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MDE says precautionary shellfish closure in place after large discharge; 21-day reopening rule set
Summary
Following a multi-day discharge linked to Blue Plains, MDE told the committee it closed a nearby shellfish area as a precaution and will reopen it 21 days after the discharge stops; MDE and EPA are involved in enforcement and notification discussions.
Maryland Department of the Environment officials told the Environment and Transportation Committee that they closed a shellfish-harvesting area as a precaution after a large discharge linked to Blue Plains and are coordinating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Lee Curry, director of MDE’s Water and Science Administration, said the department acted under the secretary’s leadership to close the shellfish area and protect the public. “We will reopen that area 21 days after the discharge is stopped,” he said, adding that boats and sampling will be used to determine reopening conditions.
Committee members asked whether fines for discharges are capped in Maryland and where penalty revenue is directed. MDE staff said they would research caps and whether fines are deposited to operating budgets; they also noted EPA’s involvement in interjurisdictional matters and said notification protocols will be examined.
Curry said the precautionary closure came at a location with no active leases and, therefore, had limited immediate financial impact on leaseholders, but acknowledged broader economic and livelihood concerns raised by members.
The department said it is reviewing notification processes to ensure earlier public alerts for interjurisdictional discharges and will coordinate with EPA if improvements are necessary.
The committee did not take formal enforcement action during the hearing. MDE said sampling and reopening decisions will proceed as the discharge subsides.
