Anne Arundel County Department of Health, Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Bay Restoration Septic Fund

A Grant Program for Nitrogen-Reducing Pretreatment Units

Updated: 3.21.13  

Anne Arundel County has a grant to locally administer the Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) program. The BRF is a State-supported program that provides funding to replace conventional septic tanks with nitrogen-reducing technology. The units reduce the amount of harmful nutrients, such as nitrogen, that septic systems discharge into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

Currently, funding is prioritized based on the following:

1. Repair of failing septic systems in the Critical Area
2. Repair of failing septic systems outside the Critical Area
3. Upgrade of septic systems in the Critical Area
4. Upgrade of septic systems outside the Critical Area

For fiscal year 2013, no funding will be available for new construction on vacant lots.

The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area is all land within 1,000 feet of the high water line of tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. For more information about the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, click here.
Grant awards will be made based on the availability of Bay Restoration funds, the priority level of the project and the property owner's taxable income.
New regulations that went into effect January 1, 2013, require nitrogen-reducing units for all new construction, even outside the Critical Area (see MDE Press Release). 

Property owners with failing septic systems must prevent system overflow by following these guidelines: Septic System: Collapsed Septic Tanks, Overflowing and Failing Septic Systems Interim Health and Safety Requirements.

For step-by-step instructions on how to secure funds from the BRF program, see:
Bay Restoration Fund - Instructions

Other useful links:
Grant Application for Nitrogen-Reducing Pretreatment Unit (PDF)
BRF Best Available Technology for Removing Nitrogen from Onsite Systems
BRF Pre-qualified Licensed Disposal System Contractors (PDF) 
Nitrogen-Reducing Systems -- Frequently Asked Questions

How does the BRF grant program work?
To be eligible for grant funding:

• You must submit a Grant Application (PDF) for a nitrogen-reducing pretreatment unit;
• You must apply for a Perc Application; and
• You must submit a copy of your federal 2011 income tax return form 1040.

How much BRF assistance is available?

For all homes that are not owned by a business entity, funding will be based on the homeowner’s taxable income (line 43 of the federal 1040 form). Commercial properties or homes owned by business entities will be limited to 25 percent funding.

Families with low or moderate incomes can apply for additional assistance to help with drainfield, dry well, and other septic system replacement and repair costs. See Well and Septic System Assistance.

What is covered by the grant?
Grant awards will range between 25 and 100 percent of the purchase, installation, and 5-year service and maintenance cost of the nitrogen-reducing unit. The property owner is responsible for the County perc application fee ($450) and the nitrogen reducing unit installation permit fee ($625). The service contract requires an annual inspection to ensure that the unit is in proper working order. After five years, owners will be responsible for all maintenance, including the cost of maintaining a service contract with a certified service provider.

What future building improvements can be considered for my property?
Any future building improvements or additions must comply with applicable State and local regulations, the Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems, the Private Sewage Disposal Code (PDF), and all connected rules and regulations.
Building or property improvements that increase the habitable area or living space of a dwelling must comply with the requirements of the Private Sewage Disposal Code. The existing septic system will be evaluated based on its adequacy in handling the proposed increase in living space. In most cases, area for two future replacement systems must be identified on the property before building permit approval can be made. If the existing septic system is determined to be inadequate to serve the increase in living area, then a nitrogen-reducing BAT unit will be required, whether the property is in the Critical Area or not.
If the property does not meet the conventional requirements of the Private Sewage Disposal Code and the existing septic system is found to function properly, a property may qualify for a one-time limited home addition. The limited home addition allows a home expansion of up to a 50 percent increase in the living space of an existing dwelling, with a maximum increase of 1,000 square feet and no increase in the number of bedrooms.
Property improvements, such as swimming pools, sheds, garages, decks, patios and porches, are approvable provided that the minimum setback requirements are met. The minimum setback requirements can be found at Distance Requirements (PDF) and Private Sewage Disposal Code (PDF).

How can I request a presentation about this grant opportunity?
Department of Health staff members are available to meet with homeowner associations, community leaders and community interest groups to present information about the Bay Restoration Fund. To schedule a presentation, call the Department of Health at 410-222-7324.

For More Information, Contact:
Sanitary Engineering Program
Bureau of Environmental Health
Anne Arundel County Department of Health
3 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
410-222-7193