Health, Sci-Tech

MDE, Baltimore leadership reach agreement on corrections at Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of the Environment and Baltimore leadership have reached an agreement that charts a course for continued progress at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. The revised order, issued by MDE Secretary Horacio Tablada and consented to by Baltimore City, requires the city to cooperate with MES in order to prevent or correct water pollution and ensure …


Health, Sci-Tech

HEALTH ALERT: Residents advised to avoid contact with water in Back River

BALTIMORE, MD—Due to contaminants in Back River that can cause illness, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Health on Friday issued an alert advising residents to avoid contact with the water. The advisory contains the following recommendations: Avoid contact with Back River water Do not drink stream water Do not swim or wade in the …


Maryland Department of the Environment issues statement after solid material seen floating in Back River [VIDEO]

UPDATE: A Health Alert has been issued advising residents to avoid contact with the water in the Back River. Original story below… —— ESSEX, MD—The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a statement indicating that it has has begun to take steps toward improving operations at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant after solid materials were spotted floating in …

Former Executive Director of Maryland Environmental Service facing federal, state charges for allegedly fraudulently obtaining over $276,731 from employer, and state felony violations of the Maryland Wiretap Statute

UPDATE 2: The U.S. Marshals Service is searching for McGrath and an arrest warrant has been issued. UPDATE: A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment adding an additional charge against Roy C. McGrath. Original story below… BALTIMORE, MD—As a result of a collaborative investigation, a federal grand jury on Tuesday returned an indictment, and a state criminal information …

Governor Hogan signs 66 bills into law [VIDEO]

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Tuesday signed 66 bills into law, including legislation to preserve and expand telehealth and mental health services across the state, increase access to high-speed Internet, and bring critical reforms to the Maryland Environmental Service (MES). The governor was joined by Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones. “I want to thank our …

Governor Hogan calls for systemic reforms to Maryland Environmental Service

ANNAPOLIS, MD—In a letter to General Assembly leaders (below) on Wednesday, Governor Larry Hogan called for bipartisan systemic reforms to the governance structure, oversight, and management of the Maryland Environmental Service (MES). Recent developments have brought to light serious issues with regards to the lack of financial oversight and controls in place at the corporation, including concerns with how MES …

Governor Hogan orders audit of Maryland Environmental Service, calls for legislative reforms

UPDATE: Roy McGrath has been indicted on federal and state charges – details here. Original story below… —— ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Tuesday issued the following statement: “It has recently come to light that the Maryland Environmental Service has a longstanding practice of paying large bonuses, expense reimbursements, and severance packages to its top executives. This is something no …

Governor Hogan launches new push for clean, renewable energy

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Wednesday announced new initiatives to promote clean and renewable energy projects in Maryland. Governor Hogan signed Executive Order 01.01.2019.09, establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Renewable Energy Development and Siting, which will work to develop consensus-based recommendations on the siting of new solar and wind energy projects in the state. To jump-start that process, the …