the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. All functions not related to lead poisoning prevention were dispersed.

Under the Program are three divisions: Lead Accreditation and Oversight; Lead Enforcement; and Lead Surveillance and Health.

LEAD ACCREDITATION & OVERSIGHT DIVISION
The Lead Accreditation and Oversight Division emerged as the Lead Compliance Division of the Environmental Response and Restoration Program. As the Environmental Lead Division it moved to the Regulatory and Technical Assistance Program in 1995.

In residential and child-care structures, the Division enforces Maryland's lead paint regulations and abatement procedures. In 1993, it began to accredit persons providing lead paint abatement services and enforce regulations governing that accreditation (Code Environment Article, secs. 6-1001 through 6-1005).

LEAD SURVEILLANCE & HEALTH DIVISION
Origins of the Lead Surveillance and Health Division trace to the Division of Environmental Disease in the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Maryland's initiative for lead poisoning prevention moved to the Department of the Environment in 1987 and, by 1988, was under the Center for Special Toxics. As the Lead Poisoning Prevention Division, it was placed under the Toxics Operations Program in 1989, and as the Lead Coordination Program, under Environmental Health Coordination in 1992. In 1995, it became the Lead Coordination Division under the Regulatory and Technical Assistance Program. When that Program reorganized in Sept. 2000 as the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, the Division received its present name.

The Division investigates incidents of lead poisoning, particularly in children. It maintains registries of lead poisoning cases; works with county health departments to coordinate testing and reporting of childhood occurrences; educates health care providers and the public about lead poisoning; and staffs the Lead Poisoning Prevention Commission.

MINING PROGRAM

The Mining Program oversees two divisions: Coal Mining; and Minerals, Oil and Gas. It is assisted by the Aggregates Mining Advisory Council and the Land Reclamation Committee. In July 2009, it moved from the Water Management Administration to the Land Management Administration.

COAL MINING DIVISION
160 South Water St., Frostburg, MD 21532

In 1876, the Coal Mining Division began as the Bureau of Mines when the Governor first appointed a mine inspector for Allegany and Garrett counties. By 1916, the State Board of Labor and Statistics named the inspector with the Governor's approval. The Bureau of Mines organized in 1922 as a unit of the Department of Labor and Statistics (Chapter 307, Acts of 1922). In 1941, the Bureau transferred to the Department of Geology, Mines, and Water Resources. In 1964, the Bureau was made part of the Maryland Geological Survey (Chapter 73, Act of 1964). The Bureau was placed under the Energy and Coastal Zone Administration in 1976, and in 1979 under the Energy Administration of the Department of Natural Resources (Chapter 320, Acts of 1976). The Bureau, in 1987, became part of the Water Resources Administration. In 1995, the Bureau transferred to the Department of the Environment and reorganized as the Coal Mining Division of the Mining Program in the Water Management Administration.

The Coal Mining Division is responsible for environmental control of active coal mines and restoration of abandoned coal mines. For proposed coal and noncoal mines, the Division evaluates mining and reclamation plans. Environmental controls are established and reclamation plans for the land are approved before mining can begin. In addition, legislation now makes it possible to restore abandoned mines. These for decades have posed serious environmental problems. Reclamation fees and federal grants pay for this restoration (Code Environment Article, secs.15-201 through 15-203).

Under the Division are two sections: Permitting; and Land and Water Restoration.

MINERALS, OIL & GAS DIVISION
Within the Department of Natural Resources, the Minerals, Oil and Gas Division developed as the Surface Mining Division under the Water and Wetlands Program of the Water Resources Administration. In 1992, it reorganized under its present name and transferred to the Bureau of Mines. In 1995, under the Mining Program, the Division joined the Department of the Environment.

The permit application process for both noncoal surface mining and the development of oil and gas resources is overseen by the Division. These permits require posting a bond, allowing opportunity for public comment, ensuring public safety, controlling environmental impact, and having an approved reclamation or site stabilization plan. The Division reviews permit applications, conducts site inspections, and determines which applications meet the requirements.

