In today’s Carroll County Times (limited free access available), Senator David Brinkley affirms his opposition to a number of the elements in the recently released report from the state’s Task Force on Sustainable Growth and Wastewater Disposal.
From the Times coverage:
Sen. David Brinkley, R-District 4, opposed 11 of 33 recommendations made by the task force because he considers them assaults on rural areas, farming communities and property owners. The task force’s final report, Brinkley said, is a broad-stroke approach to hurt western Maryland counties.
The Senator was quoted specifically raising concerns with the proposal to mandate “best available technology” for new septic systems, raising concerns with the cost to homeowners:
If the septic recommendation is implemented, Brinkley said people could be spending around $500 a year to operate the best available technology. The cost comes from the electricity used to operate the system and yearly inspections.
“It’s overkill,” he said.
Senator Brinkley is slated to join a panel discussion on septics issues at the upcoming MACo Winter Conference, on the afternoon of January 5th. For more information about the conference, click here to see the registration brochure.
The summary of this panel discussion is as follows:
Thursday, January 5, 2012
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm“Septic Systems: Policy, Planning, & Problems”
It is very likely that during the 2012 Session, the Maryland General Assembly will consider legislation that will prohibit or seriously restrict new growth on septic systems. Depending on how this legislation is crafted, it could have a significant negative effect on suburban and rural counties, as well as on the development and agricultural sectors. Advocates who support the restriction of septic systems argue that septic systems are both an environmental and land use problem that must be addressed. Panelists will discuss the environmental and land use impacts of septic systems, identify the potential effects of various restrictions on septic systems, and debate the best method to address concerns raised by septic systems.
