Office of Communications and Public Engagement

As part of the Department of the Environment (DoE), the Communications and Public Engagement Office, within the Office of the Director, serves as a centralized source of information to media outlets, community organizations, HOA and civic groups, businesses, and nonprofit groups.

 

Our Mission

The staff of the Communications Section is dedicated to providing accurate information regarding DoE activities, events, and general information on its programs, initiatives, and services within the department and each of its divisions (Animal Services, Resource Recovery, Strategic Services, Stormwater Management, and Sustainability).

 

Resource for Media

If you are a member of the media, please contact this office to ensure your questions are answered by your deadline. The staff can assist with answering questions about DoE’s activities or any questions concerning the environment. The staff can provide an expert on most topics concerning the environment and other eco-friendly topics.

 

About Us

The Communications team consists of two Public Information Officers, a Public Information Specialist, a Citizens Services Specialist, and a Graphic Designer. The team has more than 30+years of combined experience in journalism and graphic design. The Communications Section routinely distributes information, press releases, public service announcements, a quarterly newsletter, biweekly e-newsletter, social media content on Facebook, Twitter, NextDoor, and YouTube, informational packets, and other correspondence. The team is also responsible for media relations at events. Our team works with several groups to plan ceremonies, special events, public service announcements, and content for the website.

 

News Releases

The staff members are responsible for posting news releases concerning DoE activities. The website contains current and archived news releases, media advisories, fact sheets, an events calendar, and a photo gallery.

 

Events Calendar

This service provides a monthly listing of calendar items including, deadlines, meetings, workshops, presentations, and office closures.

 

Maryland Public Information Requests

DoE provides access to public records in accordance with Maryland’s Public Information Act (MPIA). Requests for information under the MPIA only require the production of existing documents under the control of the department. The MPIA does not require the department to compile information from existing documents or create documents in response to general inquiries. Public records requests can be made online or at 301-772-8947.

If you prefer to submit a written request, your request should sufficiently identify the records that you are seeking including a clearly identified subject matter, specific dates or ranges of dates of documents requested, and name or titles of individuals that may have documents responsive to your request, if known, so that responsive documents can be more readily retrieved.

Send MPIA Requests to:

Karen Gooden
MPIA Coordinator
Office of the Director
Department of the Environment
1801 McCormick Drive, Suite 500
Largo, MD 20774

Time Limits

DoE will respond to your request within a reasonable period, but not more than 30 days after receipt of the application. Staff will contact you if additional information is required and provide the estimated charge for your request, if applicable. In the event the time to produce the public record is estimated to be more than 10 working days, DoE will contact you in writing or by electronic mail with the amount of time the department anticipates it will take to produce the public record; an estimate of the range of fees that may be charged and the reason for the delay. A response may include copies of the records requested or a notification that records are available for your review. Should the department need additional time, due to the nature of the request, staff will contact you to discuss an extension of time. If DoE is not the appropriate custodian of records, you will be notified within 10 calendar days of receipt of the request.

 

Contact Us For DoE Inquiries

Office hours are from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To ensure your story deadline is met in a timely manner, please remember to call us directly at the numbers below or by email to lmlowe@co.pg.md.us. 

If you are not a member of a media and have a customer service concern or general inquiry please contact PGC311 if you are within the County or (301) 883-4748 if you are outside of the County.

For non-environmental or general County inquiries, please contact the appropriate Department or the Office of the County Executive. 

Linda Lowe	Press Information Officer	(301) 883-5952	(301) 836-2115 (cell)	lmlowe@co.pg.md.us
Brittani Garner	Public Information Officer II	(301) 883-5985		bgarner@co.pg.md.us
Judith Hall	Public Information Specialist	(301) 883-5836		jhall@co.pg.md.us
Jorhan Santana	Citizen Services Specialist III	(301) 883-3405		jsantana@co.pg.md.us
Kenan Langston	Graphic Artist	(301) 883-3223		kalangston@co.pg.md.us

 

 

Mailing Address

Department of the Environment
Office of Communications and Public Engagement
Attn: Communications Office
1801 McCormick Drive, Suite 500
Largo, MD 20774