Changes Coming To Tighten Stormwater Compliance
Published: March 11, 2019
A new philosophy, one that puts protection of environmental resources, is taking hold now that County Executive Steuart Pittman is at the helm of Anne Arundel County.
Crucial leadership changes are already underway to make this happen, Pittman told a standing-room-only crowd Feb. 19 at the Severn River Association’s John Wright Speaker Series.
The changes are designed to reverse the public’s perception that the county’s permitting offices are more interested in approving permits than in protecting water quality in our rivers and creeks.
For starters, Pittman has hired Mat Johnson, formerly with the Chesapeake Bay Program, to fill the newly created position as the county’s environmental policy specialist.
It will be Johnson’s role to coordinate environmental protections throughout Anne Arundel County’s decision making.
New Enforcement Director Selected
And, on March 8, Pittman announced he has selected Gregorio (Greg) Africa as the next director of the Department of Inspections and Permits (I&P), which enforces code and permitting regulations, and crucially, monitors construction sites for stormwater control compliance.
Enforcing environmental standards is a top priority for Africa.
“We are going to bring a new level of environmental stewardship and accountability to inspections, permitting and enforcement decisions and Greg has the perfect background to lead that effort,” Pittman said in his March 8 announcement of bringing Africa on board.
A 36-year veteran with the county, Africa is currently a deputy director in the county Department of Public Works, where he heads the Bureau of Highways.
Africa starts March 14.
Click here to review a video of Mr. Pittman’s comments.