Legal Bulletins
Maryland Reaches $4.1M Settlement with Homebuilder in Sediment Pollution Case
The Maryland Department of Energy ("MDE") has reached a $4.1M settlement against Ridgely's Reserve Housing Development for sediment pollution in the Gunpowder River. This is how seriously MDE is taking stormwater runoff, and how they have been aggressively pursuing large penalties in storm water runoff cases. The settlement underscores the importance of compliance with erosion and sediment control laws to avoid significant financial and reputational consequences. The below links to some articles about the settlement provide more information.
To summarize, the $4.1 million settlement involves both developers and contractors for sediment pollution in the Gunpowder River stemming from the Ridgely’s Reserve development in Harford County. The pollution caused significant environmental harm, including sediment plumes in the Gunpowder River and the destruction of underwater grasses critical to the ecosystem. The settlement includes a $2 million civil penalty and $2.1 million allocated for environmental remediation projects. The violations were described as repeated, preventable, and harmful to the river and surrounding communities. The settlement also requires the implementation of stronger erosion and sediment controls to prevent future pollution.
If you have questions about stormwater regulations or permit conditions and want to discuss how to reduce your risks or need to respond to a violation notice, feel free to reach out to me at rjames@gfrlaw.com.
- Maryland reaches $4.1M settlement with homebuilder in sediment pollution case - Maryland Matters
- Attorney General Brown, MDE Secure $4.1 Million Settlement with Ridgely’s Reserve after Construction Runoff Polluted the Gunpowder River - News - Office of the Attorney General of Maryland
- MDE Lawsuit Against Ridgely's Reserve Housing Development Settled for $4.1 Million with Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER® as Intervenor Nets $2 Million Civil Penalty, $2.1 Million for Community Driven Remediation Projects - Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER®
For more information or questions, contact Roberta "Bobbie" R. James.
Roberta "Bobbie" R. James
410-576-4170 • rjames@gfrlaw.com