Last year the General Assembly passed legislation that would require any newly constructed building or building with a failing system to use nitrogen removal technology if they needed a septic system. It also charged the Department of Environment to assist homeowners in paying the cost difference between a conventional on-site sewage disposal system and a system that utilized nitrogen technology with money from the Bay Restoration Fund, if sufficient funds are available.
This week the House of Delegates passed HB62 – Payment of Cost Differential – Nitrogen Removal Technology which clarifies the intent of the General Assembly that the difference in costs would be paid. In effect it removes the language “if sufficient funds are available.” The bill will now cross over to the Senate for review. I will be watching this measure closely as these provisions will affect many Charles County residents.