BALTIMORE, MD (August 19, 2008) – Today, the State of Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), with the assistance of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, submitted a Citizen’s Notification letter to the United States Army notifying the Department of Defense that if environmental requirements at Fort Meade are not complied with, MDE would file suit in federal court seeking injunctive relief.

The following is a statement from Maryland Department of the Environment Shari T. Wilson:

Fort Meade has been listed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Priority List, the nation’s list of the most seriously contaminated sites identified for long-term cleanup. Environmental assessment and cleanup is underway at many portions of the site, but more remains to be done. The United States Army has stated it intends to enter into a legally binding agreement, known as a Federal Facility Agreement, with the Environmental Protection Agency, to bring its Fort Meade facility into compliance. Our agency fully supports this effort and stands ready to assist all parties involved.

There is no immediate public health threat or concern. The intent of this letter is to prompt the Army to enter into a long-term legally binding commitment to clean up Fort Meade as soon as possible.

It is imperative that the United States Army follow through on its commitment to clean up known environmental issues at Fort Meade as soon as possible. The notice letter is intended to emphasize the importance we place on full compliance with the U.S. EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Order and the need to enter into the Federal Facilities Agreement.

The Maryland Department of the Environment would like to commend Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler for working with our agency on this important issue and for providing us with critical advice on today’s action.

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