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The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) inspectors are the agency’s eyes and ears in the field. They are a key element to MDE’s process: permits are issued, facilities are inspected and enforcement is justified when violations occur. Inspectors provide a wealth of knowledge, not only when detecting violations, but when passing on the latest regulatory information, best management practices and answers to a facility’s questions about environmental compliance.
To keep MDE’s inspectors up to date with various requirements for their jobs, the department sponsored a daylong “Inspectors’ Forum” on June 6 at the Conference Center at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum. The event allowed inspectors to network, hear from MDE’s leadership, and learn from subject matter experts. Almost all of MDE’s 132 inspectors attended, including those from the Frostburg field office in Western Maryland and the Cambridge and Salisbury offices on the Eastern Shore.
Support from our Secretary
MDE Secretary Shari T. Wilson gave the welcoming remarks, which both supported the critically important work performed by inspectors, and emphasized the crucial nature of their work in the overall environmental regulatory structure. “Enforcement is the core of MDE’s mission. We are indebted to our 132 inspectors on the front lines addressing environmental problems every day,” said Secretary Wilson. “We recognize MDE’s budget constraints and have initiated a fiscal analysis project, which will analyze revenues, expenditures, staff resource allocation and needs, including enforcement.’’
Samantha Beers, EPA Region III enforcement chief, reviewed national enforcement initiatives. She alluded to MDE’s leadership role in the Region and the quality of MDE’s inspection program. She stated, “A coordinated inspection program is vital to the success of any regulatory program. The experience of MDE’s inspectors accounts for their many accomplishments.”
MDE Assistant Secretary Stephen Pattison reviewed the State Agency Compliance Initiative. “This effort will assure that all of Maryland’s state agencies are in full compliance with environmental requirements,” said Assistant Secretary Pattison. “The development of detailed environmental plans for all state facilities will be an outgrowth of this initiative.”
Just the Facts
Robert Ballinger, deputy director of MDE’s Office of Communications, introduced Mark Vernarelli, his counterpart at the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Mr. Vernarelli enlightened the inspectors on what it’s like to work with the press. He stressed the need to be objective and only give facts, not opinions or speculation.
Other speakers included representatives from the Office of the Attorney General and the Maryland State Police. Inspectors also had open discussions with administration directors to cover any issues on their mind.
Click here for more information about MDE’s Enforcement and Compliance Program.
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