BALTIMORE, MD (July 1, 2008) The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Air and Radiation Administration (ARMA) is responsible for ensuring that the air quality in Maryland meets standards that protect public heath and the environment along with ensuring that the use of radioactive materials is done in accordance with stringent safety standards. The Air and Radiation Management Administration finalized the following enforcement actions between April 1st thru May 30th 2008. These enforcement actions cover the counties of Washington, Harford, Frederick, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City.

“Enforcing environmental laws is an important component of Maryland’s efforts to protect human health and the environment,” said MDE Secretary Shari T. Wilson. “We are indebted to our 132 inspectors who are responsible for enforcing Maryland’s environmental laws.”

MDE requires permits for specified categories of businesses operating in Maryland to control air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases that include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. VOCs are a key contributor to ground-level ozone or smog. Exposure to VOCs both indoors and outside can result in a variety of health effects including irritation to eyes, nose and throat, and damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and other organs in increased concentrations.

• Fil-tec – Washington County -- On April 22, MDE received payment in the amount of $17,500 from Fil-tec to address violations of air quality requirements. Fil-tec receives and stores methanol, a VOC, along with applying it to threads using coating machines. VOC emissions are controlled by two thermal afterburners, which were discovered to have not been in proper operation during multiple days of production. The estimated excess VOC emissions during this time were estimated to be about 1.5 tons. The penalty was issued April 4, and the company paid the penalty within 30 days as required in the Notice of Assessed Civil Penalty.

Maryland law requires that all users of radioactive materials must have a license, and must follow procedures and regulations. This licensing process ensures that users understand how to handle radioactive materials in a safe manner.

• Isaacs & Nawy, DDS – Baltimore County -- On May 1, MDE issued a letter of violation assessing $1,000 to Isaacs & Nawy, DDS for six violations of Maryland radiation control regulations pertaining to dental facilities.
• Boston Street Dentistry – Baltimore City -- On May 1, MDE issued a letter of violation assessing $500 to Boston Street Dentistry for a violation of Maryland radiation control regulations pertaining to dental facilities.
Electricity generators in Maryland must submit periodic emission reports to MDE. These reports provide information that MDE uses to ensure that these stationary sources comply with state regulations. If the generator is not in compliance, then MDE can recommend and/or require appropriate mitigation.
• Constellation Energy – Perryman, Harford County -- On April 30, MDE received a penalty payment of $19,000 from Constellation Energy, from a penalty issued on March 17. The penalty action addressed violations of the emission standard for nitrogen oxides (NOx) at Constellation’s Perryman facility. The Perryman facility consists of five combustion turbines that mainly operate during times of peak electrical demand, such as hot summer days. Based on Continuous Emission Monitor (CEM) data reported by the company in their quarterly report, MDE determined that one of the combustion turbines violated the established NOx limit on four different days.

MDE regulates toxic air emissions and pollutants. Dioxin is one of the air toxics covered under these rules, and has been determined to be harmful to human health and the environment.

• A Frederick County Circuit Court Judge, making it a final Decree, signed Essroc Cement Corporation –Frederick County -- on April 15, the Consent Decree signed between MDE and Essroc. The Decree was filed on March 28 and addresses violations of Essroc’s Title V air quality operating permit and of federal air toxics requirements. Essroc Cement Corporation operates a Portland cement manufacturing company in Buckeystown, Frederick County. The violations include failure to perform monitoring and record keeping, and violation of parameters set to limit dioxin emissions from the cement kiln. The Consent Order includes a $100,000 penalty and requirements to address and correct the violations.

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