MDE hosts 2015 Clean Water Business Expo in Baltimore

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jay Apperson
Adrienne Diaczok

(410) 537-3003
jay.apperson@maryland.gov
adrienne.diaczok@maryland.gov

For Immediate Release:

MDE hosts 2015 Clean Water Business Expo in Baltimore

Expo featured learning sessions and examples of best practices in stormwater management

BALTIMORE, MD (October 15, 2015) – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) today hosted the 2015 Clean Water Business Expo. The event brought businesses, local governments, developers and other stakeholders together to find cost-effective, innovative and efficient ways to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality in local watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay. Urban and suburban stormwater pollution accounts for about 20 percent of the nutrient pollution into our rivers, streams, lakes and drinking water reservoirs and entering the Chesapeake Bay.

Registrants visited with 30 businesses exhibiting their innovative products and services for environmentally sensitive site design and restoration of wetlands, streams and other ecosystems. MDE also offered learning sessions for registered attendees presented by Phillip Stafford of Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Ralph Spagnolo of Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, Ellen Bryson of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Audra Lew and Ryan Zerbe of Montgomery County Department of the Environment.

“MDE’s Clean Water Business Expo is all about innovation and public-private sector collaboration – the winning combination to accelerate the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its local rivers and streams, while boosting Maryland’s economy,” said Ben Grumbles, Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment. “The Clean Water Business Expo brings key players and new partners together to find better ways to reduce stormwater runoff and green the Chesapeake Bay watershed for today, tomorrow and for future generations. It’s also a great way to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the federal Clean Water Act, enacted into law on October 18, 1972.”

In 1987, MDE was created to protect and restore the environment for the health and well-being of all Marylanders. MDE’s duties also encompass enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, long-term planning and research. MDE provides technical assistance to Maryland industry and communities for pollution and growth issues and environmental emergencies.

# # #