The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning, Rich Hall stated that the major source of pollution in the bay (septic systems) has “been ignored” and very little has been done to increase the performance of septic systems. According to Secretary Hall, several counties have permitted a “fair amount of growth” in areas that are on septic systems. These statements were made during a segment of the Marc Steiner Show called On Delmarva on WEAA, 88.9 on February 17. Marc’s guests were Maryland Department of Planning Secretary, Rich Hall, Wicomico County Council President Gail Bartkovich and Tom Horton, On Delmarva correspondent.
Council President Bartkovich discussed the potential impact of the proposed ban in her county. Bartkovich indicated that each jurisdiction is different. Wicomico County does not have centralized water and wastewater systems except in the cities and towns. Development in the unincorporated parts of the County is almost exclusively on individual septic systems. The recently revised Comprehensive Water & Sewer Plan, which was approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment, precludes package treatment plants in the Rural/Agricultural Zoning District.
Council President Bartkovich, who also serves on the MACo Legislative Committee, stated that MACo has not taken a position on the proposed ban but is in the process of reviewing and discussing packets of information prepared by MACo staff.
