GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY TO JOIN LEGISLATORS ANNOUNCING PROPOSAL TO BAN SEPTICS IN MAJOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS

ANNAPOLIS, MD  – Governor Martin O’Malley will join legislative sponsors of a proposal to ban septic systems in major new developments Monday, an initiative he supported during last week’s State of the State address.  The bill, sponsored by Delegate Stephen Lafferty and Senator Paul Pinsky, will require that major new subdivisions include technology to treat sewage waste before it is discharged. The bill will also promote smart growth and agricultural preservation.

Governor O’Malley will also join Kim Coble, Maryland Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Septic systems prevent bacteria from entering waterways or ground water, but do nothing to reduce nitrogen pollution, one of the most significant problems facing the Chesapeake Bay. Modern technologies, with a permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment, can be utilized to reduce pollution from these developments.