The Service works to ensure a safe drinking-water supply and minimize the environmental impact of residential and industrial wastewater discharge. County, municipal and private facilities, as well as all State plants at correctional institutions, health facilities, rest areas, and parks are operated and maintained by the Service. 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. Environmental protection programs that are State-mandated, such as scrap tire stockpile cleanup and recovery, and used motor oil and antifreeze recycling are overseen by the Service. In addition, the Service conducts yard waste and composting projects, marketing their byproducts.
The Service operates and maintains the water and wastewater treatment plant at the Eastern Correctional Institution in Somerset County. To meet the energy needs of the Eastern Correctional Institution, the Service also operates a co-generation facility which burns wood chips for steam, hot water, and electricity. In addition, the Service operates the Biological Nutrient Removal Plant at the Maryland Correctional Institution-Hagerstown in Washington County.
Over 140 water and wastewater treatment facilities are run by the Service as are waste disposal and recycling facilities, such as 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. The Service also operates the Montgomery County Material Recycling Facility, the Baltimore County Resource Recovery Facility, and the Western Acceptance Facility in Baltimore County. Operating funds for the Maryland Environmental 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.
Governing the Service is the nine-member Board of Directors. 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).
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