Direct Testimony of Thomas M. Hildebrand - Consumer Advocate ...

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contain any nutrient pollution.
Additionally, homeowners that aren't connected to water treatment networks are
sources of nutrient pollution. Generally they rely on individual septic systems,
many of which will fail and leak over their lifetime. These systems typically have
had no, or very limited maintenance and some are several decades old.
Currently private septic tanks are estimated at contributing 4% of the nutrient
pollution found in the bay. An inspection program should be implemented, with
graduated upgrades required, to ensure these systems aren't leaking and are
adequately neutralizing their nutrient pollution.
Finally, private lawn fertilization also contributes to water pollution. One way to
raise clean-up funds while reducing water pollution could be a fertilizer tax. This
tax could be levied against all fertilizers based on concentrations of nitrogen and
phosphorus per pound equal to an estimated clean up cost, both for commercial
farms and private homeowners. The proceeds of this tax could be used to further
fund non-point source reductions and improve public awareness of the myriad of
factors that have changed the bay from one of the most productive ecosystems
in America to an estuary that is struggling to survive.
Saving the Bay will require a concerted effort on behalf of policymakers,
industries, farmers, and citizens across the watershed, but the return on this
investment will be substantial. The Clean Air Act has reportedly returned 4 times
its implementation cost, and the bay could see such high returns as well. These
returns will come from increased, sustainable harvests of fish and shellfish as the
bay's populations recover, increased tourism to rehabilitated areas, and the
inherent value of an ecosystem in balance. While these returns show great
potential, we must be willing to make a real investment now for the future health
of the Bay.
Mr. Logan is a first year law student at the University of Virginia. Mr. Litten is a
Harrisonburg attorney.
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