Prince George's County, Maryland, USA
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Department of the Environment (DoE) Non-discrimination Policy

Prince George's County, Maryland, Department of the Environment (DoE)

Non-discrimination Policy 

If you have any questions about this notice or any of DoE's non-discrimination programs, policies, or procedures, you may contact the Non-discrimination Compliance Coordinator:  

Deon T. Carter, Human Resources Officer
Prince George's County Department of the Environment
1801 McCormick Drive, Suite 500, Largo, Maryland 20774
Phone number: 301-883-5810
Email: DoECares@co.pg.md.us

 

Click here to download a copy of the policy.

 

Prince George's County, Maryland, Department of the Environment (DoE)

Non-discrimination Policy 

1. Introduction

Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), Parts 5 & 7, prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in programs or activities receiving federal assistance from the EPA. It requires recipients of federal assistance from the EPA to:

  • Collect, maintain, and provide information showing compliance with 40 C.F.R., Parts 5 & 7.
  • Designate a person to be the Non-discrimination Compliance Coordinator (NCC) to coordinate efforts to comply with 40 C.F.R., Parts 5 & 7.
  • Adopt grievance procedures that assure the prompt and fair resolution of discrimination complaints alleging violations of 40 C.F.R., Parts 5 & 7.
  • Provide continuing and prominent public notice of non-discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability, and of the identity and contact information for the Non-discrimination Compliance Coordinator.

1(a). Authorities (Implementing Regulations and Related Statutes)

2. Notice of Non-Discrimination
The Prince George's County Department of the Environment (DoE) does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, occupation, marital status, political opinion, personal appearance, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, or gender identity in the administration of its programs or activities. DoE does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose actions prohibited, by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights.

Retaliation and intimidation against any person who files a grievance or participates in an investigation are strictly prohibited.  Any claims of intimidation or retaliation related to the complaint process will be handled promptly and fairly in accordance with the procedure below and in the same manner as other claims of discrimination.

Mr. Deon T. Carter, Human Resources Officer, is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7 (Non-discrimination in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency), including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (hereinafter referred to collectively as the federal non-discrimination laws). 

If you have any questions about this notice or any of DoE's non-discrimination programs, policies, or procedures, you may contact the Non-discrimination Compliance Coordinator: 

Deon T. Carter, Human Resources Officer
Prince George's County Department of the Environment
1801 McCormick Drive, Suite 500, Largo, Maryland 20774
Phone number – 301-883-5810
Email – DoECares@co.pg.md.us 

If you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a DoE program or activity, you may contact the Non-discrimination Compliance Coordinator identified above or visit our website at Environment | Prince George's County  (https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/environment) under Laws and Regulations to learn how and where to file a complaint of discrimination.

Appropriate assistance shall be provided to individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency. Also, complaints in alternative formats shall be accepted from individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Non-Discrimination Compliance Coordinator for further information.

 

2(a). Notice

This policy will be disseminated to all employees, contractors, and subrecipients of EPA-funded programs. Notice of this non-discrimination policy will also be made publicly available.

3. Grievance Procedure - Purpose

The purpose of this Grievance Procedure is to provide a fair, prompt, and accessible process for addressing complaints of discrimination in programs, services, and activities funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This policy ensures compliance with federal civil rights laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments, the Age Discrimination Act, 40 C.F.R., Parts 5 & 7, Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, and other applicable statutes and regulations. 

