The Maryland state legislature drafted a bill to prevent further installations of septic tanks in major housing subdivisions of five or more lots. In minor subdivisions of four or less lots, only upgraded, nitrogen-removing septic systems may be used. While environmentalist groups praise this effort, opponents to the bill feel there should be more time and research put into this process.
Maryland households on septic systems account for 26 percent of homes in the state. Septic systems contribute eight percent of the nitrogen load that pollutes the Chesapeake Bay. The high amount of nitrogen causes algae blooms in the Bay. They take up the oxygen in the water, killing marine life. The bill is projected to reduce 33 percent of the amount of nitrogen from wastewater by 2035.
Stories:
Maryland legislature begins the process of septic ban legislation
Gov. Martin O’Malley proposed a septic ban in his early February State of the State Address. The state legislature works to draft a bill, despite rising opposition.
Opponents to MD septic bill feel it is too far-reaching
Septic legislation critics do not think a state-wide mandate banning septic systems in major subdivisions is the right answer. Some argue that septic systems that are not within 1,000 feet of tidal waters do not do as much damage as a system closer to the waterways and the Bay.
Septic legislation will not impede on industry success
The Agricultural Preservation and Sustainable Growth Act will only allow minor housing subdivisions of four or less lots to use a new, nitrogen removing septic system, known as a pretreatment tank. Maintenance, repairs, replacements and installations have kept the septic industry afloat. The upgraded septic tank models are very costly, which will result in profitability.
Multimedia:
Maryland septic bill: awareness key to legislative success
Tom Zolper of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation stresses that the more aware the public is about the polluting effects of septic systems, the more likely the legislature will have success in passing this piece of legislation.
Bay health graph
This graph shows the results of a state-wide effort to reduce nitrogen pollution in Maryland. While there are some improvements, there is a lot left to be done to restore the Bay’s health.
Map of Chesapeake Bay tributaries
This map marks some of the major tributaries that flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Tributaries are important because the pollution that flows through them makes its way into the Bay as well. The Bay is affected by pollution in many ways, whether it is direct (i.e. dumping straight into the Bay) or indirect (the gradual flow of rivers and streams).
