MACo submitted a second set of comments on the Maryland Department of the Environment’s proposed “Accounting for Growth” policy and regulations on October 1.  The Accounting for Growth policy is designed to offset the nutrient and sediment runoff generated by new growth.  A growth offset policy is required under the State’s Watershed Implementation Plan for the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load and also by the 2012 septic system legislation.

Many counties and some municipalities also submitted comments.  MACo had previously submitted its initial comments as part of a July 23rd memorandum of the Sustainable Growth Commission’s WIP Workgroup.

MACo’s comments fall into six broad categories:  (1) simplicity and transparency; (2) flexibility; (3) offset loads; (4) credit options and fee in lieu; (5) verification and enforcement; and (6) cost.

Accounting for Growth Draft Regulations and Policy Summary

October 1 Gazette.net article on Accounting for Growth Policy