MDE Composting Facility General Permit Public Comment Period Opened

mde

Published March 5th, 2025

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Maryland Department of the Environment has opened a public comment period for the renewal of its general permit for composting facilities. The draft permit includes enhanced odor control, drone inspections, and water protection measures. A public meeting will be held on March 24, with comments due by April 5.

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What changed

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has initiated a public comment period for the renewal of its general permit governing composting facilities. This renewal aims to update operating conditions for existing facilities and support the expansion of composting infrastructure while ensuring public health and environmental protections. Key proposed improvements include enhanced odor control mechanisms requiring standardized tracking of smell complaints, the use of drones for high-tech site inspections to identify potential issues, and stricter water protection measures such as requiring sturdy floor pads and adherence to setback rules to safeguard groundwater.

Regulated composting facilities and interested parties are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft permit. A hybrid public meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2025, to gather input. The official comment period closes on April 5, 2025. While the document does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance with the renewed permit, adherence to the updated standards will be crucial for continued operation. Facilities should review the proposed changes and consider submitting comments or attending the public meeting to voice concerns or provide input.

What to do next

Review the draft composting facility general permit for proposed changes.
Submit comments to MDE by April 5, 2025.
Attend the public meeting on March 24, 2025, if further input is desired.

Source document (simplified)

Maryland Department of the Environment Opens Public Comment Period for New Composting Facility General Permit

Existing Permit Extended to Receive Community Feedback

BALTIMORE (March 5, 2025) – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is seeking public input on the renewal of the general permit for composting facilities. As part of the Department’s commitment to sustainable waste management and community transparency, a hybrid public meeting will be held on March 24, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to receive input.

The current permit, which provides standardized operating conditions for 16 active composting facilities across the state, is set to expire this month. This renewal ensures that Maryland continues to expand its composting infrastructure while maintaining rigorous protections for public health and the environment. The comment period is open until April 5.

“Composting is so important to reducing waste in our environment. We have to do that in a way that also meets the expectations of the surrounding communities,” said Secretary Serena McIlwain. “By renewing this general permit with enhanced oversight tools and clearer standards, we are supporting a responsible industry that protects our groundwater and reduces waste going into landfills.”

The draft permit has the following improvements:
- Better Odor Control: Facilities would be required to use a standardized tracking form to investigate and record weather and pile conditions whenever a neighbor files a smell complaint.
- High-Tech Inspections: The state would use drones to fly over sites, making it easier to spot potential problems and ensure environmental compliance.
- Water Protection: Facilities would be required to use specially designed, sturdy floor pads and follow setback rules to protect groundwater.
The meeting will be held at the Baltimore County Public Library in White Marsh, which is accessible by public transportation and centrally located to facilities with the most community interest. The library is located at 8133 Sandpiper Cir, Baltimore, MD 21236.

Click here to register for the meeting in advance. For more information on composting and to view the draft permit, click here.