Annapolis-area delegates have sponsored two bills to help save Maryland’s waterways using special water runoff management strategies.
Both bills call for the use of Low Impact Development technologies to prevent runoff from absorbing chemicals — on streets, sidewalks, roofs and other impervious surfaces — and contaminating waterways. LID limits runoff using such techniques as planting green rooftops and vegetation.
“I think that people understand that the health of the Chesapeake Bay and the tributaries have a huge effect on our quality of life, our environment and our economy,” said Del. Justin Ross, D-Prince George’s, who sponsored one of the bills.
His bill addresses the situation by establishing an LID tax credit, while Del. Jane Lawton said her bill would force county ordinance changes making LID a requirement for builders.
“Basically, we are saying they need to contain the water runoff on the site where they are building,” the Montgomery County Democrat said of her bill. “Because what happens is if they don’t, then during construction and after construction, you have a tremendous amount of runoff into the stream beds, and that is what’s polluting the Bay.”
Under Ross’ legislation, those who implement the LID technologies would be eligible for a tax credit worth 5 percent of their cost. The tax break would be available on existing and not-yet-constructed sites.
“Our bill addresses new construction,” Lawton said. “His would give great incentive for people to go back and improve.”
Maryland Alliance for Greenway Improvement and Conservation President Bob DeGroot said his group supports both bills. “We need stormwater management very badly in most of the state,” he said. “Ifyou walk into any stream valley in an urban area … they are very unhealthy.”
Hearings on both bills are scheduled for next month.
