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EPA Plans to Give Maryland Authority Over Hazardous Waste Regulations

Release Date: 6/6/2001
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to authorize Maryland to administer and enforce updates to the state’s hazardous waste regulations.

EPA’s action is in accordance with the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) which grants states primary responsibility for implementing hazardous waste regulations because states are in a better position to respond to local needs. Under RCRA, duplication of effort between the state’s and the federal hazardous waste program is reduced.

Before EPA’s approval, the public has 30 days to review and comment on the state’s application and EPA’s decision. The comment period ends July 2, 2001. If no adverse comments are received, EPA’s decision will automatically take effect in 60 days.

Anyone interested in viewing the Maryland authorization application can call the EPA’s Regional Library at (215) 814-5254 or the Maryland Department of the Environment at (410) 631-3345.

The public may provide written comments on EPA’s decision to approve Maryland’s Authorization Application for Hazardous Waste Management Program Revisions by sending written comments to: Carol Johnson, Maryland State Program Manager, State Programs Branch (3WC21), U.S. EPA Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029.