Notice of Public Meeting on the Process to Develop a New General Permit for Stormwater Discharge

[Notice from MDE]

During the recent renewal process for the General Discharge Permit for Storm Water Discharges associated with Construction Activity, MDR10 (General Permit), the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) received significant comments from several stakeholders.

Many of these comments suggested ways that the Department's regulatory oversight over stormwater discharges related to construction activity could be strengthened. With the goal of having new regulations and a new general permit in place by December 31, 2008, MDE has outlined a public process to involve all stakeholders in the review of discharge standards for construction sites. Public meetings are tentatively scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month through October. The second public meeting regarding these issues is scheduled for:

Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Aeris and Aqua Conference Rooms in Montgomery Park, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230.

Attendees arriving by car should park in Montgomery Park's Red Lot, which has an entrance on Washington Boulevard between I-95 and Monroe Street. Please proceed to the front desk area for MDE, which is to the left after entering the front doors of Montgomery Park. The conference rooms are near the front desk.

The second public meeting will continue discussions begun during the first public meeting in April. Persons who wish to present information regarding the General Permit may speak at the public meeting, submit written comments at the public meeting, or submit a written statement to MDE at any time throughout the public process. All comments will be considered in the preparation of a final permit. Written comments should be addressed to the Maryland Department of the Environment, Water Management Administration, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, Maryland, 21230-1708, Attn: Karen Kotofski-Smith. Information regarding the General Permit, including a copy of the current permit, may be viewed on the Department website, www.mde.state.md.us. Any hearing impaired person may request an interpreter to be present at the public hearing by giving five days notice to Ms. Karen Kotofski-Smith at the address listed above or by contacting her at 410-537-3510.