In what scenario does the Maryland Department of the Environment review sediment control plans?

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) reviews sediment control plans specifically for all state and federal projects in Maryland to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to promote effective erosion and sediment control practices. This includes large-scale public infrastructure projects and initiatives funded by federal dollars, which may have significant environmental impacts.

State and federal projects are held to certain standards as they often involve larger areas of land disturbance, potentially affecting waterways and ecosystems. The review process is essential to enforce regulations aimed at minimizing sediment runoff and protecting water quality.

In contrast, other types of projects, such as local private developments, may be subject to review by local authorities or may follow different procedures depending on the jurisdiction. Non-delegated areas would specifically refer to locations where local bodies are not authorized to conduct sediment control plan reviews; thus, projects in these areas still may be reviewed by state entities, but it is not comprehensive to all projects. Thus, the emphasis on state and federal projects captures the broader intent of MDE to mitigate environmental impacts associated with larger scale disturbances.