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: Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources (40 CFR 60) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Asbestos (40 CFR 61) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Source Categories (40 CFR 63) State and Federal Title V Operating Permits (40 CFR 70 and 71) Protection of Stratospheric Ozone (40 CFR 82) Control of Emissions from New and In-Use Non-Road Compression- Ignition Engines (40 CFR 89) Permits and Registrations (COMAR § 26.11.01; § 26.11.02; §26.11.06; § 26.11.15) Toxic Air Pollutants (COMAR § 26.11.15) Small Fuel Burning Equipment (COMAR § 26.11.02; § 26.11.09) Motor Vehicle Fuel Dispensing (COMAR § 26.11.02; § 26.11.13) Gasoline and Volatile Organic Compound Storage and Handling (COMAR § 26.11.13) Mobile Sources (COMAR§ 26.11.20) 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. Management of Noise, Light, and Vibration Pollution The MDTA tracks and monitors noise levels to ensure all construction activities comply with regulations. Where necessary, the MDTA conducts community outreach to build awareness
around the reasons for elevated noise, the type of construction, and expected duration. Noise barriers are an important design feature on roadway projects located near neighborhoods, communities, and places of interest. While a noise barrier’s primary function is to reduce the undesirable noise generated by automobile traffic, they also are typically designed to be visually appealing and offer landscaping opportunities that also provide aesthetic benefits to the community. Noise barriers also provide safety benefits as they act as a physical barrier preventing people and wildlife from easily accessing the roadways. The MDTA currently maintains approximately 93,000 linear feet of noise barriers. WASTE AND CIRCULARITY The MDTA works to minimize waste by implementing waste reduction programs and implement circularity principles that keep materials and products in circulation. These initiatives also aim to reduce reliance on single-use products and materials and reuse and recycle resources, all in an effort to reduce waste as much as possible. Management of MDTA’s Waste Materials and waste management initiatives allow the MDTA to control the materials used on a daily basis and limit environmental impacts. From recycling programs and solid-waste management, to storing equipment and handling hazardous materials properly, the day-to-day actions and processes of MDTA employees help ensure the organization operates in an environmentally responsible manner. In accordance with the Maryland Recycling Act, the MDTA enables employees to recycle items such as paper products, glass and plastic bottles, aluminum and bi-metal cans, and cardboard. During recent years, the MDTA has strived to achieve the minimum recycling rate range of 15% to 30% of all waste collected. For 2023, the MDTA’s recycling rate was 23.2%. By collecting these materials for recycling, the MDTA contributes to natural resource conservation and a reduction in waste to landfills. The All-StAR ( All St ate A gencies R ecycle) Recycling Program is a Maryland government agency recycling initiative. Each agency designates a Recycling Coordinator to manage their various sites throughout Maryland. The Agency Coordinator provides technical support to encourage recycling within their facility locations and to submit annual online reports detailing each facility’s recycling and waste data. The MDTA’s Office of the Environment, Safety and Risk Management serves as the agency’s Recycling Coordinator, managing and reporting data from both operations and construction activities. The MDTA is required to submit annual online All-StAR reports detailing each facility’s recycling and waste data.
Environmental, Social, and Governance Report 13
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