2418                                         LAWS OF MARYLAND                                     Ch. 404

WHEREAS, Innovative and alternative septic systems,
including mound systems, systems powered by solar energy, filter
wrapped systems, alternating pressure dosing systems, and
innovative and alternative systems using expanded percolation
rates, are reported to have been successful elsewhere, Maryland's
effort will be to test the technology and design parameters in
order to reduce the expense of design and construction in our
soils and climate; and

WHEREAS, Since this State mandated a change in 1972, the
State has a responsibility: (1) to show its residents how to use
innovative, new, and alternative technology to build septic
systems that will meet the requirements of the Department; and
(2) to assist those people who, before or after 1972, purchased
land that cannot be developed due to failed percolation tests;
and

WHEREAS, The State will experience benefits in the health of
the public and a decrease in the discharges of nitrogen,
phosphorus, and pathogens to the tidal waters of this State and,
eventually, to the Chesapeake Bay; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Health - Environmental

SUBTITLE 14. INNOVATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC
SYSTEM GRANT PROGRAM

9-1401.

(A)  IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS
INDICATED.

(B) (1) "INNOVATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEM" MEANS
ANY NEW, EXPERIMENTAL, OR NONCONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGY THAT IS
ADDED TO OR USED IN PLACE OF A CONVENTIONAL SEPTIC OR OTHER
ON-SITE SEWERAGE SYSTEM.

(2) "INNOVATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEM"
INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:

(I)  A SAND MOUND SEPTIC SYSTEM;

(II)  A SEPTIC TANK-SEWERAGE EVAPOTRANSPIRATION
SYSTEM THAT IS POWERED BY SOLAR ENERGY;

(III)  A SEPTIC TANK-FILTER CLOTH TRENCH
SYSTEM; AND

(IV)  ANY OTHER INNOVATIVE ON-SITE SEWERAGE
DISPOSAL TECHNOLOGY THAT IS DEVELOPED IN THE FUTURE.

(C)  "PROGRAM" MEANS THE INNOVATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC
SYSTEM GRANT PROGRAM.