Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold began his term this week with a stern message to developers and builders who violate the state?s environmental laws ? obey the law or risk criminal prosecution.
Leopold issued an executive order announcing that his administration would refer violations of the state?s critical-area laws to the Maryland Attorney General?s Office for review.
“It?s important that the administration send a message early on that we won?t tolerate violation of environmental laws,” he said. “While the option has been available [to refer cases to the attorney general], I think it should be given priority where appropriate.”
Critical-area laws restrict development within 1,000 feet of tidal wetlands, and fines can run as high as $5,000 for first offenses and $10,000 for second offenses. Local governments also have the option of asking the attorney general to review the case for possible criminal prosecution.
One recent example of a case Anne Arundel County prosecuted for critical area violations was that of St. Margaret?s resident William Costello.
Costello lost a large portion of his coastal property to erosion caused by Tropical Storm Isabel in 2003. He was given permission to restore the land that had been lost, but also added a significant shoreline and bulkhead that expanded his property into the Chesapeake Bay. Costello received a $10,000 fine and 18 months probation.
Drew Koslow, riverkeeper for the South River, said he was encouraged by the strong stance Leopold?s administration appeared to be taking on environmental issues.
“Our laws are important and they need to be enforced fairly and vigorously,” he said. “Hearing that kind of commitment is an excellent start, but I believe that time will tell.”
Koslow said the county?s critical-area inspectors will still be hobbled by the lack of a county boat to allow them to inspect violations from the water.
He also said the county could do a better job enforcing the laws with repeat offenders, including levying fines for each day the violation continues.
