State Commends Montgomery County for Erosion and Sediment Control Enforcement Program

For Immediate Release: Monday, April 5, 2010

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) commended the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) for its erosion and sediment control program following its bi-annual review and program evaluation. MDE granted continued enforcement authority to the County until June 30, 2012. The re-authorization becomes effective on July 1, 2010.

Montgomery County was first approved by the MDE to administer its own enforcement of an erosion and sediment control program in 1985. The program is reviewed by the State every two years and Montgomery County has consistently been approved for enforcement authority.

“Montgomery County is consistently granted enforcement authority by the State of Maryland for its erosion and sediment control program,” said DPS director Carla Reid. “Our staff of inspectors works diligently to monitor and inspect construction sites for erosion and sediment control violations, in an effort to protect local streams and restore the Chesapeake Bay.”

Every two years the MDE conducts a field inspection of active construction sites in Montgomery County for compliance with erosion and sediment control requirements.

“A review of active construction sites in Montgomery County found erosion and sediment controls in good condition,” said MDE Water Management Administration director Jay G. Sakai. “Additionally, documentation of problems and routine enforcement by the County inspection staff was found to be very effective in gaining compliance with the approved erosion and sediment control plans. The County’s inspection staff should be commended for their hard work and dedication.”

The state’s report found that more than 17,000 inspections were performed during fiscal years 2008 and 2009 and 770 violation notices were issued. Additionally, 65 stop work orders were issued and 245 fines were levied resulting in more than $80,000 in fines collected.

For more information about the County’s erosion and sediment control program, call 240-777-6344. To report sediment control concerns, call the DPS complaint line at 240-777-6300, or on the web at http://permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov/permitting/c/cform.asp. 

 

Release ID: 10-167
Media Contact: Sue Tucker 240-777-6507