From the Office of Senator Nancy Jacobs:
Today regulations have been implemented that require installation of a very expensive septic system in all newly built homes, and in existing houses where those systems must be replaced or improvements are made. Estimates for the cost of this “Best Available Technology” septic system will be about $12,000 per household, and there are increased maintenance costs.
In pushing through this regulation the Administration has illegally trumped the power of the General Assembly which voted to reject this requirement time after time. In the 2009 Legislative Session, a bill tried to require all septic systems in Maryland to use BAT systems. This was eventually amended to apply only in Maryland’s critical areas near the Bay. All other attempts to expand this requirement to the entire state have failed.
Even worse, during this tenuous economic time, the septic requirement will have a severe impact on the state’s housing market. Maryland Realtors oppose it; saying the additional 12 thousand dollar septic cost and a new law requiring 3 thousand dollars for a sprinkler system will push up the cost of a new home by 15 thousand dollars. That will make it unaffordable for many and hurt the people with jobs the housing industry.
The benefits are minimal and the costs are high. Studies show of the nitrogen running into the Bay, only 1.4% comes from Maryland septic systems. Yet a state analysis finds the cost of the new septic requirement will be 60 million dollars per year for consumers. The larger sources of nitrogen should be our focus.
Senator Nancy Jacobs hopes there will be a legal challenge to these new septic regulations proving a state agency does not have the authority to usurp the power of the legislature when it has ruled. She also plans to introduce legislation that expands the power of the individual members of the Senate Committee that oversees state regulations.
Give us a break. Think about it — clean Bay or “NEW HOME” price increase. People will be paying whatever the market presents (or not). If they can’t afford the cost – don’t go in debt to buy something out of your price range. Someone, somewhere buys a brand new house — no matter what the cost. (There was a time when auto manufacturer’s complained about seat belts and air bags).
Our Chesapeake Bay is irreplaceable. The communities around the Bay and most all the citizens of Maryland who have ever had contact with this outstanding treasure know the difference. Quit supporting the home builders and bankers who whine about the sometimes exaggerated increase in home prices. Buyers will spend–no matter what. Apparently you don’t live anywhere near homes with septic problems. It’s time to put an end to the destruction and damage caused by septic pollution in our Bay!
I don’t think it’s such an issue – these things are natural infrastructures and add value to the home, despite their initial cost.
This is just another example of governmental overeach. There is a need for BAT septic systems in the coastal plane areas and this was addressed by the Maryland legislature. There is very little concern with properly functioning septic systems in the piedmont areas. This has been demonstrated time and again by valid scientific studies. This ignorance towards science and upsurping of the legislative process by the O’Malley administration is simply another tactic in the war against any development in the rural areas of Maryland just as the Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Act of 2012 was.
It is sad but true that today in Maryland – the tail (environmental concern) is wagging the dog (maryland residents).
Amber & Elsie,
I’ve come to expect viewpoints such as yours. I’ve even tried to understand ‘liberal’ strategies that define our governments most recent legislation. However, the longer you two sheep keep “baa-baa-baaing” to the same legislation being handed down to us! The sooner your freedoms too will be lost! Let me guess…? You both voted for O’Malley because he had a nice haircut, or was it because he was good looking???
Shame on you both!