Septic system nutrient removing
devices protect our waters
February 10, 2003
by Dave Wilson, (public outreach coordinator, Maryland Coastal Bays Program)
Some 3,520 septic systems contribute more than 92,750 pounds of
nitrogen annually to the coastal bays watershed. But a new initiative
could help 46,720 pounds of nitrogen per year from going into
the bays without the millions of dollars and sprawl that massive
sewer projects bring.
The county legislation would require owners of new homes using
septic or those with failing systems living within "Areas
of Special Concern" to install nutrient removing devices.
Those with systems that are working are excluded as are those
living outside the Area of Special Concern, in the Chesapeake
Bay watershed. The program subscribes to the philosophy that properly
functioning septic systems are good as long as they are maintained
and serviced. Those that are not are threatening drinking water,
public health, and coastal bays water quality.
Depending on the buyer's choice, the upgraded systems could add
between $3,500 and $10,000 to the cost of a conventional system.
To make it feasible for all, the county would have to devise tax
credit, cost share and financial hardship rules for the added
cost of purchase and installation of the new systems which can
last twice as long as the old ones.
Properly functioning septic systems contribute an average of 29
pounds of nitrogen per household per year to groundwater. Nutrient
removing septic systems contribute 14.4 pounds. Unlike septic,
nitrogen from industrial discharges, sewage plants, and agricultural
operations is already regulated.
The new program would bring parity by issuing tracking permits
for all systems with inspections at two-year intervals. All new
systems would be required to have nitrogen removal as would failing
ones. This is especially urgent since the county expects 10,000
septic systems in the watershed by 2023. Lots within 1,000 feet
of shore and those which penetrate groundwater would also require
nutrient removal. High density areas would be nudged to nutrient
removal systems too but in any case where public sewer was available,
incentives would be proffered to get such communities hooked up.
The proposal also recommends a county-controlled way of dealing
with septic sludge from haulers. Such sludge is not tracked. A
new county processing plant or one combined with an upgraded sewer
facility could help monitor discharge and control improper disposal.
The amount of nitrogen from septic going into the coastal bays
is significantly higher than other areas because of the region's
sandy soils, high water tables and the percentage of watershed
residents on septic. According to the Department of Assessments
and Taxation data, in 1990 residential parcels served by septic
systems accounted for 19 percent of households but more than 65
percent of residential land.
Still, fear expressed by some septic system owners is viable.
Many living on failing systems are doing so because they can't
afford new ones. This bill cannot have the ability to force people
out of their homes. What it should do is equitably share public
and private funds to keep sewage out of our waterways and let
municipalities extend sewer into designated growth areas.
This effort should be backed by those who enjoy fishing, swimming,
canoeing, hunting, and clamming in the coastal bays.
Part of the National Estuary Program, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program is a cooperative effort between Worcester County, Berlin, and Ocean City which have come together to produce the first ever management plan for their bays.
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