The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has reopened its offices in Harper, Maryland County.
In the event, James Pude has been appointed as head of the inspectorate team.
This development comes years after the Agency ceased full operational activities in the area. The team arrived in the county last week, marking a renewed vision in Maryland.
At a press conference on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Pude spoke of the importance of EPA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and legal enforcement.
On behalf of the EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Pude said, the Agency has come to reawaken residents’ conscious minds about the environment, the EPA, and environmental regulations.
Mr. Pude outlined key areas requiring compliance, including Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) for major projects, regulation of activities in wetlands and coastal zones, chemical importation and usage licenses, and pollution control and hazardous substance discharge.
“If anyone is involved with any of these activities or projects, they should fully comply with the regulations prior to commencement,” he warned.
Pude also reminded stakeholders about the powers granted to EPA inspectors under the law.
“Environmental inspectors have the legal right to perform their duties… denying them entry into a facility, land, premises, vessel or vehicle, is an affront to environmental laws, which will lead to punitive actions,” he told the gathering.
Additionally, the EPA is cracking down on improper burial and embalming practices in the county.
“The EPA does not support community burials… all embalmment must be done only at funeral homes, not at hospitals or health facilities,” Pude said.
He called on other government bodies, including the Ministry of Public Works and city corporations, to collaborate with the EPA to enforce environmental standards.