Bay Restoration Fund nitrogen-reducing unit
before installation.

Due to great demand, new applications for the Bay Restoration Fund grant are temporarily being placed on a waiting list.

The Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) provides grants to upgrade existing septic systems with nitrogen-reducing pretreatment units. The units reduce the amount of harmful nutrients such as nitrogen that septic systems discharge into the Chesapeake Bay. Supported by a state environmental grant, the BRF helps protect water quality in the Bay and its tributaries. The BRF is only used to fund state-approved nitrogen-reducing units that have demonstrated consistent and reliable performance. See Grant Application for Nitrogen-Reducing Pretreatment Unit.

• BRF Best Available Technology for Removing Nitrogen from Onsite Systems
• Nitrogen-Reducing Systems-Frequently Asked Questions

Families with low or moderate incomes can apply for additional assistance to help with drain field, dry well, and other septic system replacement and repair costs. For financial assistance beyond the cost of a nitrogen-reducing unit, see Bay Restoration Septic System Assistance.

How does the BRF Grant program work?

A property owner submits a completed grant application to the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. See Bay Restoration Grant Application. Applications are divided into three categories: Repair, Upgrade Projects and Building Addition Projects. A waiting list of eligible projects is created when the number of applications exceeds available funding.

Projects involving the repair of failing septic systems in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area will be ranked the highest priority and, if funds are available, recommended for immediate approval. The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area is all land within 1,000 feet of the high water line of tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. For more information about the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, click here. Other factors considered in prioritizing funding for properties are high water tables, impermeable soil conditions, inadequate area for replacement systems and lot size. Any future building additions must comply with applicable State and local regulations, the Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems, the Private Sewage Disposal Code, and all connected rules and regulations.
Steps and Instructions For Bay Restoration Fund Applicants

Grant funds may be used to upgrade an existing septic system with nitrogen-reducing technology or support a building addition for a home where additional bedrooms or increases in living space are proposed, beyond the requirements of the Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems, and where the Private Sewage Disposal Code requirements can be met. Applications involving repairs outside the Critical Area, upgrade or addition projects will be processed quarterly, and grant funds will be prioritized based on the location of the property and other factors.

What happens if my grant application is approved?

Applicants enter into an agreement, which is recorded against the deed of the property. The agreement will specify the maintenance responsibilities associated with the nitrogen-reducing unit and the square footage, number of bedrooms and maximum sewage flows approved for the property.

The property owner must secure 3 written estimates from a list of pre-qualified, licensed disposal system contractors. The Department of Health will review the estimates. Grant awards will be based on the lowest bid. Installation of the nitrogen-reducing unit will be scheduled with the property owner. If the property owner wants to use an approved contractor that did not submit the lowest bid, the property owner pays the cost difference between the two estimates.

On completion, the Department of Health will inspect the nitrogen-reducing unit and payment to the contractor will be made by the Department of Health based on the grant award. Any other costs to repair, replace or upgrade the septic system beyond the installation of the nitrogen-reducing unit will not be paid by this grant.

Families with low or moderate incomes may qualify for funding to repair or replace a failing septic system beyond the cost of the nitrogen-reducing unit. See Bay Restoration Septic System Assistance.

What is covered by the grant?

The grant will cover the purchase cost of the nitrogen-reducing unit and its installation by a qualified contractor. A five-year service maintenance contract is also included in the grant. The property owner is responsible for the County perc application fee ($450) and the nitrogen reducing unit installation permit fee ($600). The service contract requires an annual inspection to ensure that the unit is in proper working order. Inspections will be done by the qualified disposal system contractor or subcontractor indicated in the written estimate and will be used to determine the overall performance of the nitrogen-reducing unit. While there will be no charge to the property owner for the five-year maintenance agreement, the owner will need to allow access to the property for the inspections.

After five years, maintenance of the nitrogen-reducing unit will become the responsibility of the property owner.

How can I request a presentation about this grant opportunity?

Department of Health staff are available to meet with homeowner associations, community leaders and community interest groups to present information about the Bay Restoration Fund. To schedule a presentation, call the Department of Health at 410-222-7193.

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