The Baltimore Post-Examiner newspaper reports that more than two dozen Maryland residents testified on proposed regulations for upgraded septic systems – most opposing the rule change. State Department of the Environment officials who wrote the regulations told the Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review joint committee that applying best available technology statewide could cut nutrients in Chesapeake Bay sediment.
Opponents said the regulation would be to be too expensive and would be beyond the scope of the department’s authority. “Maryland Association of Realtors president Patricia Terrill said that the regulation, while focused on future development, does impact existing property owners,” the newspaper reported. “If changes are made which change the capacity of an existing septic system, that system would have to be upgraded to best available technology, carrying a price tag of $8,000-$12,000.”
State officials argued that best available technology is needed statewide to comply with federal rules limiting the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous going into the bay and its watershed and to restore water quality. They said Maryland’s more than 400,000 septic systems each introduce 24 pounds of nitrogen per year into state waters, versus about two pounds per household connected to sewer systems with enhanced nutrient management.
“If the proposed regulation is approved and the projected 2,200 new septic systems across the state are required to implement the best available technology, the nitrogen output into the Bay would be roughly equivalent to 31,000 pounds of nitrogen, or the amount produced by the city of Cambridge,” the story stated.
Read more at http://baltimorepostexaminer.com/new-septic-system-requirements-fire-up-opponents-at-hearing/2012/07/11
