MACo hosted an Environment and Land Use Retreat on June 1 that was attended by nearly 70 county officials, including planners, health officers, environmental health officers, parks and recreation directors, budget and finance officers, and others. During the nearly 6-hour event, MACo Associate Director Les Knapp moderated several discussions on current and future environment and land use challenges in Maryland. Discussion topics included:
- Septic System Legislation (SB 236)
- Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) proposed Best Available Technology (BAT Septic System Regulations
- PlanMaryland
- Stormwater Management Fee Bill (HB 987)
- Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Phase II Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs)
- Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act of 2009 (HB 315/SB 278) and Climate Change Issues
- Local Planning Resources
Based on the discussion, MACo will be conducting a survey of county land use and planning resources. Some attendees also indicated that further discussion would be beneficial for certain topics, such as the septics legislation. MACo plans to host a smaller discussion meeting that completely focuses on the “nuts and bolts” of the septics legislation.
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