The Service works to ensure a safe drinking-water supply and minimize the environmental impact of residential and industrial wastewater discharge. The Service operates and maintains county, municipal and private facilities, as well as all State-owned plants at correctional institutions, health facilities, rest areas, and parks. Wastewater sludge and dredged material from waterways also are managed by the Service.
At sanitary landfills, incinerators, and resource recovery facilities, the Service disposes of hazardous and solid waste. In addition, the Service conducts yard waste and composting projects, marketing the products that result.
Over 170 water and wastewater treatment facilities are run by the Service as are the Mid-Shore Regional Landfill in Talbot County; the Hawkins Point Hazardous Waste Landfill, and the Hart-Miller Island Dredged-Material Containment Facility in Baltimore County; the Yard Debris Composting Facility in Montgomery County; and the Regional Yard Debris Composting Facility in Prince George's County. Operating funds for the Maryland Envrionmental Service are generated by fees charged for its services to private entities, and federal, State and local governments. The Service also may issue revenue bonds.
A nine-member Board of Directors governs the Service. The Board Director and five members are appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. A Deputy Director, Secretary, and Treasurer are appointed by the Director with the Governor's approval. Nonofficer members serve four-year terms (Code Natural Resources Article, secs. 3-101 through 3-132).
© Copyright July 18, 2000 Maryland State Archives