Pollution Prevention

It is important for you, as a citizen of Prince George’s County, to report pollution problems when observed so that the appropriate government agency can take immediate action. If you observe common pollution problems such as illegal dumping, unusual discharges into streams or storm drains, oil and chemical spills, sewer and septic leaks from manholes and pipes, and large areas of bare soil and erosion, call ESD at (301) 95-CLEAN (press 1) or (301) 883-5833 to report the problem.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

(301) 883-5824 or (301) 883-5833

(ESD) administers the County’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. The NPDES Permit is a federally-mandated program that requires the County to develop and maintain a comprehensive surface water quality improvement and protection program. In general, the NPDES permit requires:

• Institution of control measures to reduce pollutants from commercial, industrial and residential sites; and
• Administration of programs that monitor, detect and control illicit discharges and improper disposal of pollutants to the County’s storm drains and waterways.

Back to top

Environmental Enforcement

(301) 883-5824 and (301) 883-5833

As part of the NPDES Permit, the County is required to reduce pollutants to its stormdrain systems and waterways. To meet this requirement, ESD has created an environmental enforcement program that uses a cooperative approach to gain compliance. This approach emphasizes public education for solving the majority of pollution problems.

Environmental enforcement includes investigation measures that identify illegal discharges to the County’s storm drain system. Inspectors perform site visits at commercial and industrial properties, respond to water pollution complaints and inspect storm drain outfalls for pollution problems. Enforcement measures are used to correct major pollution problems, or in cases where violations or fines are necessary.

To keep our communities clean and environmentally safe, public participation is needed. You should be on the lookout for common pollution problems such as illegal dumping, unusual discharges into streams or storm drains, oil and chemical spills, sewer and septic leaks from manholes and pipes, and large areas of bare soil and erosion. Report pollution problems immediately to ESD by calling (301) 95-CLEAN (press 3) or (301) 883-5833.

Back to top

Commercial and Industrial Pollution Prevention

(301) 883-5824 and (301) 883-5833

Pollution prevention programs are an integral part of Prince George’s County’s environmental revitalization efforts for its older communities and the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. In partnership, local industries and the County can improve the quality of our communities and waterways, creating a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.

Businesses can prevent pollution by using low-cost, commonsense measures such as covering containers that contain toxic substances and storing them in safe, spill-proof areas. The County offers training to industry representatives on pollution prevention, technical assistance in developing proposals to meet the Federal mandates, workshops on pollution prevention for local businesses, and public recognition to companies supporting internal pollution prevention programs.

Back to top