Environment
Pollution and Waste
Air Pollutants Burning of fossil fuels for transportation not only contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but also to other types of air pollution that contribute to poor air quality, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector is responsible for approximately 45% of NOx,10% of VOCs, and 10% of PM emissions in the United States. 1 These pollutants have been shown to cause adverse health effects, including higher rates of asthma onset and aggravation, cardiovascular disease, and impaired lung development in children. As such, the MDTA ensures the proper management of all air emissions in its construction and operation activities. Management of Air Pollution The MDTA tracks and monitors the emission of air pollutants across all construction activities and operations. The agency operates in compliance with all applicable federal and State pollution regulations, including: ③ Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources (40 CFR 60) ③ National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Asbestos (40 CFR 61) ③ National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Source Categories (40 CFR 63) ③ State and Federal Title V Operating Permits (40 CFR 70 and 71) ③ Protection of Stratospheric Ozone (40 CFR 82) ③ Control of Emissions from New and In-Use Non- Road Compression- Ignition Engines (40 CFR 89)
As part of its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, the MDTA actively monitors and manages its impact on the environment. The MDTA prioritizes energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and conservation efforts across its operations. Ongoing initiatives align with best practices and regulatory standards, ensuring a positive environmental footprint for the communities it serves. The MDTA’s Office of Environment, Safety and Risk Management (OESRM) is responsible for ensuring safe, environmentally responsible operations, including administering the agency's environmental compliance programs.
Intercounty Connector (ICC/MD 200)
③ Permits and Registrations (COMAR § 26.11.01; § 26.11.02; §26.11.06; § 26.11.15) ③ Toxic Air Pollutants (COMAR § 26.11.15) ③ Small Fuel Burning Equipment (COMAR § 26.11.02; § 26.11.09) ③ Motor Vehicle Fuel Dispensing (COMAR § 26.11.02; § 26.11.13) ③ Gasoline and Volatile Organic Compound Storage and Handling (COMAR § 26.11.13) ③ Mobile Sources (COMAR § 26.11.20) ③ Clean Air Act, Section 608: National Recycling and Emissions Reduction Program Noise, Light, and Vibration Pollution Construction and maintenance of transportation roadways and vehicles that travel on them contribute to noise, light, and vibration pollution, which can impact the health and well-being of surrounding communities and the environment. As such, the MDTA strives to minimize noise, light, and vibration pollution across construction activities and throughout its operations. The MDTA follows all federal and State regulations on noise, and regularly studies and implements projects to address noise pollution.
The MDTA strives to be an environmental steward, not just adhering to environmental laws, regulations, and policies, but aspiring to go beyond compliance and move the agency toward sustainability. The MDTA manages its environmental efforts with cooperation and participation from each of the agency’s offices and divisions. The MDTA documents and tracks the organization’s environmental performance through the agency’s Environmental Management System (EMS). As a core component of the EMS, the MDTA implements an environmental statement, which is currently being refined to reflect the MDTA’s structure and priorities and expected to be approved in 2026. The policy statement affirms the MDTA’s commitment to sustainable development; climate resiliency; environmental compliance; stewardship; continuous improvement in environmental performance;
and effective interaction with employees, other government agencies, and the community. Third-party environmental compliance audits are performed to assist in the monitoring and measurement of the MDTA’s pursuit of ongoing compliance with federal, State, and local environmental requirements, including facility-specific permits, plans, certifications, controls (engineered and administrative), and authorizations. The audits serve as a diagnostic tool within the MDTA’s EMS program to assess compliance and identify opportunities for improvement for MDTA staff and practices. Three environmental compliance audits are conducted annually, and each audit evaluates up to three media area/topics. A three-year look-back period is incorporated into each multimedia compliance audit performed.
Great Egret, National Seashore, Maryland
1 https://www.epa.gov/transportation-air-pollution-and-climate-change/smog-soot-and-other-air-pollution-transportation
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Governance, Risk, and Impact Report
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Governance, Risk, and Impact Report
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