With the General Assembly adjourning in just 13 days, Gov. Parris N. Glendening's top environmental initiative -- to require more efficient septic systems in parts of the state -- is in danger of being defeated or significantly weakened.
Key legislators said yesterday they had concerns about the bill's requirement that new septic systems be equipped with nitrogen-reduction technology -- at an extra cost of $3,000 to $7,000.
House Speaker Casper R. Taylor Jr. and the head of the House committee considering the governor's proposal said the Assembly does not have enough time to tackle the issue.
"I honestly think that's headed for summer study," Taylor said yesterday. "It's just too much to deal with."
Del. Ron Guns, chairman of the House Environmental Matters Committee, agreed, saying the matter is too complicated to be ironed out before the 90-day legislative session ends April 10.
"The committee has a lot of serious concerns," said Guns, an Eastern Shore Democrat who has clashed often with Glendening on environmental issues. "I don't think the will is there to pass it."
Glendening's proposal, which would take effect in 2002, would require property owners installing a septic system at a new home or replacing a failing one to purchase models featuring the nitrogen-reduction technology. The measure would apply only to properties in areas of "special" environmental concern, such as coastal bay watersheds.
Administration officials estimate that about 30,000 of the state's 400,000 septic systems are failing and in need of replacement. The bill provides for state grants and loans to help low- and moderate-income property owners meet the extra cost.
The legislature's fiscal analysts have estimated that the financial assistance would cost the state nearly $15 million a year.
Property owners who earn too much to qualify would have to pay the full cost.
Nitrogen is a key cause of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, leading to excessive algal growth and other problems. Septic systems are responsible for about 6 percent of the nitrogen flowing into the bay, administration officials estimate.
Vocal opponents
A vocal group of opponents has lined up to kill the bill. Leading the charge have been homebuilder and Realtor groups, who are concerned about driving up the cost of homes.
The Maryland Realtors Association has waged a grass-roots effort against the bill, using ads in local newspapers to alert homeowners to the bill's provisions and the potential cost to property owners.
