The Baltimore FBI office and the Maryland U.S. attorney's office have established a 24-hour hot line for citizens to report environmental crimes, especially those involving the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

Local, state and federal law enforcement officials also have formed the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Enforcement Coalition, which held its first meeting Wednesday at the Naval Academy in Annapolis.

The coalition seeks to improve conservation efforts and environmental compliance in the bay area.

Federal authorities said in a statement that they view "environmental violations as serious threats to the public health and natural resources of the state of Maryland. Our top priority is protecting the Chesapeake Bay."

The hot-line number is 800-377-5879.

Pub Date: 12/18/98