3(a). Scope of Grievance Procedure

This policy applies to all applicants, beneficiaries, employees, contractors, subcontractors, and other participants in County-administered programs or activities funded in whole or in part by the EPA. Complaints may be filed by an individual or group who believes they have been subjected to discrimination based on: 

  • Race
  • Color
  • National origin
  • Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
  • Religion
  • Disability
  • Age
  • Familial status
  • Occupation
  • Marital Status
  • Political Opinion
  • Personal appearance
  • Any other protected status as required by applicable law

3(b). Filing a Grievance

  • Who May File: Any person, or their authorized representative, who believes they have been subjected to discrimination or retaliation/intimidation.
  • How to File: Complaints may be submitted in writing, verbally, or electronically. Assistance will be provided to individuals with limited English proficiency or disabilities in preparing and submitting grievances.
  • Where to File: Please send an email to the Non-discrimination Compliance Coordinator, via DoECares@co.pg.md.us, with the following information and utilizing the subject line "Discrimination Complaint" or dial 311 or 301-883-5810:  
    • Name, address, and contact information of the complainant (or representative)
    • Name of respondent (e.g., program name, County department)
    • A description of the discriminatory act(s) (what occurred, when, where)
    • The basis for the alleged discrimination (race, color, national origin, etc.)
    • Names of any witnesses or other persons with relevant information
    • Any documentation or evidence (if available)
  • Time to File: Complaints should be filed within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act.
  • If assistance is needed, appropriate support shall be provided to individuals with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. Also, complaints in alternative formats shall be accepted from individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Non-Discrimination Compliance Coordinator for further information. Contact Mr. Deon T. Carter, NCC, DoECares@co.pg.md.us or 301-883-5810. 

3(c). Grievance Procedure: Once a Complaint is Filed

  1. Acknowledgment – DoE will acknowledge receipt of the grievance within 10 business days.
  2. Preliminary Review – DoE staff will determine whether the grievance falls within the scope of this policy and notify the complainant of acceptance or referral within 30 business days.
  3. Investigation – An investigation should include interviews with the complainant, any witnesses identified by the complainant, relevant staff of the subject of the investigation (e.g., DoE or its contractor or grantee), and any witnesses identified by the subject of the investigation. An investigation should also include a review of relevant documents, inspection of relevant premises, and, if necessary, consultation with technical experts, including legal advisors. Staff may review facilities or any other documentation that may be provided.

The preponderance of the evidence standard will be applied in analyzing each complaint. 

  1. Resolution/Determination – Within 180 calendar days, DoE will issue written findings and, if applicable, propose corrective actions, unless DoE determines additional time is needed. The complainant will receive a written notice detailing:
    1. The findings of the investigation.
    2. Whether discrimination or retaliation was found.
    3. A summary of the investigation process.
    4. Any corrective actions that will be implemented (if applicable).
  2. Appeal – If the complainant disagrees with the resolution, they may file a written appeal within 15 calendar days. The written appeal should be addressed to the Director of DoE but sent to the NCC, Mr. Deon T. Carter, via mail at 1801 McCormick Drive, Suite 500, Largo, Maryland 20774 or email DoECares@co.pg.md.us. The Director (or his designee) will issue a final decision within 90 calendar days of receiving the appeal.

4. Confidentiality

All information related to a grievance will be maintained as confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct a fair and thorough investigation.

5. Recordkeeping

The DoE will maintain records of all grievances, investigations, and resolutions for a minimum of three (3) years and make such records available to EPA upon request. When any complaint or other action is brought before the three-year period ends, the DoE shall continue to keep the records beyond the three-year period until the complaint or action is resolved.

The DoE will also collect, maintain, and, on request of the EPA, provide the following:

  • A brief description of any lawsuits pending against the recipient that allege discrimination, which 40 C.F.R., Parts 5 & 7 prohibit.
  • Racial/ethnic, national origin, age, sex, and disability data, or EPA Form 4700-4 information submitted with the County's application for EPA funding.
  • A log of discrimination complaints which identifies the complaint, the date it was filed, the date the recipient's investigation was completed, the disposition, and the date of disposition, and the date of disposition.
  • Reports of any compliance reviews conducted by any other agencies.

The Department of the Environment's Nondiscrimination Policy and Procedures are reviewed annually and revised as necessary to ensure the prompt and fair resolution of discrimination complaints and ongoing compliance with 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7.