Latest news with #MarylandDepartmentoftheEnvironment
CBS News
6 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Maryland takes a step toward environmental justice with new executive order
Governor Moore signed an executive order on Friday designed to advance environmental justice and protect communities burdened by pollution in Maryland. The Valuing Opportunity, Inclusion, and Community Equity order serves to foster a whole-of-government approach working with communities that historically have borne the burden of environmental pollution, according to the governor's office. According to Moore, the executive order establishes the following: "Every Marylander deserves access to clean air, clean water, and resilient communities. That's what environmental justice is all about," said Gov. Moore. "The order marks the next chapter in our work to cut exposure to pollution, improve access to clean public transit, reduce urban heat islands, and uplift neighborhoods that have been left behind. And for our entire state, this action marks a step toward a more competitive economy and healthier communities for all." The order also mandates state agencies to use the Maryland Department of the Environment's MDEnviroScreen mapping tool. According to Moore's release, the tool provides detailed demographic information through interactive maps and tracks disparities related to environmental hazards, exposures, risks, and health outcomes, generating a score that combines pollution levels with population vulnerability. Ultimately, it will help policymakers understand environmental burdens and find specific areas to help with support and resources.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Board of Public Works approves $19.5 million to remove PFAS chemicals from Hampstead water
Treasurer Dereck Davis (left) and Gov. Wes Moore share a laugh during Wednesday's Board of Public Works meeting. (Photo by Sam Gauntt/Maryland Matters) Hampstead officials have been monitoring unsafe levels of PFAS in the town's well water for several years now, but soon hope to begin construction on a long-sought solution. The Board of Public Work on Wednesday approved a $19.5 million appropriation for Hampstead, which is embarked on a $31 million project to build granular activated carbon filters around town that will remove the contaminant from the drinking water. The project also includes pipelines to deliver the water for treatment and the possibility of upgrading one filtering site to nitrate treatment in the future. Hampstead Mayor Christopher Nevins, who atteended Wednesday's board meeting to support the appropriation, said engineering for the project is done and it's time to start construction. 'It's been in engineering now for well over a year, and the plan has always been to work with MDE,' he said, referring to the Maryland Department of the Environment, which presented the request. Otherwise known as 'forever chemicals,' per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were detected in a Hampstead drinking well in 2021. The human-made chemical compounds are used in consumer products as well as other uses, according to a statement from the Maryland Department of the Environment. MDE began monitoring for PFAS in 202o, and in 2022 it recorded levels of two different types of forever chemicals, according to the town's 2022 Annual Water Report, which said it found PFOA at concentrations of 1.41 to 8.08 parts per trillion, and PFOS at levels under 1 ppt up to 5 pp. In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency announced maximum concentration levels of 4.0 ppt for both PFOA and PFOS. The project is nearly done with the engineering phase, Nevin said. The next step is constructing the water lines and revised new pump houses with granular activated carbon, which is used for water purification, he said. The board on Wednesday also approved millions of dollars in funding with little debate for an online data platform, nine public library projects, arts and culture in Columbia and green development throughout the state, among other projects. Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D) was not able to attend Wednesday's meeting but the board's other two members, Gov. Wes Moore (D) and state Treasurer Dereck Davis (D), were present. The board approved $124.31 million in funding to transfer an online data platform from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Information Technology. The Maryland Total Human-services Integrated Network, or MD THINK, lets state agencies share technical services and data online to provide a one-stop shop for child welfare and support information, according to its website. Currently operated by the DHS, the MD THINK Committee voted in September to make the DoIT the platform operator instead of the DHS. The DoIT did not respond to requests Wednesday for comment on the shift. Grants totaling $7.2 million will go to the Maryland State Library Agency to improve nine library projects throughout the state. 'Our public libraries play an incredibly important role in our communities, because they really are more than just homes for books,' Moore said. 'They serve as community centers. They serve as places where people get internet access. They really do represent all the different places and spaces that people in Maryland really enjoy.' The allotments include a contribution of $249,000 toward construction of a Park Heights library in Baltimore, which has already received $5 million from the state, according to the meeting agenda. Other funding includes $1.55 million for a Cecil County library in Elkton and $1.1 million toward the Friendsville Library in Garrett County. The board also approved $4 million for improvements of Merriweather Post Pavilion in downtown Columbia, part of a total $57.5 million project. In the past decade, the Columbia Arts and Culture Commission has worked to revitalize the venue, Moore said. 'It's becoming true economic gain for Howard County,' Moore said. ' We're so proud to keep on supporting success. I know that I have personally enjoyed going out there.' The Department of Natural Resources will receive $4 million for its Greenspace Equity Program, which implements development of open space projects in underserved communities. According to its website, the program aims to preserve public greenspace to increase livability in these areas. 'Since 2023, Department of Natural Resources has protected over 20,000 acres — just an absolutely outstanding number,' Moore said. 'It is truly legacy work.'
