Notice October 25, 2024: The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) phone system has returned to normal operations. Community members can contact SMCHD at 301-475-4330.

The Bay Restoration Fund

According to studies, the Chesapeake Bay has experienced a decline in water quality due to over-enrichment of nutrients (mainly phosphorus and nitrogen). Effluent from wastewater treatment plants, residential on-site (septic) disposal systems, and agricultural practices are the top three major contributors of these nutrients entering the Bay. The Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) was established by Senate Bill 320 and signed into law in 2004. This bill created a dedicated fund to upgrade Maryland’s municipal and residential treatment systems – and initiated Maryland’s efforts to further reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loading in the Chesapeake Bay.

Clear Water® Program

St. Mary’s County Health Department’s Clear Water® Program administers the Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) in St. Mary’s County. The Clear Water® Program provides funding for nitrogen-reducing septic systems and connection of existing homes to public sewer which reduce the amount of harmful nutrients, such as nitrogen, that are discharged into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

All St. Mary’s County property owners that utilize an onsite septic system are eligible to apply. Funding awards will be made based on the availability of Bay Restoration funds, the priority level of the project and the property owner’s total income.

How to Apply                  Frequently Asked Questions

  

Currently, applications are prioritized based on the following categories:

  1. Failing septic systems within the 1000-foot Critical Area
  2. Failing septic systems outside the 1000-foot Critical Area
  3. Non-conforming septic systems within the Critical Area
  4. Non-conforming septic systems outside the Critical Area
  5. Non-failing septic systems within the 1000-foot Critical Area Buffer
  6. Non-failing septic systems outside the 1000-foot Critical Area Buffer

The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area is all land within 1,000 feet of the high water line of tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. New regulations that went into effect November 24, 2016 no longer require properties that are located outside of the 1000-foot Critical Area buffer to install the Best Available Technology (BAT) for nitrogen removal as part of the onsite septic system.

Clear Water® Program

Contact Information

St. Mary’s County Health Department
Environmental Health Division
Office Hours & Directions
P.O. Box 316, Leonardtown, MD 20650
(301) 475-4321

Additional Resources

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