Two Maryland counties have found a way around state-imposed development limitations across the environmentally sensitive Chesapeake Bay watershed, clearing the way for more septic systems to be built for residential subdivisions. According to a Washington Post story, officials in Frederick and Cecil Counties failed to designate much land where septic systems would not be allowed.

Read the story here: 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/maryland-planning-agency-says-2-counties-have-largely-ignored-new-septic-tank-growth-law/2013/02/01/c92bac1c-6cd8-11e2-8f4f-2abd96162ba8_story.html

Echoing concern about over-development in the watershed area, the new law asked local municipalities to approve four-tier maps steering future developments, with one of the tiers to include land where septic systems would not be allowed. According to the Maryland Department of Planning, eight governments complied with the law. The department stated that Frederick and Cecil Counties avoided the controls aimed at limiting pollution on the bay by not designating substantial development-free zones.

The law has made headlines for nearly a year as state legislators grappled with ways to slow sprawl and encourage what are known as “smart growth’’ concepts, which often favor population-dense communities and open spaces.

Maryland installers: What impact has this law had on your businesses? As you head into the 2013 building season, do you see this having an impact on the number or type of onsite systems you complete this year? You can respond right here or send me an email at editor@onsiteinstaller.com.