The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) staff are always on call to ensure that all environmental emergencies are promptly addressed. MDE's Emergency Response Team is called into action as Maryland's frontline experts in hazardous materials spills, chemical fires and other environmental disasters. The team has also been heavily involved in response to the threat of terrorist attacks.
Environmental justice seeks equal protection from environmental and public health hazards for all people regardless of race, income, culture and social class.
Pollution Prevention (P2) offers a proactive approach to environmental management. As defined by the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, P2 is the reduction or elimination of pollution at the source rather than through control or treatment technologies at the end of the pipe or stack.
