Senators Criticize Septics Regulation Proposal

Maryland senators on Monday criticized regulations proposed by the Maryland Department of the Environment last month that would require the use of best available technology for nitrogen removal septic systems in new construction on land draining to the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic Coastal Bays watershed.

The matter came up during debate during a special session that has been called to address budget matters.

Sen. David Brinkley, R-Frederick, proposed an amendment to require legislative approval of the regulations. The proposal could have been taken up while lawmakers were debating septics legislation during the regular 90-day session that ended last month, he said. Instead, the department announced the regulations April 27, nearly two weeks after lawmakers adjourned.

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