Flush Tax may go away for Ocean Pines ratepayers
By Bob Lassahn

During their May 18 meeting the Worcester County Commissioners considered a letter submitted by the Ocean Pines Water and Wastewater Advisory Board (OP WWAB) that asks the commission to apply for exemption from the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Program assessment.

In 2004 the Maryland Legislature passed what has become known as the “flush tax.” The bill established the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Restoration Fund supported by a $2.50 per month fee on sewer bills and an equivalent $30 annual fee on septic system owners beginning January 1, 2005. Ocean Pines ratepayers see this as a  $7.50 per quarter ($2.50 per month) line item on their bills.

The funds are collected by the county and turned over to the state for upgrading of wastewater treatment plants to reduce nitrogen discharge. Nitrogen discharge can cause algae blooms that ultimately harm fish, crabs, native plants and other aquatic life. The revenues from septic tank users are intended to assist in upgrading or replacing failing septic systems and to provide financial assistance to farmers in planting cover crops that help to prevent nutrient runoff from agricultural land.

The legislation provides that a plant service area may be exempted from the tax if it meets certain standards. The OPWWAB has compiled data from January 2004 through April 2005 it believes demonstrates the average discharge concentrations from the Ocean Pines plant meet the required criteria.

John Tustin, director of the Department of Public Works supported “opting out” of the fund, but further suggested continuing to collect the $2.50 per month in a fund for future capital improvements within the service area. Commissioner Tom Cetola offered an immediate objection to the suggestion and was quickly joined by Commissioner Judy Boggs. Commissioner Sonny Bloxom also added his objection to the idea of retaining the funds, commenting that if additional reserves were necessary they would revisit the issue and determine the appropriate amount at some future time.

The commissioners voted unanimously to proceed with application to opt out of the fund. If approved by the state it could mean an annual savings of $30 for Ocean Pines Service Area ratepayers. The only down side is the service area will become ineligible for funding under the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Program, but as Mr. Tustin explained such funding was highly unlikely anyway given the high quality of the plant discharge and its location.

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Check out the following stories in this week's print edition of The Courier:

*Profiles of OPA candidates
*ReMax opens new Ocean Pines location
*Memorial Day tribute