Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit​

The Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit coordinates the investigation and prosecution of criminal environmental violations and other associated criminal charges throughout the State of Maryland. Investigative activities can include:

• Surveillance
• Execution of criminal search and seizure warrants
• Issuance of subpoenas for documents or witness information
• Possible filing of criminal charges in the appropriate district or circuit court
  
  

Typical environmental cases involve:

• Illegal discharge of pollutants into the waters of the State
• Dangerous accumulation, storage or disposal of hazardous waste
• Open dumping or illegal accumulation or disposal of solid waste
• Frauds associated with Maryland's lead paint laws
  
  

Generally in a criminal environmental case, charges may be filed against both a corporate entity and/or other individuals responsible for the crime. Convictions can include jail time, fines, restitution, community service and probation.

The majority of criminal matters investigated by the Division come from referrals through the Maryland Department of the Environment as a result of findings during inspections, or from complaints received by the Agency. Cases also originate from various other agencies, including, but not limited to, local law enforcement, county health offices, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Division also works to pursue information received from individual citizens or citizen group complaints, and also initiates its own independent investigations.