Senator Stoltzfus Fights Against High-Priced Septic System Requirements on Rural Homeowners 3-18-09

Proclaiming "there's going to be an outcry!" by rural homeowners, Senator J. Lowell Stoltzfus (R -  Somerset, Worcester & Wicomico) led the fight on the Senate floor this morning against a bill that would significantly increase the costs for new septic systems throughout the state.  Senate Bill 554 - Chesapeake Bay Nitrogen Reduction Act of 2009 also requires the installation of the higher priced nitrogen removal systems if a septic system needs to be repaired and is located in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area.

"Are you listening folks?" Senator Stolzfus said when the debate focused on the higher costs.  A replacement system would cost $12,000 while installation for new construction would cost someone buying a home an additional $5,000 - $7,000.

  Stoltzfus continued, "At that rate it is going to cost $32 million, annually, to new homebuilders in Maryland. Now, is this the right time to be adding housing costs?  I suspect it's not.  This could be the straw that breaks the camel's back in this housing market."

Senator Stolzfus also questioned the cost benefit for this bill in light of the fact that only 4% of the nitrogen pollution of the bay is attributed to failing septic systems.  The larger nitrogen contributors to bay pollution are atmospheric (33%), chemical fertilizer (26%), manure from agricultural land (18%) and municipal & industrial wastewater (19%).

While the bill provides that the Department of the Environment shall assist in paying the additional cost of this installation with money from the Bay Restoration Fund, Senator Stoltzfus questioned whether there are sufficient funds available to meet this need.  He also opposed the excessive penalties including a $1000 per day fine.

Upon Senator Stoltzfus' motion, the bill was laid over until tomorrow morning when additional amendments may be offered to the bill.