Md. Sen. Committee Passes Governor's Septic Bill
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A Maryland Senate committee has signed off on a bill to limit where new septic systems can be installed.
Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee Chairwoman Joan Carter Conway said the committee supported the measure in a 7 to 4 vote Friday afternoon.
The bill, sponsored by Gov. Martin O'Malley, failed to gain traction last year and was altered to create a tiered system local governments would use to determine what areas are eligible to put new septic systems.
Proponents of the legislation say septic systems for individual homes cause more pollution than public water and sewer systems.
Conway, a Baltimore Democrat, said the committee significantly amended the bill Friday and expects lengthy debate on the Senate floor.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
