Anne Arundel Councilwoman Cathy Vitale wants to give property owners a tax break if they reduce their stormwater runoff.
“Most people recognize older communities were not subject to stormwater management, and there is no incentive to do anything,” said Vitale, R-District 5.
Vitale introduced a bill that would give a 10 percent rebate, up to $2,500, for five years on construction costs for property owners who minimize impervious surfaces, such as driveways and roofs, and use other methods to limit stormwater runoff.
The requirements would be determined by the Planning and Zoning Department, but could include rain barrels and innovative technology such as permeable asphalt.
Environmental scientists have linked impervious surface to runoff pollution, which depletes water of dissolved oxygen and increases sediment deposits.
Public Works Director Ron Bowen presented data to the council last week that showed all 12 watersheds in the county exceed federal standards on nitrogen and sediment loads, which can lead to fish kills and damaged oyster reefs.
Though the council is grappling with a bill that would fund stream-restoration projects, Vitale said she believes the problem won?t be resolved without nudging property owners in the right direction.
“I?m a big believer in incentives,” Vitale said. “I have never run into a person who is just anti-environment. They might be anti-cost, and my bill gives them the incentive to move forward.”
County Executive John R. Leopold, who drafted the stormwater management bill before the council, said he had not seen Vitale?s legislation but supports the bill in principle.
The bill will have a hearing Nov. 19.
