1. Where do I get an application for the Bay Restoration Fund?
Download the Bay Restoration Grant Application or visit the Health Department for a printed application.
2. Who is eligible for grant funding?
All St. Mary’s County property owners that utilize an Onsite Septic System are eligible for funding. This includes new construction, residential, commercial and business-owned properties. Funding is also available to help with the cost of connecting a property to the public sewer.
3. How is the grant funding used for public sewer connections?
The grant provides funding to help offset the cost for an existing home to connect to public sewer. It is not available to homes that are already connected to public sewer.
4. When is the installation of a Best Available Technology (BAT) Unit required?
Within the 1000 foot Critical Area Buffer – All properties located within the 1000 foot Critical Area Buffer are required to include a BAT when either upgrading, installing or replacing the septic system.
Effective November 24, 2016, properties located outside of the 1000-foot Critical Area buffer are no longer required to install the Best Available Technology (BAT) for nitrogen removal. The BAT may be required on properties with existing homes or businesses outside of the Critical Area in situations where soil conditions prohibit the installation of a conventional septic system.
5. What does the grant cover?
The grant addresses the cost of the BAT, installation of the BAT, electrical hookup of the BAT, and two years Operation and Maintenance. The grant does not cover permit or recordation fees which can range from $53-$200. For public sewer connections, residences are potentially eligible for up to $20,000 and businesses up to $15,000 towards the cost of connection to the public sewer.
6. Does the BAT use electricity?
Yes. Each BAT has an electrical component as part of the system. The electrical consumption varies between each BAT and should be researched by the property owner when choosing an BAT.
7. Can the BRF grant cover the cost of the entire septic system and BAT?
Grant funding may be provided for the replacement of a failing septic system as long as the system includes a BAT and the property owners meet the income eligibility limits of the DHR energy assistance program.
8. Who installs the BAT?
All BATs must be installed by a St. Mary’s County licensed septic contractor that has also been certified by Maryland Department of the Environment to install BATs. Contact the Health Department for a current list.
9. If I own more than one property, can I apply for grant funding more than once?
Yes. Each property served by an Onsite Septic System is eligible for grant funding.
10. Do I pay for the BAT and then get reimbursed?
No. Grant funding is awarded for the property but payment is made to the distributors of the BATs once the unit has been inspected. Grant funding must be approved prior to installation of the BAT.
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