loan processing from the Water Quality Financing
Administration. Under the Office are the Maryland
Water Quality Financing Administration and two
divisions: Capital Budget, and Operating Budget.

MARYLAND WATER QUALITY FINANCING
ADMINISTRATION

Maria Markham Thompson, Director
(410) 631-3119

The Maryland Water Quality Financing Admini-
stration started in 1988 within the Department of
the Environment (Chapter 535, Acts of 1988). In
1995, the Administration was made part of the
Office of Budget.
The Administration maintains and administers
the Maryland Water Quality Revolving Loan Fund.
From the Fund, local governments may secure
financial assistance for wastewater treatment facili-
ties (federal Clean Water Act of 1987, Title VI, P.L.
100-4). The Fund finances loans to local govern-
ments for construction projects to abate and con-
trol water pollution and thereby improve water
quality. Loans from the Fund may be used to buy
or refinance debt obligations of local governments.
They also may help guarantee or purchase insurance
for bonds, notes, or other evidences of obligation
issued by a local government (Code Environment
Article, secs. 9-1601 through 9-1622).

ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS SERVICE CENTER
Leslie Sipes, Director
(410) 631-3772
1 800-433-1247
fax: (410) 631-4477

The Environmental Permits Service Center was
organized in 1995 to simplify the permit process for
businesses subject to environmental regulation. To
safeguard the environment, the Department issues
more than forty types of approvals, in the form of
permits, licenses, or certifications, as required by law.
Such approvals are issued to improve or maintain air
and water quality, control sources of radiation, protect
wetlands, manage mineral resources, and regulate
wastes, particularly hazardous and toxic wastes.
Because some businesses require more than one
permit and some permits require detailed scientific
analysis, interjurisdictional review, or public hear-
ings, the Center provides applicants with complete
information on what permits they need and how to
apply for them. The Center then tracks the progress
of applications as they are reviewed, acted upon,
and issued by departmental units.
The Center works closely with the Department of
Business and Economic Development to help new
businesses locate in Maryland. The Center's Small
Business Assistance Program and Pollution Prevention
Program both provide technical expertise to busi-
nesses. In 1996, the Center published the Business
Guide to Environmental Permits and Approvals.

PUBLIC INFORMATION & COMMUNITY
ASSISTANCE
Susan E. Woods, Director
(410) 631-3003

Public Information and Community Assistance
began in 1991 as the Office of Community Assis-
tance and received its present name in 1995. Re-
sponsible for media relations, the Office
coordinates community outreach for the Depart-
ment. As an ombudsman, the Office is the liaison
between the Department and citizens, industry,
local government, other State agencies, interna-
tional contacts, nonprofit organizations, regional
advisory councils, the media, environmental advo-
cacy groups, local communities, and civic organiza-
tions. The Office informs the public about
programs, permits, and regulations, and publicizes
hearings open to citizens.

ADMINISTRATIVE & EMPLOYEE
SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Leslie A. Campbell, Director
Vacancy, Deputy Director

2500 Broening Highway
Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 631-3116

The Administrative and Employee Services Ad-
ministration started as Finance and Administration
and reorganized under its present name in 1995. The
Administration directs five divisions: Central Services,
Fiscal Services, Information and Communications
Systems, Personnel Services, and Safety Services and
Faculties Management. The Administration also pro-
vides library services for the Department.

AIR & RADIATION MANAGEMENT
ADMINISTRATION

Merrylin Zaw-Mon, Director
Susan S. G. Wierman, Deputy Director

2500 Broening Highway
Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 631-3255

State concerns with air quality and the effects of
radiation were evident by 1951 when the Division
of Industrial Health and Air Pollution was formed
under the Bureau of Environmental Hygiene, De-
partment of Health. In 1966, the work of monitor-
ing and regulating was restructured. The Division
of Air Quality Control was established within the
Bureau of Resources Protection, and the Division
of Radiological Health functioned under the Bu-
reau of Consumer Protection. When the Depart-
ment of Health and Mental Hygiene was formed in
1969, these divisions continued under the Environ-
mental Health Administration. By 1977, under the