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A work session regarding the controversial Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012—a.k.a. The Septic Bill—that was scheduled for the Tuesday, Aug. 7 meeting of the Calvert County Commissioners has been postponed. Department of Community Planning and Building Director Charles Johnston confirmed the session has been deferred at the county’s request. Officials from the Maryland Department of Planning, including Secretary Richard Hall—had been scheduled to meet with the commissioners and county staff about the measure’s controversial “tier mapping” component.

Several commissioners had expressed strong concerns about the impact the bill could have on residential development in minor town centers and other areas of the county not served by public sewerage systems. The value of that land and properties in the county’s more rural areas could also be compromised in Calvert’s attempt to comply with the law.

Commissioners’ President Gerald W. “Jerry” Clark [R] had requested a public meeting with Hall and other department officials be held in order for the board to present their concerns. Members of the Calvert County Planning Commission had also discussed The Septic Bill during a work session July 18

Johnston said the commissioners and county officials need to review the bill further before meeting with state planning officials. He would not speculate on when the work session would be rescheduled.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com