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List of State Officials - Martin O'Malley, Governor; Anthony Brown, Lt. Governor; Shari T. Wilson, MDE Secretary 

Volume III, Number 2

 June 2007

eMDE is a monthly publication of the Maryland Department of the Environment. It covers articles on current environmental issues and events in the state. 

:: Enforcement and Compliance Notes for Mid-April 2007 to Mid-May 2007

AIR AND RADIATION MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION

Synagro- Baltimore L.L.C. - On April 25, MDE issued a Notice of Proposed Penalty for $27,000 and a Corrective Order to Synagro for violations of air quality requirements. Synagro operates a pelletizer plant that dewaters sludge waste from Patapsco Waste Water Treatment Plant to form a dry pellet. The proposed penalty addresses a nuisance odor violation and violations of permit conditions that require certain operating parameters on the plant’s air pollution control equipment. Synagro had a malfunction of their control equipment that allowed sewage odor to affect nearby neighborhoods. During this time MDE received numerous citizen complaints about sewage odors. Based on MDE’s investigation it was determined that Synagro was the source of the odor. A review of quarterly monitoring reports revealed that Synagro failed to comply with permit conditions that require minimum flow rates, pH levels, and afterburner temperatures on the plant’s air pollution control equipment. The Corrective Order requires Synagro to prepare a plan for ARMA’s approval to ensure compliance with air quality regulations. Status: Synagro has 10 days to request a meeting to discuss the penalty and 10 days to appeal the Order. (Reference # ACP 07-07 and 07-04-02)

American Sugar Refining Company (Domino Sugar) – Baltimore City - On May 3, MDE received payment of a $45,000 penalty from American Sugar penalty, as required by a Consent Order signed with MDE. The Consent Order settles an enforcement action for violations of air quality requirements. The Consent Order also requires American Sugar to limit the operation of its boilers to ensure compliance with nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions limitations. American Sugar operates a large boiler subject to federal emissions limits for NOx. MDE is delegated to enforce these limits. MDE determined that American Sugar violated the NOx limits during a three-year period between 2003 and 2005. The facility also failed to submit emissions reports as required by the regulations. The facility has since returned to compliance. Status: Case closed. (Reference # AQCP 070424)

A & I, Inc. – Prince George’s County - On May 14, MDE signed a Consent Order with A&I, Inc. The Consent Order addresses violations of asbestos regulations at Martin Luther King Middle School. The violations occurred during an asbestos removal project conducted by A&I Contractors in the school’s boiler room. The Order requires payment of a $7,500 penalty. In addition to the penalty, the Order also requires A&I to send supervisors to attend asbestos training. This enforcement action began during a routine MDE inspection of an asbestos removal project at the school. Violations include failure to properly wet the job site, improper handling of asbestos waste, and failure of workers to wear proper protective gear. A&I has been a Maryland asbestos licensed contractor since 1986. MDE previously brought an enforcement action against the Company in 2002 for asbestos violations. Status: Case closed. (Reference # 070514)

Waste Management Administration

Badra Properties, LLC, Baltimore City – 13 affected properties – On April 16, MDE signed a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order containing a penalty equaling $5,000 with Suhbi Badra, signing individually and on behalf of Badra Properties LLC, for violation of Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. The agreement contains deadlines for bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – The first scheduled payment of $2,500 has been made. (Case Number 2006-30-9482)

Robert and Geraldine White, Baltimore City – 2 affected properties - On April 20, MDE signed a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order containing a penalty equaling $5,000 with Robert and Geraldine White for violation of Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. The agreement contains deadlines for bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – The penalty has been paid. (Case Number 2006-30-9328)

Joseph L. Russ, Baltimore City – 5 affected properties - On April 20, MDE signed a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order containing a penalty equaling $8,000 with Joseph L. Russ for violation of Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. The agreement contains deadlines for bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – The first scheduled payment of $1,000 has been made. (Case Number 2006-30-8819)

Ellsworth Development Corp. and Robert O’Brien, Baltimore City – 42 affected properties – On April 23, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty equaling $27,500 to Ellsworth Development Corp. and Robert O’Brien for violation of Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to register properties, and failure to bring nine of the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – Ellsworth Development Corp. and Robert O’Brien have 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number 2006-30-9821)

Mercy Forlu, Baltimore City – 1 affected property - On April 23, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty equaling $52,000 to Mercy Forlu for violating Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to register a property, and failure to bring the affected property into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – Mercy Forlu has 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number 2006-30-10034)

Daniel C. and Classie G. Hoyle, Baltimore City – 2 affected properties – On April 23, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty equaling $13,000 to Daniel C. and Classie G. Hoyle for violation of Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to register properties, and failure to bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – Daniel C. and Classie G. Hoyle have 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number 2006-30-10024)

Olusegun Orenega, Baltimore City – 4 affected properties – On April 23, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty equaling $16,500 to Olusegun Orenega for violating Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to register properties, and failure to bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – Olusegun Orenega has 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number 2006-30-10028)

Christiane M.H. Mandret-Wilson, Baltimore City – 5 affected properties – On April 24, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty equaling $27,500 to Christiane M.H. Mandret for violating Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to register properties, and failure to bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – Christiane M.H. Mandret has 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number 2006-30-9521)

