Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) Septic System Upgrade Grant Program
In accordance with Bay Restoration Fund (BRF), money is collected annually from septic system users to upgrade onsite systems with the Best Available Technology (BAT) for nitrogen removal.
The goal of the program is to reduce nutrients getting into the Chesapeake Bay. Consequently, the law requires that failing systems located within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (CBCA, i.e., property within 1,000 feet of mean high tide) be upgraded with BAT units.
Other septic systems, including failing systems outside of the CBCA may also be eligible for grant money depending on funding availability (see below). The Department of Environmental Protection & Sustainability (EPS) administers the program for Baltimore County property owners.
Eligibility
Any Baltimore County property owner may apply for the grant money. However, available funds will be prioritized in accordance with the following:
- Highest Priority
Failing septic systems or holding tanks* in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (CBCA) - High Priority
Failing septic systems or holding tanks* outside the CBCA where a BAT unit is recommended or required by EPS based on site conditions - Medium Priority
Non-failing septic system in the CBCA where a BAT unit is either requested by the property owner or required by EPS to support an expansion or renovation of an existing dwelling or business - Low Priority
Non-failing septic systems in the CBCA where a BAT unit is required by EPS to support new construction - Low Priority
Non-failing septic system outside the CBCA where a BAT unit is not considered necessary by EPS for adequate repair
* Sites with holding tanks will only be considered if a viable soil-based disposal area can be identified.
The EPS grant review will include the assessing the availability of public sewer. If the subject property has access to public sewer and your system is failing or your property is in an area that is scheduled to have a public sewer in the near future, your request for funds may be denied and you may be required to connect to the public system.
The grant money may be used for the cost and installation of the BAT plus five years of maintenance. It may not be used for the cost of the drainfield, the cost to connect to public sewer, or for permit or recordation fees. Failing systems in the CBCA (highest priority) are eligible for 100 percent grant funding. Other priorities will be eligible for funding based on homeowner income (PDF). Non-residential properties outside the CBCA are limited to 25 percent of the BAT unit cost.
Property Owner’s Responsibility
The property owner will be required to submit the necessary application information, and allow access for EPS to conduct an initial site inspection. If approved, the property owner must sign and record an agreement (PDF) that acknowledges that the system must be maintained by a qualified operator for as long as the septic system is in use, and allows the county to periodically conduct onsite inspections to ensure that the BAT unit is operating satisfactorily.
Apply
Download, complete and submit the application form (PDF) to Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection & Sustainability (EPS) by:
EPS
Ground Water Management
BRF Septic System Grant Upgrade Program
105 W. Chesapeake Ave, Suite 400
Towson, MD 21204
Fax
410-887-4817
groundwater@baltimorecountymd.gov
Contact Information
Groundwater Management
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 410-887-2762
Fax:410-887-4817
E-mail: groundwater@baltimorecountymd.gov
Find more detailed information about the BRF Septic Systems program.
Revised April 30, 2012
