Maryland seeks $1.2M for environmental violations

Posted: 2:55 pm Fri, July 9, 2010
By Associated Press

The Maryland Department of the Environment says it is seeking $1.2 million in fines for violations including stormwater violations at a Baltimore sugar plant and lead paint violations at Baltimore properties.

The largest fines totaled $296,000 for lead paint violations at 22 Baltimore properties owned by various companies controlled by Arnon Magal of Brooklyn, N.Y. The department said Friday it was also seeking $200,000 for unauthorized clearing of a 1.8 acre nontidal wetland in Montgomery County, and $100,000 from American Sugar Refining for stormwater violations at the Domino Sugar plant in Baltimore.

Michael Powell, an attorney representing American Sugar, said the violations were accidental and the company has taken steps to prevent future violations. A telephone calls seeking comment from Magal was not immediately returned.