1.1million Pounds of Toxic Chemicals Dumped into Maryland’s Waterways

Bladensburg, Maryland -- Industrial facilities dumped 1.1 million pounds of toxic chemicals into Maryland’s waterways in 2012 according to a new report by Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center, released today in Bladensburg Waterfront Park.

The “Wasting Our Waterways” report comes as the Environmental Protection Agency considers a new rule to restore Clean Water Act protections to thousands of waterways in Maryland and across the nation.

“Maryland’s waterways should be clean – for swimming, drinking, and supporting wildlife,” said Joanna Diamond, Director of the Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center. “But too often, our waters have become a dumping ground for polluters. The first step to curb this tide of toxic pollution is to restore Clean Water Act protections to all our waterways.”

The Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center report on toxic pollutants discharged to America’s waters is based on data reported by polluting facilities to the EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory for 2012, the most recent data available.

Major findings of the report include the fact that 3.2 million pounds of toxic pollution is discharged into the iconic Chesapeake Bay in 2012. The Gunpowder and Patapsco Rivers, both connected to the Bay, are two of the most polluted waterways in Maryland, with chemical manufacturing plant, Erachem Comilog Inc., alone releasing more than 1 million pounds of toxic chemicals into those local watersheds in 2012.

Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center’s report summarizes discharges of cancer-causing chemicals, chemicals that persist in the environment, and chemicals with the potential to cause reproductive problems ranging from birth defects to infertility. The toxic chemicals dumped in Maryland include dioxins, which causes cancer, and developmental toxins, such as mercury which can affect the way children grow, learn, and behave.

Environment Maryland Research & Policy Center was also joined by Dan Smith, Public Policy and Advocacy Director of Anacostia Watershed Society. “One of the most important lessons we can take away from the effort to clean these rivers is prevention,” stated Smith. “Stop polluting our rivers and waterways with toxic waste. The toll to communities from toxic pollution is immense. The cost to clean it is astronomical. This is what far too many communities will have to suffer with for decade and maybe centuries to come.”

The report recommends several steps to curb this tide of toxic pollution – including requiring industry to switch from toxic chemicals to safer alternatives. But Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center is highlighting one part of the solution that could actually become law this year: Restoring the Clean Water Act protections to all Maryland’s waters.

As a result of court cases brought by polluters, nearly 4 million Marylander’s drinking water are now at risk of having no protection from pollution under the federal Clean Water Act. Following years of advocacy by Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center and its allies, this spring, the EPA finally proposed a rule to close the loopholes that have left Maryland’s waterways and risk and restore Clean Water Act protections.

But the clean water rule is being vigorously opposed by a wide range of polluting industries including chemical manufacturing industries and power plants in Maryland.

Maryland State Delegate Michael G. Summers, District 47, spoke at the event and proclaimed that he is “fighting for the effort to become a part of the new bioeconomy and using our rivers and waterways to help with that, which is so very vital and critical. And what you’re seeing is a blue/green relationship.” He went on to explain that “business and environmental entities [are] coming together” and encouraged everyone to get involved.

"Clean waterways are an important source of recreation and jobs in Maryland, but the release of toxic pollution revealed in this report threatens both public health and commerce,” said Congressman Van Hollen, representing Maryland’s 8th District. “This report is a sobering reminder that rigorous protections are needed to ensure that every Marylander has access to clean rivers and a clean Chesapeake Bay, including those whose health and livelihoods depend on them.”

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin also spoke in support of clean water. “Clean water means good jobs and better health for Marylanders,” said Senator Cardin, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Water Subcommittee. “By working together to protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay, we can all help ensure that we have clean, safe and reliable water for our communities.”

The public comment period on the clean water rule began the day before Earth Day, and it is still open right now.

Walter Ficklin, Council member of Bladensburg joined the event, stating that “we need to inspire our elected officials to accept the recommendations by the Environment America Research and Policy Center to reduce the amount of pollution that is threatening our waterways and health. Our children, parents and the future of the United Stated are at risk. We need a healthier future.”