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Debate heats up as Ocean City wind farm moves forward
The Maryland Department of the Environment has made a final determination to approve permits for Baltimore-based US Wind Inc. to build the first large-scale offshore wind project near Ocean City. According to MDE, 'The proposed construction and commissioning of the offshore wind project would not cause violations of any applicable air pollution control regulations.' The decision, issued Friday, is the latest move in a multi-year, controversial effort to bring the plan to fruition. U.S. Wind has proposed 114 turbines that would be about 11 miles from shore at their closest, according to documents filed by the company with the Maryland Public Service Commission. The project would deliver 1,710 megawatts with turbines about 10 miles from Ocean City, according to its Maryland PSC application. The build-out would occur in several phases, with the first turbines intended for operation in 2028, according to the commission document. Opponents of the project, who include Ocean City Mayor Richard Meehan, argue that the wind farms could harm the environment and wildlife, degrade air quality and damage the region's tourism economy by marring the beach view. 'It is unconscionable to believe that the Maryland Department of Environment is ignoring pre-established permitting deadlines and fundamentally ignoring every shred of feedback offered by those who will be directly involved if this poorly conceived and potentially disastrous offshore wind project is allowed to move forward,' Meehan said in a statement Friday, following the MDE decision. 'The entire economy of our coastal resort town is dependent on tourism, our eco system, and commercial fishing, all of which will be significantly impacted if hundreds of these giant eyesores are constructed 10 miles from our beaches.' In October, the town of Ocean City filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the wind farm that is closest to beginning construction along its shoreline. The ongoing suit alleges that the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management violated federal law when it approved the construction plan for US Wind's project. There are several groups circulating petitions against the wind farms, including nonprofit Save Ocean City and Indian River High School Engineering Students Class Of 2025 & 2026. Ocean City resident Spencer Rowe said he is concerned about the environmental impact of the wind farms. 'In my experience, more and more people are starting to question the proposed wind farms, although many of them are not motivated enough to sign [petitions],' Rowe said in an email to The Baltimore Sun. 'Traveling [around] town, one sees a lot of bumper stickers and restaurant signs displaying opposition messages. I talk to a lot of people about this, and nearly everyone is opposed now that they are learning more about all the detrimental impacts, both to the offshore environment and to our priceless viewshed.' Maryland has made significant investments in wind energy in recent years. The US Wind project is projected to create 13,000 jobs and net more than $6 billion in economic benefits. For fiscal year 2025 alone, $5 million was allocated to build a wind energy workforce and supply chain. Under state law, Maryland must reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. The state also aims to develop up to 8,500 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2031. Despite some expressing environmental and economic concerns, others continue to support the development of offshore wind farms. In a letter to The Sun, Berlin resident Larry Austin Ryan outlined 10 reasons why people should not sign a petition recently sponsored by the Town of Ocean City to push wind turbines more than 26 miles off Maryland's coast. 'Wind power is the fastest growing energy industry in the world! Jobs in wind turbine technology are also one of the fastest growing areas of employment in living wage jobs,' Ryan wrote. 'The Ocean City area is guaranteed 60 jobs and there will be many more jobs in Salisbury and Baltimore in the manufacture and distribution of wind turbines and their components. With the addition of this many jobs, more visitors will have more discretionary income allowing them to enjoy the fruits of their labor in Ocean City.' 'Electricity produced by offshore wind will supply more than 750,000 homes and businesses on the Eastern shore,' Ryan added. 'It will ensure a large-scale improvement of our already inadequate electrical grid here on the shore and avoid a surcharge to Maryland ratepayers for having to import electricity from out of state. This will allow continued economic growth for all the shore in the 21 st century.' A petition to review MDE's decision must be filed by July 14 in the circuit court for the county where the permit application indicates the proposed activity will occur. 'The permits were issued after a thorough review of US Wind's application and following a public process,' an MDE spokesperson said in an email Saturday. 'Due to significant public interest, the Department of the Environment extended the time for the public to provide input. All feedback was carefully reviewed.' Aside from public debate, US Wind's project is facing legal and political hurdles. On May 5, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown sued President Donald Trump's administration for freezing the development of offshore wind energy projects. Brown and a coalition of 17 attorneys general allege that the executive order threatens states' abilities to secure affordable energy sources, meet the increasing electricity demand, meet climate goals and disrupt billions of dollars in infrastructure and supply chain investments, according to the lawsuit. 