LEONARDTOWN, MD (March 9, 2015) – Property owners in need of a Nitrogen-Reducing Advanced Treatment Unit (ATU) for their septic systems have been successfully assisted by the St. Mary’s County Health Department’s Clear Water® program for a fourth consecutive year. Established in July 2010, the Clear Water® program has awarded more than $6 million dollars in grant funding to residential property owners, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in St. Mary’s County with septic systems located both within and outside of the 1,000 foot critical area buffer.
St. Mary’s County Health Department’s Clear Water® program locally administers the statewide Bay Restoration Fund (BRF). This effort is designed to reduce the amount of nitrogen discharged by a septic system into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries by offering property owners funding to install an ATU.
“The Clear Water program is a great example of a process that works to assist our residents and property owners as well as our environment,” said Heather Moritz, Environmental Health Specialist at the St. Mary’s County Health Department. “We have processed over 1,000 applications since the beginning of the program and have awarded funding in a reasonable time frame with respect to eligibility criteria and seasonal considerations.”
“The Bay Restoration Fund helped us get a septic system that works well for us and, hopefully, helps the environment at the same time,” stated a local homeowner. “It was extremely easy to work with the health department. Their program staff were highly professional and met our needs in a timely manner. Everything was clearly explained and easy to handle.”
The success of the program was enhanced with the expansion of the eligibility requirements in July 2013. Currently, eligibility for grant funding includes the following:
- Property owners with a total income of $300,000 or less are eligible for 100% grant funding.
- Property owners with a total income greater than $300,000 are eligible for 50% grant funding.
- Nonprofit organizations are eligible for 100% grant funding.
- Commercial Projects, Estates and Trusts are eligible for 50% grant funding.
- Units installed for new construction are also eligible for grant funding.
The expanded eligibility has increased the number of applicants, and a wait list has been established to assist all who are interested in the program. “The wait list system has been beneficial, with the majority of wait list applicants being awarded funding,” said Moritz. “We encourage everyone who is interested to apply.”
Information and applications for the Clear Water® program can be found on the health department’s website at www.smchd.org or by contacting Heather Moritz at 301-475-4321, or by email at heather.moritz@maryland.gov