Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to C. S., June 21, 1995

(Congress of tfjf (Hiiitrb States Sjousr of firproOfiitatitics SBastmjton. »£ 20515-2002 June 21, 1995 Dear Thank you for contacting me regarding the regulation of nitrate levels in rural septic systems. I hope that the following information is useful. According to the Environmental Law Division of the Library of Congress, regulations governing the use and maintenance of septic tanks are handled entirely by local and state governments. The Clean Water Acts of 1972 and 1990 specify limits on the direct discharge of waste products by factories, pumping stations, and other “point” sources, but no legislation expressly mandates controls on septics tanks, even though these can leak into groundwater if poorly maintained. Only three states have statewide control over the regulation of septic tanks. Maryland is one of the forty-seven states which rely on counties and municipalities to monitor these systems. I suggest that you contact the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management at (410) 887- 3733 if you have specific problems. Additionally, the Septics and Wells Division of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) publishes a guide to local county ordinances. I have requested that they send you these regulations, but if you have additional requests, please contact MDE at 410-631-3779. I hope this information is useful. If you have any further concerns, please feel free to contact me. Very truly yours, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress