A new report by the Environmental Integrity Project and Center for Progressive Reform, Toxic Runoff from Maryland Industry, examined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Maryland records for 180 industrial sites that reported monitoring results from January 2014 to March 2017. The review found that 36 percent (65 total) released stormwater with excessive levels of pollutants, such as lead (a potent neurotoxin), as well as zinc, aluminum, and copper (which can kill marine life).
Because of inadequate pollution controls, violations of Maryland’s general industrial stormwater permit, and inadequate funding and staffing for effective enforcement, this hazardous pollution is running off of these sites when it rains, working its way to nearby rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay.