OIL CONTROL PROGRAM

The Oil Control Program started in November 1988 as the Industrial Discharge Program under the Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Administration. In 1992, it reorganized by its current name under the Waste Management Administration.

All oil-related regulatory programs within the State are administered by the Oil Control Program. The Program regulates all aboveground and underground oil storage facilities, oil-contaminated soil facilities, and oil transportation. It trains tank removal personnel and oversees the maintenance, operation, and removal of underground storage tanks.

Program functions are carried out by three divisions: Compliance; Permits and Support; and Remediation.

RECYCLING & OPERATIONS PROGRAM

The Recycling and Operations Program traces its origin to the 1988 Maryland Recycling Act, which created the Office of Recycling (Chapter 536, Acts of 1988). That Office became known as the Recycling Services Division, which in 1999 merged with the Office of Planning and Outreach Services to become the Office of Planning, Recycling and Outreach Services. Later in 1999, it became the Planning, Recycling and Outreach Program. In August 2003, the Program reformed as the Recycling, Marketing, and Operations Program and in March 2005 as the Recycling and Operations Program.

To meet State recycling goals, the Recycling and Operations Program assists State agencies and local jurisdictions with their recycling programs. It reviews and approves county solid waste management and recycling plans. Program outreach efforts include special events, such as America Recycles Day, classroom demonstrations, and television advertisements. New initiatives, such as the collection and recycling of old computers and televisions (eCycling Project), are coordinated by the Program. New markets for recycled products also are developed and promoted by the Program.

SOLID WASTE PROGRAM

The Solid Waste Program was initiated under the Waste Management Administration in March 1992. The Program issues construction and operation permits for all facilities that accept solid waste. These include sanitary landfills, processing facilities, transfer stations, incinerators, and resource recovery plants. The Program also issues permits for sewage sludge use and disposal. In addition, all county plans for solid waste management and recycling are reviewed by the Program.

Under the Program are three divisions: Compliance Enforcement and Data Management; Design and Certification; and Field Operations and Projects.

WATER MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION

Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230

In Maryland, State responsibility for overseeing public water supplies first was assigned in 1912 to the Bureau of Sanitary Engineering within the Department of Health. In 1951, the Bureau reorganized as the Division of Sanitary Engineering under the Bureau of Environmental Hygiene, Department of Health. In 1966, the Division of Water Supply and Sewage Disposal formed as part of the Bureau of Resources Protection, Department of Health. When the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene was created in 1969, the Division became the Division of Water and Sewerage under the Environmental Health Administration. By 1977, Division work continued as the Water Sewerage Control Program and, by 1982, reorganized as the Water Management Administration. From the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Administration moved to the Department of the Environment in 1987 (Chapter 306, Acts of 1987). In 1995, certain functions of the Water Resources Administration of the Department of Natural Resources transferred to the Water Management Administration, including programs for mining, dam safety, and wetlands and oversight of the State Water Quality Advisory Committee (Chapter 488, Acts of 1995).

The Water Management Administration works to improve and protect Maryland's water quality and to ensure the availability of safe drinking water. To achieve these goals, the Administration also protects wetlands and regulates mining. Administration programs work to limit industrial and municipal wastewater discharges into surface and groundwaters. They also seek to control erosion and sedimentation; monitor nonpoint sources of pollution during and after construction; and administer the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

Five programs come under the Water Management Administration: Compliance; Sediment, Stormwater and Dam Safety; Wastewater Permits; Water Supply; and Wetlands and Waterways. Supporting Administration programs is the Office of Operational Services and Administration.

COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

The Compliance Program originated in 1988. It was renamed the Inspection and Compliance Program in 1992. Enforcement functions from the Water Resources Administration of the Department of Natural Resources were added to the Program in 1995. The Program reformed in 1996 as the Office of Compliance Policy and Management, and resumed its original name in February 2007.

