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The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) was well represented this year at the MACo (Maryland Association of Counties) Convention in Ocean City, August 16-19. Every August this conference gathers representatives from all of the state’s counties, state agencies, private industry, political groups and other interested parties and stakeholders. There are general meetings, open forums and informative sessions. A large exhibit hall showcases the various counties, state agencies and industry set up individual exhibits to inform the attendees about their organizational accomplishments and capabilities. Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., addressed the convention on the closing day.
As occurred the last two years, this year MDE Secretary Kendl P. Philbrick was scheduled more than any other Department Secretary to address our state’s environmental and growth issues in an open forum on the opening morning. This has become a popular event in recent years, drawing more than 70 attendees. A casual interactive session was open to attendees, or to anyone who may have questions concerning their dealings with MDE. The department’s administration directors were also present to answer stakeholder questions and assist them in finding solutions to comply with Maryland’s laws as well as manage their resources.
Later the first day, Secretary Philbrick joined Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Audrey Scott to lead a session on growth and water management. Attendees learned about the rapid growth the state is experiencing and the importance of the state and local government to plan for water quality and quantity needs.
The next day Secretary Philbrick participated in a panel discussion with a PowerPoint presentation on growth at one of the affiliate sessions, “When the Well Runs Dry – Water Capacity and Runoff Planning”. Delegate Barry Glassman from Harford County moderated the session with three panelists (Secretary Philbrick, EPA Associate Director Carin Bisland, and Carroll County Planner Steve Horn). Each panelist had 15 minutes for a presentation, followed by a 15-minute question and answer period.
MDE also displayed a booth in the exhibit hall for two full days providing important collateral information and additional resources from the department. This included the recently released 2002-2006 MDE Accomplishments Report.
Much meeting and greeting goes on in a relaxed atmosphere with valuable information exchanges among interested parties. Among the several hundred booths set up for the conference, the State of Maryland organized the “Maryland Village” which joined many state agencies in one section to better serve attendees with “one stop shopping” for a hotbed of issues and information.
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