Debate over proposed septic legislation in Maryland

A proposed septics law in Maryland would clean up the Chesapeake Bay, but critics have said it would add as much as $8,000 to the cost of a new home.

Robert Summers, secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment told members of the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review said that the regulations would yield a reduction in nitrogen equal to that produced by approximately 31,000 households.

Republican critics say the proposal by Gov. Martin O'Malley should be addressed by the full General Assembly, and not just a regulatory agency in the executive branch.

The committee can vote on the regulations as soon as next week. If the panel approves the Maryland Department of the Environment, which is proposing them, will then consider public comments until Aug. 15 before deciding on the final regulations.