TASK FORCE ON SUSTAINABLE GROWTH & WASTEWATER DISPOSAL

Maggie McIntosh, Chair (chosen by Governor)
Jon M. Laria, Esq., Vice-Chair (chosen by Governor)

Appointed by Governor to 5-year terms: Charles R. Bailey, Jr.; Madison Jim Bunting, Jr.; Kelton L. Clark, Ph.D.; Robert J. Etgen; Erik N. Fisher; Brian Hammock, Esq.; Richard H. Hutchison; Patricia A. Langenfelder; Robert J. Mitchell; James L. Rapp; Robert W. Sheesley; Robin Truiett-Theodorson; Frederick L. Tutman.

Appointed by Senate President: David R. Brinkley; Paul G. Pinsky.

Appointed by House Speaker: Stephen W. Lafferty; Maggie McIntosh.

Designated by Maryland Association of Counties: Kathleen A. Freeman; Christopher J. Trumbauer.

Designated by Maryland Municipal League: Joseph Adkins; David E. Carey.

Designated by Center for Agro-Ecology: Russell B. Brinsfield, Ph.D.

Ex officio: Earl F. Hance, Secretary of Agriculture; Robert M. Summers, Ph.D., Secretary of the Environment; John R. Griffin, Secretary of Natural Resources; Richard E. Hall, Secretary of Planning; Margaret G. McHale, Esq., Chair, Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays; Jon M. Laria, Esq., Chair, Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission.

Staff: Heather W. Barthel; Jason Dubow.

c/o Office of Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs, Dept. of the Environment
Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 537-3056
e-mail: hbarthel@mde.state.md.us

c/o Planning Services, Dept. of Planning
301 West Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201 - 2365
(410) 767-3370
e-mail: jdubow@mdp.state.md.us
web: www.mdp.state.md.us/yourpart/septicstf/septicstaskforce.shtml

On April 18, 2011, the Task Force on Sustainable Growth and Wastewater Disposal was authorized (Executive Order 01.01.2011.05). The Task Force reviewed and studied such issues as what impact septic systems and shared community systems have on water quality and land use patterns and whether they constitute any barriers to smart growth. Further, the Task Force considered if existing growth areas that have central sewage systems would be able to accommodate projected growth in terms of development capacity, increased flow to wastewater treatment plants, and funding for system upgrades.

The Task Force weighed the benefits of septic systems versus central sewerage for handling future growth; examined local practices for managing large lot residential developments built on formerly rural land that use septic systems; and also studied current policies and practices for connecting failed septic systems to wastewater treatment plants. The smart growth, environmental, and fiscal implications of all options were evaluated. Finally, the Task Force recommended statutory and regulatory changes to maintain Maryland's commitment to reduce nutrients and improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay while accommodating the sewage needs of new developments.

As required, the Task Force met jointly with the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission, on September 12, 2011, and October 25, 2011.

On December 20, 2011, the Task Force reported to the Governor, the Senate President, and the House Speaker.

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