Mr. Cephus M. Murrell, Baltimore City – 1 affected property - On May 1, MDE issued a Notice of Violation to Mr. Cephus M. Murrell for violation of Maryland’s Laws and Regulations concerning Lead Poisoning Prevention. An inspection found workers performing unsafe work practices at Mr. Cephus’s pre-1950 rental property. The unsafe practices included failure to ensure that persons at risk are removed from the affected property when work is performed, failure to post lead caution signs, and failure to contain dust and debris. The Notice contained an offer to settle the case for a penalty in the amount of $10,000. Status – If the penalty is not paid in 20 days, the matter will be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for possible action. (Case Number 07-30-10234)

Floyd B. Shrader T/A Shrader Home Oil, Washington County – On May 1, MDE issued a Complaint, Order and Administrative Penalty equaling $52,000 to Floyd B. Shrader, T/A Shrader Home Oil, for violating Maryland’s oil pollution laws by operating a facility for storage and delivery of petroleum products without the required Oil Operations Permit, and failure to report oil spills. Status – Floyd B. Shrader, T/A Shrader Home Oil, has 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number COV-OCP-2007-004)

Mount Vernon Portfolio Equities, LLC, Baltimore City – 7 affected properties - On May 4, MDE signed a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order containing a penalty equaling $12,000 with Mount Vernon Portfolio Equities, LLC for violation of Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. The agreement contains deadlines for bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – The penalty has been paid. (Case Number 2006-30-8879)

Joseph Okunfulure and Vincent Akinyode, Baltimore City – 3 affected properties – On May 7, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty equaling $38,500 to Joseph Okunfulure and Vincent Akinyode for violating Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to register properties, and failure to bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – Joseph Okunfulure and Vincent Akinyode have 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number 2007-30-10186)

Romancoke Properties, Kent County – 1 affected property – On May 7, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty equaling $40,000 to Romancoke Properties for violating Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to register a property, and failure to bring the affected property into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – Romancoke Properties has 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number 2006-14-9160)

Joseph and Anastasia Mancuso, Baltimore City – 1 affected property – On May 7, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty equaling $27,500 to Joseph and Anastasia Mancuso for violating Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to register a property, and failure to bring the affected property into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – Joseph and Anastasia Mancuso have 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number 2006-30-9992)

Michael L. Thompson, Baltimore City – 3 affected properties – On May 7, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty equaling $38,500 to Michael L. Thompson for violating Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to register properties, and failure to bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – Michael L. Thompson has 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number 2006-30-9985)

Bowman Hollyhock, LLC, Washington County – 5 affected properties – On May 7, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty equaling $16,500 to Bowman Hollyhock, LLC for violating Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to register properties, and failure to bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – Bowman Hollyhock, LLC has 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number 2006-21-9452)

Edward T. Rollins, Jr., Baltimore City – 1 affected property – On May 7, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty equaling $44,000 to Edward T. Rollins, Jr. for violating Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to register a property, and failure to bring the affected property into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – Edward T. Rollins, Jr. has 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number 2006-30-10001)

Ernest, Cora Anne and Michael Lynn Ferrara, Washington County – 1 affected property – On May 7, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty equaling $13,700 to Ernest, Cora Anne and Michael Lynn Ferrara for violating Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to register a property, and failure to bring the affected property into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – Ernest, Cora Anne and Michael Lynn Ferrara have 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number 2007-21-9651)

S & S Venture, LLC, Washington County – 3 affected properties – On May 7, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty equaling $30,000 to S & S Venture, LLC for violating Maryland’s Lead Laws by failing to bring the affected properties into compliance with risk reduction standards. Status – S & S Venture, LLC has 10 days to request a hearing on the Complaint and Order and 30 days to request a hearing on the Penalty. (Case Number 2007-21-9656)

Ferdosi, Inc., et al, Baltimore City – 4 affected properties – On May 8, MDE signed a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order containing a penalty equaling $5,000 with Ferdosi, Inc., et al, for violation of Maryland’s Lead Laws. Status – The penalty has been paid. (Case Number 2000-30-2489)

WATER MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION

Woods at Myrtle Point, St. Mary’s County – On May 10, 2007, MDE issued an administrative Complaint and Penalty seeking a total of $60,000 in penalties against defendants P.F. Summers Myrtle Point, LLC, P.F. Summers, Inc. and Bay Country Enterprises, Inc. for alleged violations of sediment control, sediment pollution and water pollution control laws at the property under development known as the Woods at Myrtle Point located on Patuxent Boulevard in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. The defendants have ten days to appeal the $5,000 penalty for sediment control violations in this case and 30 days to appeal the $50,000 penalty for sediment pollution and the additional $5,000 penalty for water pollution. 
Status: Case pending. (Reference Case # AP-07-0479).

Water and Sediment Pollution Penalties – Statewide
During the period April 15, 2007 to May 15, 2007, MDE collected an additional $14,750 to the Maryland Clean Water Fund in resolution of alleged water pollution violations from seven facilities and $1,000 to the Maryland Sediment Fund in resolution of alleged sediment control and sediment pollution violations from one site. 


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©2007 Copyright MDE

 
Editorial Board
Maryland Department of the Environment
1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230
http://mde.maryland.gov/
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