New guidelines for funding new septic systems for eligible homeowners have been approved by the Calvert Board of County Commissioners.  The grants are funds which are available for homeowners to replace failing septic systems. In the past, all homeowners in environmentally sensitive areas, the Mill Creek watershed and areas 1,000 feet from tidal wetlands or shorelines received priority consideration.  Under the new guidelines, homes that have been assessed at less than $250,000 and/or are occupied throughout the year will now receive priority.
 
The funds for the grants to Maryland homeowners are received from the Bay Restoration Fund.  This year, Calvert County received $1.6 million in funds for the program.  Available funds will pay for about 95 new systems.  125 homeowners have applied for a grant.
 
Failing septic systems cause approximately 25% of the nitrogen pollution in Calvert County’s waterways.  In the Mill Creek area, that figure doubles.  Nitrogen from failing septic systems can seep into the waterways.  This seepage causes algae blooms, which kill off fish and other water dependent life.
 
The funds for the Bay Restoration Fund are received from the “flush tax”.  The “flush tax” was imposed to help programs which protect the Chesapeake Bay and is tributaries.  Homeowners on sewer pay a monthly sewer fee.  Homeowners with septic systems pay a yearly assessment fee.  The “flush tax” monies are collected by the county and given to State of Maryland.  The state then distributes the funds to various projects that lower nitrogen discharge.  As well as assisting homeowners replacing failing septic systems, monies are also directed to farmers which plant cover crops; the cover crops reduce nutrient runoff into the waterways.

For more information on this and any help with your South Maryland real estate, please feel free to contact me.