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EPA Cites University of Maryland Medical Systems for Environmental Violations

Release Date: 7/15/2002
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited the University of Maryland Medical System Corp, in Baltimore, for inadequate measures to prevent oil spills from petroleum tanks.

"Compliance with environmental regulations, especially pollution prevention safeguards, is vital to protecting our communities and our rivers and streams," said EPA mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh.

The hospital has a total capacity of 28,000 gallons in above-ground and underground oil storage tanks. The facility’s storm water sewers discharge into the Middle Branch of the Patuxent River. The proposed penalty for these alleged violations is $14,976.

This hospital, located on a university campus, was inspected as a part of a special enforcement initiative. Since 1999, following seminars and other outreach activities, EPA Region III’s has inspected 15 colleges and universities for compliance with environmental regulations. EPA continues to provides assistance to college and universities to help them comply with environmental regulations. See our compliance assistance website at https://www.epa.gov/clearinghouse.

Through this enforcement initiative, EPA has found that although institutions of higher education are generally subject to the same environmental regulations affecting other institutions, they have not always faced the same scrutiny from federal and state regulators.

The hospital may request a hearing to contest the alleged violations and the proposed penalties.