To ensure compliance with permits and other authorizations, the Office of Compliance Policy and Management inspects coal and noncoal surface mining, gas and oil-well drilling, and tidal and nontidal wetlands and waterways projects. It inspects dams and projects operating under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. By inspection, the Office enforces approved plans to control sediment and manage stormwater at all State and federal construction projects. The Office also enforces approved sediment control plans on all private construction projects unless enforcement has been delegated to local government.

OFFICE OF OPERATIONAL SERVICES & ADMINISTRATION

Within the Department of the Environment, the Office of Operational Services and Administration started as the Office of Administrative Services and reorganized under its present name on September 1, 1997.

The Office is responsible for the Administrative Services Division, and four regulatory boards: the Marine Contractors Licensing Board; the State Board of Environmental Sanitarians; the State Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators; and the State Board of Well Drillers.

SEDIMENT, STORMWATER & DAM SAFETY PROGRAM

The Nonpoint-Source Program began in 1988 as the Policy and Evaluation Program. It reformed as the Nonpoint-Source Permits Program in 1992 when the Sediment and Stormwater Administration merged with the Water Management Administration. The Program became the Nonpoint-Source Program in 1997, and adopted its present name in February 2007.

Nonpoint sources are those without a specific point of discharge. They include pollutants washed off streets or farmlands. To control nonpoint sources of pollution, the Program develops policy, regulations, and training programs.

Local programs for sediment control and stormwater management are overseen by the Program which delegates to local jurisdictions the authority to enforce erosion and sediment controls. At the same time, the Program reviews sediment control and stormwater management plans for State and federal construction projects. To municipalities with populations over 100,000, it issues National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits to discharge stormwater.

Under the Program are three divisions: Dam Safety; Program Review; and Sediment and Stormwater Plan Review.

DAM SAFETY DIVISION
The Dam Safety Division traces its origins to the Water Resources Commission which began regulating the construction and repair of dams in 1933. This division formerly had been in the Department of Natural Resources under the Water and Wetlands Program of the Water Resources Administration. In 1995, the Division transferred to the Department of the Environment under the Nonpoint-Source Permits Program of the Water Management Administration.

To ensure the safety of dams, the Division inspects dams, including those under construction. It issues permits to build or modify dams; conducts hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for new dam permit applications; and prepares downstream warning plans and "danger-reach" delineations for high-hazard dams.

WASTEWATER PERMITS PROGRAM

In the 1995 restructuring of the Department of the Environment, the Wastewater Permits Program was created as the Water and Wastewater Permits Program to streamline the permitting process. The Program assumed its current name in 1999 when the Water Rights Division moved to the Water Supply Program.

The Wastewater Permits Program encompasses three divisions: Industrial Discharge Permits; State Groundwater Permits; and Surface Discharge Permits.

INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGE PERMITS DIVISION
The Industrial Discharge Permits Division derives from the Water Quality Permits Section within the Department of Natural Resources which by 1972 was issuing industrial wastewater discharge permits. By 1981, this function shifted to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as the Industrial Waste Division of the Waste Management Administration. When the Waste Management Administration moved to the newly created Department of the Environment in 1987, the Division became the Industrial Point Source Control Division. In 1992, it transferred to the Water Management Administration and adopted its current name.

Surface water discharge permits required for all industrial, commercial or institutional facilities that discharge wastewater directly into State surface waters are issued by the Division. These permits ensure that discharges meet State water quality standards and federal effluent guidelines.

STATE GROUNDWATER PERMITS DIVISION
Functions of the State Groundwater Permits Division started in 1945 when the Department of Geology, Mines, and Water Resources first issued permits to construct wells. The Maryland Geological Survey assumed duties of the Department in 1964. By 1972, these responsibilities transferred to the Water Resources Administration of the Department of Natural Resources, and then to the Office of Environmental Programs of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in 1980. These duties were assigned to the Department of the Environment in 1987. The Individual Septics and Wells Program was created in 1990 and reformed as the State Groundwater Permits Division in 1995.

