CARROLL COUNTY, Md. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Carroll County, Md. has settled alleged violations of Clean Water Act regulations that protect waterways from polluted stormwater runoff, according to a press release.
In the consent agreement, Carroll County agreed to pay a $40,000 civil penalty to settle violations of the County’s Clean Water Act permit for stormwater discharges from the County’s storm sewer system, stated the release.
In addition to the penalty, Carroll County signed an administrative order which included a schedule for correcting the violations.
Polluted runoff flows into stormwater collection systems, which discharge into rivers and streams, and can harm water quality for drinking, fishing and swimming, noted the release.
EPA’s stormwater regulations control pollution from sources such as: City streets; impervious surfaces; construction sites; and, land disposal of waste. These regulations require municipalities to obtain discharge permits.