Watch CBS News

House Committee OKs Plan Regulating Septic Systems

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A bill regulating where new residential septic systems can be installed is moving to the full House of Delegates.

The House Environmental Matters Committee signed off on the legislation in a 17-7 vote Wednesday afternoon.

The bill creates a four-tiered system that limits where new residential subdivisions can be located, especially in the state's most rural areas.

The committee amended the bill slightly to create reporting requirements and mandate that if a county does not adopt one of the tiers, they must document why.

The committee's changes do not alter Senate amendments to the bill, which garnered the support of lawmakers who previously said the proposal went too far in dictating county land use policies and hurt farmers hoping to subdivide their land for income.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.