Thanks to Christopher Goins in Southern Maryland Online, we were inspired to graphically represent the stormwater fees by county. What do we want to see in two to five years? Graphics comparing the cost per county with the amount of water quality improvement. 

The fees are intended to encourage pro-active behavior in both the public and private realm. While some might prefer another policy approach, clean water is a worthy goal.  Here's hoping that the fees move Marylanders in that direction. 

The table lists Maryland Counties in alphabetical order and gives fee information for residential, commercial and non-profit entities. For those who want to get credits to apply toward the fee, now is a good time to educate yourself. 
We've tried to include links that will direct you toward fee reduction/credit and hardship information for each county. Some counties are still updating information. We will keep our eye out and update the matrix and links as needed. 

Maryland Stormwater Remediation Fee Information

We found the process of gathering the information interesting, but let us know if you find the information helpful or if you have other questions or uncertainties that need clarifying.

Jenny

Keeping up with each county’s stormwater remediation fees has been like watching toddlers play soccer.  It can be hard to keep track of the game and easy to lose interest.  Several counties have gone back and forth, leaving residents, business owners, and non-profits to wonder how the fees will impact them.

Jenny and I have been trying to follow along. The Maryland Association of Counties’ blog, Conduit Street, has been a good resource for following the twists and turns since the Watershed Protection and Restoration Program legislation passed in April of 2012 (House Bill 987). So has Rona Kobell in her both her blog with the Bay Journal and on her visits with Dan Roddrick’s monthly Midday on the Bay radio show.  At Clean Water Action you can find links to the counties’ legislation.

However, what we wanted was a quick reference and comparison of the counties policies and fees.   So we gathered the information.  Next week you will be able to come here to find Maryland county stormwater remediation fee information in one easy-to-understand chart.  Jenny has compiled the fees (residential, commercial and non-profit) for each county and other fee implementation information.  If the county provides the opportunity of reducing the fee through credit programs, links will be provided.  Pursuing credits is a win-win:  better water quality for the bay and less fee for you.

How have you been keeping track of the Maryland Stormwater Remediation fees? Have you made plans for pursuing credits? Let us know if our chart is helpful.

Plant thoughtful, plant happy!

—Zoe