Information on Three Hazardous and Solid Waste Disposal Sites in Maryland

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined three hazardous and solid waste disposal sites in Maryland to determine how the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) implementation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act is progressing.

Congress enacted the conservation legislation to regulate the management of hazardous waste and improve waste disposal practices. The act provides that, after authorization by EPA, the states are to administer their own hazardous waste programs. The act allows states to obtain interim authorization from EPA while working toward final program authorization. GAO stated that, in the past, poor inspection and enforcement procedures, lack of adequate management controls, and illegal dumpings had occurred at the sites in question. However, EPA and Maryland officials stated that their current activities at the sites are adequate and, in their opinion, the sites currently represent a low degree of hazard.