On April 5, 2011, EPA Region III filed a Consent Agreement and Final Order with Anne Arundel County, Maryland, a Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). In a September 30, 2010 Complaint, EPA had alleged that the County failed to: conduct preventative maintenance inspections; use sufficient enforcement procedures; and develop and implement adequate pollution prevention plans. EPA sought a penalty of $83,500 for these violations. The Respondent did not dispute the violations, but has demonstrated that its improved program should avoid them in the future. In recognition of Respondent's quick settlement, the parties agreed to a penalty reduction of 10% of the proposed penalty, for a final settlement amount of $75,150.
This case is important in part because the MS4 discharges drain to the Chesapeake Bay. The Complaint was filed together with two other cases against Phase I MS4s in Maryland -- the City of Baltimore and Harford County.