Maryland House Bill HB924

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/10/23
• Report Pass: 4/10/23

Caption

Sewage Treatment Plants - Effluent Discharges, Discharge Permits, and Property Tax Credit for Impacted Dwellings

Impact

One of the key impacts of HB 924 is its requirement for stricter limits on nitrogen, phosphorus, and bacterial discharges within the effluent. Specifically, the bill stipulates that discharge permits must limit nitrogen to 3 mg/L and phosphorus to 0.3 mg/L, which aligns with established water quality standards. This could have significant implications for both public health and environmental protection by enhancing the monitoring of sewage treatment plants and reducing nutrient pollution in nearby waterways, thereby improving local ecosystems and water quality.

Summary

House Bill 924 focuses on improving the regulation of effluent discharges from sewage treatment plants in Maryland. The bill mandates the Department of the Environment to monitor the effluent discharged from facilities with a capacity of at least 50 million gallons per day. Additionally, the Department is tasked with evaluating the potential environmental impacts, particularly on midge populations, that may arise from these discharges. In cases where a treatment plant has violated discharge permits in the previous 24 months, the bill allows for the placement of an inspector on-site to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Contention

The bill also includes provisions for property tax credits for homes adversely impacted by midge populations near wastewater treatment plants, which may raise concerns over local governance and fiscal implications. The potential for local governments to grant tax credits introduces a debate about property rights and responsibilities in areas affected by industrial discharges. Critics may argue that such measures dilute accountability among sewage treatment facilities and could place financial burdens on municipalities, while advocates believe the bill represents a necessary step in promoting environmental health and protecting homeowners.