Environmental issues count
Nearly 70 percent of people participating in an MDE survey said they are very concerned about clean water issues.
The informal survey also found that a large majority of respondents are concerned about a range of environmental issues.
More than 190 people took the survey, conducted at the MDE booth at the 2011 Maryland State Fair. Participants provided their opinion on eight environmental topics: Air Pollution, Climate Change and Clean Energy, Water Pollution, Drinking Water, Waste, Recycling, Lead Poisoning, and Green Jobs/Green Economy. Participants were asked to rate these topics on a scale of 1 (Very Concerned) to 5 (Not Concerned).
The survey generated more than 1,500 responses for the various topics – and more than half of responses selected were “Very Concerned.” Moreover, nearly 90 percent of the responses across all topics were rated as a 1, 2, or 3. Less than one percent of the responses were for “Not Concerned.”
Innovations in stormwater
The City of Rockville and Town of Edmonston were recognized with the 2011 Smart, Green, and Growing Sustainable Infrastructure/Innovation in Stormwater Management Award.
For its project, Rockville renovated a six-acre park, created a functional stormwater management facility with aesthetic features, and restored sections of stream. Because of the project, stormwater is treated from 79 acres that were previously untreated.
Edmonston’s Green Streets project addressed flooding and stormwater runoff problems, and included a bioretention area and pervious surfaces. It also included street trees, LED lighting, and bike paths.
The awards were announced at MDE’s first Clean Water Innovations Trade Show in Baltimore. Both award-winning projects received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants through MDE.
Paper reporting goes down the drain
MDE wants National Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees to know of a new, electronic way to sign and submit Discharge Monitoring Reports to the EPA and MDE. Permit holders, after obtaining MDE approval, who use NetDMR will no longer have to mail hard-copy forms. The new tool will streamline reporting, improve the timeliness and quality of the data being submitted, and provide a substantial cost savings. It is designed to reduce the burden on EPA, states, and the regulated community.
Permittees and Data Provider training for NetDMR is now being offered by webinar through EPA. To register for NetDMR training contact: netdmr@epa.gov. More information on NetDMR can be found on EPA’s website. NetDMR can also be accessed through the MDE website.
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