Frederick County could be coming into compliance with a Maryland law limiting residential developments using septic systems. The law requires each county to submit a tier map to the state. Frederick County presented one in December but it was rejected.

Some revisions were made to the map which could address the state's concerns. Commissioner Paul Smith says Maryland State Department of Planning officials will be meeting with the Commissioners on this issue on February 26th. "Secretary {Richard} Hall will be there. We think we will propose the modified map, slightly modified. And we have every expectation the secretary will approve it," he says.

The Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012 requires all counties to adopt plans which limits residential subdivisions that  use septic systems. Opponents say it decreases property values, and interferes with local land use authority. But supporters say it's intended to preserve farmland and reduce residential sprawl.

Commissioner Smith says Frederick County has been working hard for many years to preserve its agricultural lands. "We have been planning for many years many things that preserve the agriculture and open spaces. It's much less dense than what they're requiring in other areas," he says.

"The initial report was that we were a rebellious county that was totally out of compliance, and they were not happy with it," he continues. "The end result is, I believe, the state is going to be very happy with our plan."

Meanwhile, legislators in Annapolis are continuing to debate bills to repeal the law limiting septic systems. A hearing on one of the measures was held on Tuesday before the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee.