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On October 26, a thirteen-member delegation arrived from the Anhui Provincial Environmental Protection Bureau to explore MDE’s policies and programs. Anhui and Maryland recently celebrated 25 years as Sister States. As part of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in September of ‘05, this training was the first in a series of exchanges to foster cooperation in areas of mutual interest among Chinese and US environmental practices.
“The MOU reinforced MDE’s commitment to share ideas on policy development and environmental management, said Kendl P. Philbrick. “Anhui will benefit from our knowledgeable personnel and how they handle environmental management and regulation. We will supply training and longterm technical cooperation between our state and Anhui Province. ”
Six Days of Learning
MDE staff spent six days teaching seminars on policy development, strategic planning, emergency management, and the application of these concepts to water, air and waste. Staff from each of the administrations shared their expertise with their Anhui colleagues.
These critical issues were addressed in field trips and presentations that included a tour of the Easton Wastewater Treatment Plant, a discussion of Governor Robert L. Ehlrich’s innovative Bay Restoration Fund and Enhanced Nutrient Reduction.
The delegation spent an afternoon at the Maryland Emergency Management Administration (MEMA) learning more about the impressive technological capability of an agency that is tasked with protecting the state and DC proximity during natural disasters and terrorist threats. They also visited the MDE’s Beltsville Air Monitoring Station – our new site for multi-pollutant air monitoring, where ozone and trace level samples are taken to monitor lower pollution levels.
Hospitals, Green Buildings and International Port Commerce
MDE host staff provided a tour of the green building features of Montgomery Park, the building that houses our agency.
Our Anhui counterparts also spent an afternoon at Johns Hopkins Hospital to explain how a regulated facility deals with solid, hazardous, and radioactive waste.
A boat tour of the Port of Baltimore allowed the delegation to learn about the importance of international trade. The environmental challenges facing the port were discussed such as dredge spoil management and water quality.
A tour of the state house in Annapolis highlighted the history of Maryland, and included presentations on how environmental policy is developed in law and regulation.
MDE partnered with the Maryland-China Business Council to host an opening reception that provided an opportunity for Maryland businesses to meet the delegation and to promote their products.
The training enabled MDE staff members to get to know their Chinese colleagues and develop lasting relationships to promote cooperation. MDE hosted a crab feast and the Anhui delegation hosted a traditional Chinese dinner. A dinner in Little Italy closed the successful training. During the dinner, Mr. Wu Chaou, Division Chief, of the Anhui Environmental Protection Bureau and head of the delegation, expressed his appreciation to all of the MDE staff for developing an excellent program and invited MDE staff to visit Anhui. As part of our Memorandum of Understanding MDE will host delegations from Anhui in 2007 and 2008.
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