EPA v. MIDDLE BRANCH MARINA AND CHARLES CAO (MIDDLE BRANCH MARINA)

Case summary

On July 15, 2025, the EPA, Region 3, issued an Administrative Order on Consent ( Order ) to Middle Branch Marina and its Manager, Mr. Charles Cao ( Respondents ), requiring them to correct violations of the Marina's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES ) permit in the Baltimore Harbor and Patapsco River. The Order requires the Respondents to update the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan ( SWPPP ) for the Marina, create and use an inspection checklist, develop and implement a Corrective Action Plan and schedule for implementing stormwater control measures to minimize pollutant discharges to Patapsco River, submit to EPA quarterly inspection reports and sampling results, and then conduct a Comprehensive Site Compliance Evaluation after one year. The case team consulted with the Maryland Department of the Environment ( MDE ) during the development of this action, and MDE participated in a recent follow-up inspection. This settlement furthers the goal of Pillar 1 - access to clean water, and protects the Chesapeake Bay.

Defendants (2)

• CHARLES CAONamed in settlement
• MIDDLE BRANCH MARINANamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• MIDDLE BRANCH MARINA

  3101 WATERVIEW AVENUE, BALTIMORE, MD, 21230

  Registry ID: 110009685386

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• MIDDLE BRANCH MARINA AND CHARLES CAO (MIDDLE BRANCH MARINA)entered 2025-07-15

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (2 milestones)

• 2025-07-15Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2025-07-15Final Order Issued