Upgrade Your Septic System

Based upon a Chesapeake region-wide analysis, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation estimates that a conventional septic system releases 3.4 pounds of nitrogen for each member of your household into the surrounding soil.  By comparison, public sewage treatment plants produce 1.8 pounds of nitrogen per person.
If you use a conventional septic system, one of the most effective ways you can reduce the amount you pollute the Bay is to upgrade to a nitrogen-reducing system.  Bubbling air through the septic tank allows bacteria to break down organic molecules into carbon dioxide and water and turn liquid nitrogen into a harmless gas.  This process reduces the amount of nitrogen your septic system releases by 50% or more.
Getting homeowners to upgrade their septic systems is such an important pollution-reducing opportunity that the Maryland Department of the Environment's Bay Restoration Fund will, in most cases, reimburse you for the entire cost of  the upgrade and pay for the first five years of the system's maintenance.  To learn more and download the application, visit here.