The Worcester County Commissioners overwhelmingly rejected to adopt the state plan to limit septic tank system under the Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012.
The 6-to-1 vote made the county the first in the state to do so.
Half of Maryland’s 24 counties have adopted the septic tier map system with 11 others still considering it.
The system is voluntary.
But, The Salisbury Daily Times reports that it’s believed the vote could have consequences for future local development.
From now on, no major residential subdivisions with six or more lots can be built on septic systems in Worcester County not matter where they live in the area.
The county will be able to continue to allow minor-subdivisions that is development of five or less lots using septic systems.
Commissioner Virgil Shockley, who voted against adoption, noted that the County had not done any major subdivision on septic in the last 25 years.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Judy Boggs, who represents Ocean Pine which would not be affected by the mapping system, was the only commissioner voting for the measure.
