Are you concerned about the health of Maryland’s environment? Well, you’ll be happy to know that there’s an organization working tirelessly to improve it. The Maryland Environmental Service (MES) is dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing our state’s natural resources, promoting sustainable development, and protecting public health. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing five ways MES is making a positive impact on the environment and improving the well-being of all Marylanders. So sit back, relax, and prepare to learn how MES is leading the charge for a cleaner and healthier state!
Improving Drinking Water Quality
1. Maryland Environmental Service has been working to improve the health of our state’s drinking water by targeting invasive species, improving treatment processes and increasing awareness and testing among residents.
2. In 2011, MES began a project to remove invasive zebra mussels from the Potomac River. The potomac is one of the state’s major water sources, supplying water to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., as well as several counties in central Maryland. Removing these mussels was an important part of the project, since they can clog pipes and reduce filtration capacity.
3. Throughout the state, MES has been working to address other threats to drinking water quality such as harmful algae blooms and lead contamination. In 2013, MES helped fund a study that found high levels of lead contamination in Baltimore’s Watershed Streams near schools and homes. This led to heightened awareness in the area and interventions by local officials to address lead-related risks.
Increasing public awareness of environmental health risks
Environmental health risks are not only a problem for humans, they can also pose a risk to the environment. Across the United States, environmental health risks cost taxpayers an estimated $150 billion per year in damages.
One way that Maryland Environmental Service is improving the health of our state is by increasing public awareness of environmental health risks. In 2017, MEHRI released a report called Mercury in Maryland Waters: A Synthesis Report on Mercury and Other Toxics in Surface Waters. This report provides an overview of mercury pollution in Maryland waters and highlights ways to reduce mercury pollution. MEHRI also created a website called MercuryInMDWater.org that provides resources on how to reduce mercury pollution from your home.
Another way that Maryland Environmental Service is improving the health of our state is by providing information about environmental health risks during outreach events and programs. For example, during the summer of 2018, MEHRI held several events throughout Maryland to provide information about environmental health hazards such as lead poisoning and asthma-causing pollutants. By providing this information to residents, we are help them make informed decisions about their environment and their health.
Enhancing the enforcement of environmental laws
In recent years, Maryland has seen a dramatic increase in environmental law enforcement. One way the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is enhancing enforcement is by using data-driven approaches. By analyzing incidents and trends, MDE can target its resources more effectively to clean up contaminated sites and protect public health.
MDE also uses volunteers to help enforce environmental laws. By training these volunteers and providing them with information about environmental regulations, MDE can encourage people to report illegal activities and help ensure compliance with environmental laws.
Through education and outreach efforts, MDE also aims to inform the public about the importance of environmental protection. By engaging residents in discussions about their environment, MDE can create a more informed population that will demand better compliance from businesses and government officials.
Supporting innovative environmental programs
Environmental Service (MES) is a vital part of ensuring that the state’s environment remains healthy. In addition to implementing environmental programs, MES provides support for innovative environmental initiatives.
One such initiative is the Maryland Green Infrastructure Program (MGIP). MGIP helps municipalities develop and implement green infrastructure projects, which improve water quality and overall environmental health. The program has helped jurisdictions reduce wastewater treatment plant emissions by more than 111,000 metric tons of nitrogen oxide since 2006, saving an estimated $2 million in avoided health costs annually.
MES also provides funding for air quality improvement projects through the State Air Quality Implementation Plan (SAQIP). SAQIP helps jurisdictions reduce harmful air pollutants while supporting economic growth. More than 1,500 projects have been funded since 1998, resulting in significant reductions in emissions across the state.
Conclusion
Maryland environmental service is working hard to improve the health of our state through a variety of initiatives. From reducing pollution, to fighting against invasive species, MES is constantly striving to make Maryland a healthier place for everyone. Thanks to their efforts, we can all enjoy cleaner air and water, and a stronger economy overall.