'The president's actions violate federal law and will make it harder for us to help Marylanders keep the money they make. One of the best strategies for driving down utility costs is ramping up clean energy production through wind power,' Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement at the time. 'At a moment when families are feeling the strain of high energy bills, we should focus on cutting red tape, not halting critical infrastructure projects.' Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@ or on X as @ToddKarpovich.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cleanup underway after 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel leaks in Baltimore marina
BALTIMORE, Md. () — Emergency crews in Baltimore are working to clean up a spill after about 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel leaked in Harbor East. Maryland officials said the incident happened around 11 a.m. on June 4, when fuel began leaking from the Johns Hopkins Hospital's facility in East Baltimore. Nearly two hours later, the Baltimore City Fire Department was dispatched to a marina in Harbor East. While investigating the spill, officials learned that the fuel began leaking into the marina from the facility, which was about 1.3 miles away. Around 100 firefighters respond to Northwest DC house fire As of Wednesday afternoon, the spill was contained in the marina at the South Central Avenue Bridge. The Maryland Department of the Environment said the water was stained red because of the dye in the oil. Officials noted that it will not impact drinking water in the area. More than 10 agencies across Maryland have been called to help contain the spill. Officials said the U.S. Coast Guard and a private contractor are working to clear the oil from the water by using oil absorbent materials and skimmers that will feed into a 4,000-gallon pump truck. During a press conference on Thursday morning, officials said several geese were removed from the water and taken to a wildlife rehab center. 'We are going to do everything in our power to restore the area as quickly as possible without compromising public safety,' said Mayor Scott. As cleanup efforts continue, traffic will be disrupted, and Central Avenue to Fleet Street will be closed. Check for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Governor Moore declares State of Emergency in Western Maryland due to historic flooding
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (DC News Now) — Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency in Western Maryland Thursday in response to historic flooding. Moore travelled to assess the damage sustained from Tuesday's storm, where over five inches of rain resulted in major floods in Allegany and Garrett Counties. First responders brace for rising floodwaters along Potomac, Shenandoah rivers According to the governor's office, this marks the second-highest Georges Creek crest, causing , power and gas line outages, and road closures. Throughout his visit, Moore stopped by Westernport fire hall, library, local businesses, and Westernport Elementary School, where he assured residents that the State of Maryland will continue working towards the community's full recovery. Swiftwater rescue teams evacuated over 200 students and faculty from Westernport and George's Creek elementary schools Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday, first responders conducted welfare checks, and as of Thursday, crews have shifted their priorities from response to recovery efforts. No additional flooding is expected. 'After surveying the damage and receiving updates on the work still ahead in Western Maryland, I've declared a State of Emergency to accelerate our response,' said Moore. 'Today, our thoughts are with the Marylanders who have been directly impacted by this storm, and our gratitude is with all of the first responders, crisis managers, and public servants who raised their hands to support our people in a moment of need.' Congresswoman April McClain Delaney joined Moore in touring the affected areas and commented on the damage she witnessed. 'Being here in Western Maryland today with Governor Moore and seeing the aftermath of the flooding firsthand is overwhelming,' said Delaney. 'You don't fully grasp the scale of it until you're standing here, witnessing it for yourself. We've met families who had to evacuate their homes, and small business owners now facing tough choices. The damage is real, but so is the strength of the people here. We're listening, and we're committed to doing everything in our power to make sure help gets where it's needed.' Public officials also shared their perspective on the community's response to the flooding. 'This was a serious test for public safety and health, and we responded with urgency,' said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. 'Drinking water systems were damaged, homes were flooded, and families were impacted. We acted quickly to confirm that our dams were operating correctly, offer emergency help for contaminated home heating oil tanks, and support safe debris removal. Our focus now is on long-term recovery, guiding infrastructure repairs, fast-tracking permits, and staying close to communities as they rebuild.' For live updates on Maryland traffic conditions, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
