MORE PROPERTY OWNERS ELIGIBLE FOR CLEAR WATER® GRANTS THROUGH THE BAY RESTORATION FUND
Eligibility expanded, so more St. Mary's County property owners with on-site septic systems can take advantage of grant funding through the Clear Water® Program - otherwise known as the Bay Restoration Fund (BRF). The Clear Water® Program provides funding for installing advanced nitrogen-reducing technology that upgrades septic systems owned by private residences, businesses, and non-profits.
The Clear Water® Program is administered by the St. Mary's County Health Department and is part of a statewide Bay Restoration Fund initiative. This statewide effort is designed to reduce the amount of nitrogen discharged by septic systems into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Grants provide money towards installation of Nitrogen Reduction Advanced Treatment Units (ATUs). Partly due to an oversupply of nitrogen, Chesapeake Bay water quality has declined significantly in the past 60 years, challenging community health and local water-dependent businesses. The ATUs installed by property owners significantly reduces the amount of nitrogen discharged by septic systems into bay waters.
"Many of our residents have become aware of this wonderful opportunity to install ATUs and clean our surrounding waters," states Heather Moritz, Registered Environmental Health Specialist at the St. Mary's County Health Department. "With this year's new, expanded eligibility for businesses, non-profit, and private property owners, we hope that many more residents in St. Mary's County will take advantage of the Clear Water® Program."
Recently expanded eligibility for grant funding means:
-- Property owners with a total income of $300,000 or less may be eligible for 100% grant funding.
-- Property owners with a total income greater than $300,000 may be eligible for 50% grant funding.
-- Non-profit organizations may be eligible for 100% grant funding.
-- Businesses and estates may be eligible for 50% grant funding.
-- Units installed for new construction may be eligible for 100% grant funding
For more information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply for the Clear Water® Program, please visit the St. Mary's County Health Department website at http://www.smchd.org/bay-restoration-grant/ or call the health department's Environmental Health Division at 301-475-4321.
Eligibility expanded, so more St. Mary's County property owners with on-site septic systems can take advantage of grant funding through the Clear Water® Program - otherwise known as the Bay Restoration Fund (BRF). The Clear Water® Program provides funding for installing advanced nitrogen-reducing technology that upgrades septic systems owned by private residences, businesses, and non-profits.
The Clear Water® Program is administered by the St. Mary's County Health Department and is part of a statewide Bay Restoration Fund initiative. This statewide effort is designed to reduce the amount of nitrogen discharged by septic systems into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Grants provide money towards installation of Nitrogen Reduction Advanced Treatment Units (ATUs). Partly due to an oversupply of nitrogen, Chesapeake Bay water quality has declined significantly in the past 60 years, challenging community health and local water-dependent businesses. The ATUs installed by property owners significantly reduces the amount of nitrogen discharged by septic systems into bay waters.
"Many of our residents have become aware of this wonderful opportunity to install ATUs and clean our surrounding waters," states Heather Moritz, Registered Environmental Health Specialist at the St. Mary's County Health Department. "With this year's new, expanded eligibility for businesses, non-profit, and private property owners, we hope that many more residents in St. Mary's County will take advantage of the Clear Water® Program."
Recently expanded eligibility for grant funding means:
-- Property owners with a total income of $300,000 or less may be eligible for 100% grant funding.
-- Property owners with a total income greater than $300,000 may be eligible for 50% grant funding.
-- Non-profit organizations may be eligible for 100% grant funding.
-- Businesses and estates may be eligible for 50% grant funding.
-- Units installed for new construction may be eligible for 100% grant funding
For more information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply for the Clear Water® Program, please visit the St. Mary's County Health Department website at http://www.smchd.org/bay-restoration-grant/ or call the health department's Environmental Health Division at 301-475-4321.