To protect groundwater and public health, the Division implements State regulations concerning wells, septic systems, and subdivisions. It supplies technical assistance, training programs, and grants to local governments, communities, and property owners. The Division also helps install innovative disposal systems in areas where septic systems will not function. Its functions are carried out by three sections: Groundwater Discharge; Groundwater Protection; and Innovative and Alternative Septic Systems.

WATER SUPPLY PROGRAM

Created in 1988, the Water Supply Program became the Public Drinking Water Program on July 1, 1993 and reverted to its original name in 1999. The Program sets and enforces drinking water standards by inspecting water treatment plants and distribution systems. It surveys drinking water systems to determine levels of nitrates, lead, volatile synthetic or organic chemicals, and other contaminants.

Under the Program are four divisions: Engineering and Technical Assistance; Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Implementation; Source Protection and Apropriation; and Water Policy and Security.

SOURCE PROTECTION & APPROPRIATION DIVISION
The Source Protection and Appropriation Division was initiated as the Water Rights Division under the Water Resources Administration of the Department of Natural Resources. In 1995, the Division transferred to the Department of the Environment under the Water and Wastewater Permits Program of the Water Management Administration. In 1999, the Division moved to the Water Supply Program, and in February 2004 assumed its present name.

To meet the increasing needs of Maryland water users, the Division regulates the withdrawal and use of surface and groundwater. The Division requires a permit to withdraw water from the ground, rivers, or Chesapeake Bay. (A permit is not required for farm use of less than 10,000 gallons a day, or home uses other than heating and cooling.) The Division reviews permit applications to assure that the amount of water withdrawn is reasonable; will not create problems for other users; and will not harm the resource. The Division also develops management plans for the water resources of a region, county, or town and provides detailed information about available groundwater and surface water for a specific area.

WETLANDS & WATERWAYS PROGRAM

Within the Department of Natural Resources, the Wetlands and Waterways Program started in 1972 in the General Permits Section of the Water Resources Administration. By 1987, it had become the Water Management Program. The Program was renamed in 1990 as the Water and Mineral Management Program and, in 1993, as the Water and Wetlands Program. When it transferred to the Department of the Environment in 1995, the Program reorganized as the Wetlands and Waterways Program.

The Program protects and manages Maryland's tidal and nontidal wetlands and waters. Besides its regulatory functions, the Program also creates, restores, and enhances nontidal wetlands and streams; provides training and technical assistance to local jurisdictions and private organizations; and helps develop watershed management plans.

In 1997, the State began a wetlands restoration initiative which aims to restore 60,000 acres of wetlands lost to sprawl development. Because they filter pollutants, such as excess nutrients, sediments, and toxics, wetlands are critical to the health of Chesapeake Bay and other coastal bays and waterways. They also provide habitats to many species of fish, birds, and mammals, including some which are rare and endangered.

Three divisions comprise the Program: Coastal Zone Consistency; Nontidal Wetlands and Waterways; and Tidal Wetlands.

COASTAL ZONE CONSISTENCY DIVISION
To ensure consistency with the State's Coastal Zone Management Program, the Coastal Zone Consistency Division evaluates proposed federal acts that affect Maryland's coastal zone. Acts reviewed include direct federal actions, federal licenses and permits, and financial assistance to State and local governments.

NONTIDAL WETLANDS & WATERWAYS DIVISION
Formerly under the Department of Natural Resources, the Nontidal Wetlands and Waterways Division joined the Department of the Environment in 1995. The Division oversees the permit process for construction projects affecting nontidal wetlands, such as swamps, bogs, marshes, bottomlands, and woodlands, their buffer zones, and nontidal waterways, including the 100-year flood plain. To streamline permitting, the water quality certification required under the federal Clean Water Act is now part of the Division's permit process.

TIDAL WETLANDS DIVISION
The Tidal Wetlands Division transferred from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of the Environment in 1995. To minimize damage to tidal wetlands, the Division provides advice and issues permits for all construction projects that affect areas subject to the rise and fall of the tides.

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 Maryland Manual On-Line, 2011

August 9, 2011   
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