Maryland’s Enforceable Policy Update 2010-2011: Strengthening Coastal and Ocean Resource Management
In response to a 2007 Section 312 Assessment of Maryland’s Coastal Program (CCS), Maryland submitted a Routine Program Change (RPC) to NOAA on November 19, 2010. On March 18, 2011, NOAA approved Maryland’s RPC. The updated and clarified enforceable policies contained in the RPC are the result of a comprehensive review and update of the policies of the State of Maryland Coastal Management Program Document and past program changes. The enforceable policies are based on current legally binding provisions of Maryland law and articulate clear standards for federal consistency determinations and certifications. While Maryland’s federal consistency process will continue to be guided by a number of considerations; any objections to a federal action will be based on the enforceable policies proposed in this RPC. Maryland hopes that by clearly articulating its enforceable policies, proponents of an action subject to federal consistency will be encouraged to engage in more meaningful early consultation with Maryland’s Coastal Program.
Supporting Information
Maryland’s Enforceable Coastal Policies 2011 - Full Document
MD 2010 Routine Program Change Approval Letter
Routine Program Change to Update Coastal Policies - November 2010
Routine Program Change Overview
For Federal Consistency submissions, reviews and decisions, please contact Heather Nelson (Maryland Department of the Environment) at hnelson@maryland.gov or 410-537-3528. For information on Maryland’s enforceable policies and Program Changes, please contact Joseph Abe (Maryland Department of Natural Resources) at or 410-260-8740.
Please use this Coastal Consistency Request Form to initiate the review process for your project or activity. Once submitted, applicants will receive a copy of their completed request form with the option to edit or update as needed. Applicants are encouraged to send this completed form via email, along with supporting documentation, to the lead agency contact(s) listed above and copy Maryland Department of Environment or Maryland Department of Natural Resources counterparts to ensure that each project or activity review request gets a prompt response and a comprehensive and thorough review.
The core team listed above, which actively supports each other’s roles, is also supported by numerous staff from network partner agencies who conduct reviews to ensure projects and activities are consistent with Maryland’s enforceable policies. More information on the federal consistency review process is available at http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/consistency/welcome.html.