Air Emissions
In compliance with Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act (CSNA) of 2022, which requires government agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, MVA is actively targeting equipment replacement and identifying areas for improvement that will help us meet this goal. According to CNSA, state government shall reach net zero emissions by 2045 and MVA is achieving this by:
- Ensuring all stationary sources of air emissions at MVA facilities (boilers, backup generators, etc.) are permitted, as required by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
- Conducting scheduled preventative maintenance to ensure optimal performance of equipment.
- Using natural gas as the primary fuel for the boilers that are routinely tested for efficiency. Compared to oil, natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel that results in reduced emissions.
- Continuing to convert MVA’s non-maintenance fleet to electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, MVA’s pool vehicle fleet is comprised of nearly 50% EVs.
- Encourage the use of EVs in Maryland by expanding the charging network. There are 22 EV charging stations located at MVA Branches throughout the state.
Asbestos
In compliance with Maryland Executive Order 01.01.1987.22, all MVA owned buildings have been inspected by an accredited asbestos inspector for asbestos-containing materials (ACM).
The MVA’s current Asbestos Management Plan provides information on the periodic monitoring of the condition of ACM remaining in our buildings through re-inspections, conducted by accredited asbestos inspectors, and through periodic surveillance, conducted by trained staff.
Abatement activities are performed in compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). Only accredited companies in the State of Maryland are contracted to perform asbestos abatement work.
Hazardous Materials
Due to the nature of the MVA’s operations, our campus is equipped with a robust uninterrupted power supply (UPS). In accordance with the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986, the MVA communicates the presence of chemical risks to local emergency responders. Information about an organization’s EPCRA filings (including MVA’s) and incidents involving chemical hazards in your community is publicly available by accessing EPA’s
EPCRA web site.
Pesticides
MVA has developed procedures for the proper handling, storage, and disposal of pesticides at all MVA locations. Only Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA)-Licensed Applicators (or Registered Employees recognized by MDA) are allowed to apply regulated pesticides at MVA facilities.
Recycling
As required by the Maryland Recycling Act (MRA) of 1988 and the subsequent House Bill 929 (Environment – Recycling Rates and Waste Diversion, 2012), all state facilities were required to achieve a waste reduction goal of 30% by 2014. The MVA is consistently meeting this goal by recycling mixed paper, shredded paper, cardboard, aluminum and tin cans, glass, and plastic bottles. Containers are placed throughout the MVA's facilities to collect these materials and we encourage our customers to deposit their items in the appropriate receptacles.
In addition to the items above, the MVA has established programs to recycle other materials generated at our facilities such as scrap metal (from license plates and furniture), used oil, and used kitchen grease. The MVA recycles these materials through appropriately permitted and/or licensed recyclers.
All Universal Wastes, including lamps, batteries, electronics, mercury containing equipment, pesticides, and PCB containing light ballasts, generated at MVA are managed in accordance with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations and sent to a licensed vendor for recycling.
Storage Tanks
The MVA utilizes Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST), Underground Storage Tanks (UST), and drums to contain fluids that are needed for, and wastes generated by, everyday operations at the MVA. The MVA employs many practices to ensure containers used for these purposes are in good condition and meet all regulations, which includes adhering to a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines, petroleum industry standards, RCRA requirements, and state requirements for fuel storage management (above- and underground).
Stormwater
The MVA meets the requirements of its MS4 Permit with many practices, including stormwater retention ponds, infiltration basins, routine inspections and maintenance, enhanced protection measures during construction activities, and an Illicit Discharge & Detection Elimination Plan (IDDE). Additionally, MVA engages its customers and employees in a number of ways about stormwater protection. The goal is to educate people on how we can all protect Maryland’s natural resources, its waterways, and the organisms and animals that rely on them.
If you have any questions or concerns about MVA's Environmental Programs, or need to report an environmental incident at an MVA VEIP or Branch, please contact us:
MVA Office of Environmental Management
(410) 762-5161
