The Department of Environmental Protection must: (a) protect, preserve, and enhance the environmental resources of the County, including environmental planning, design, and development of disposal sites and facilities for public sewerage; (b) develop programs and administer laws and regulations: (1) to promote energy conservation; and (2) to prevent or control air, water, and land pollution; (c) develop programs and administer laws and regulations necessary to protect the public health and environmental quality; (d) plan, design, develop, and manage solid waste facilities and programs, including collection, disposal, recycling, and waste reduction programs, and administer related licensing and regulatory programs and activities; and (e) perform other environmental protection functions as directed by the County Executive.

The position of Deputy Director in the Department of Environmental Protection is a non-merit position.