Code of Maryland Regulations Title 26 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT
1. Purpose of Title 26 – Department of the Environment
Title 26 of COMAR contains the rules and regulations governing the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
The MDE is the state agency responsible for protecting and restoring Maryland’s environment, including its air, water, land, and natural resources.
Title 26 establishes:
How the department operates
How it enforces environmental laws
How permits, inspections, and enforcement actions are conducted
Standards for environmental protection across multiple programs
2. Mission and Role of MDE
The rules describe the mission of MDE, which includes:
Protecting natural resources: Air, water, soil, and wildlife
Regulating pollution and waste: Industrial, agricultural, and municipal sources
Issuing permits and licenses: For activities that affect the environment
Monitoring compliance: Ensuring individuals, businesses, and agencies follow environmental laws
Providing guidance and assistance: Helping regulated entities understand and comply with requirements
3. Scope of Title 26
Title 26 covers regulations for multiple environmental areas, including but not limited to:
Air Quality
Emissions standards for industries and vehicles
Permitting of facilities that release pollutants
Air monitoring and reporting
Water Quality
Water pollution control
Stormwater management
Drinking water protection and permitting
Wastewater treatment standards
Land and Waste Management
Solid and hazardous waste handling and disposal
Landfills, recycling, and composting regulations
Site cleanup and remediation of contaminated land
Environmental Permits
Permit application processes
Conditions, renewals, and compliance requirements
Public notice and comment procedures
Enforcement and Compliance
Inspection authority of MDE
Penalties for violations
Corrective actions and remediation requirements
Resource Management
Wetlands protection
Shoreline and waterway conservation
Environmental impact assessments
4. Administrative Structure
Title 26 defines the organization of MDE:
Secretary of the Environment: Head of MDE, appointed by the Governor
Deputy Secretaries and Divisions: Each division oversees specific environmental programs (air, water, land, waste, etc.)
Advisory Committees: Provide recommendations on policies and regulations
Field Offices and Inspectors: Conduct inspections, monitoring, and enforcement
5. Regulatory Procedures
Title 26 lays out how MDE enforces environmental rules:
Permitting
Applicants submit detailed plans and reports
MDE reviews compliance with state and federal standards
Public notice may be required for certain permits
Monitoring
MDE monitors air, water, and soil quality
Facilities may be required to submit reports regularly
Inspections
MDE inspectors can enter regulated sites
Inspections ensure compliance with regulations
Enforcement
Violations can result in fines, permit suspension, or orders to remediate environmental damage
Appeals
Regulated parties may appeal MDE decisions following administrative procedures
6. Compliance and Enforcement
MDE has authority to:
Conduct investigations of suspected violations
Issue notices of violation or fines
Require corrective action to restore compliance
Suspend or revoke environmental permits
Take legal action when necessary
These measures ensure protection of public health and natural resources.
7. Public Participation
Title 26 encourages community involvement:
Public hearings or comment periods on permits and regulations
Access to environmental data and reports
Opportunities for advocacy and input in policy decisions
8. Recordkeeping and Reporting
Regulated entities must:
Keep detailed records of emissions, discharges, waste handling, or remediation activities
Submit regular reports to MDE
Maintain records for a specified period to ensure accountability
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