BALTIMORE, MD (August 9, 2005) – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) announced today that it has signed a Consent Order with Curtis Bay Energy (CBE) to reduce air emissions at the company’s medical waste processing facility in Baltimore. The agreement will result in cleaner air for Baltimore and Maryland citizens by reducing mercury and other emissions from plant operations.
“This agreement between MDE and CBE will result in reduced mercury and other emissions to the atmosphere and provide an improved environment for Baltimore and Maryland citizens,” said MDE Secretary Kendl P. Philbrick. “CBE has committed to install continuous mercury emission monitoring equipment, the first of its kind in use in Maryland. We are encouraged that we have reached this agreement to help clean the air.”
Under the terms of the order, CBE agrees to install and operate air pollution controls to reduce mercury emissions. CBE will also perform $125,000 in Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP), including research and development on new ways to control and monitor mercury emissions. CBE also agrees to perform a community-based SEP to address mercury in the general waste stream. Also under the terms of the order, CBE agrees to conduct an education and outreach program for its customers to minimize mercury in the waste received by CBE.
The order also requires Curtis Bay Energy to pay a $75,000 penalty for air pollution violations.
Curtis Bay Energy operates a commercial medical waste incinerator that takes medical and other waste from hospitals and other medical facilities for disposal. The facility, formerly known as Phoenix Services, is located in south Baltimore and began operation in 1990. It is subject to both state and federal air quality requirements.
“The agreement with CBE is part of MDE’s continuing efforts to control mercury emissions,” said MDE Air and Radiation Management Administration Director Thomas Snyder. “This agreement provides substantial protection for the health of the neighboring community.”
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