MDE’s Action Plan for Bermed Infiltration Ponds (BIPs)
To protect public health and the environment, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is taking a series of steps relating to bermed infiltration ponds, or BIPs. These steps include requiring that requests for new connections or expansion of dwellings to existing BIPs be considered on a case-by-case basis. Starting in August 2021, new construction of BIPs will be suspended for 15 months as MDE explores viable and sustainable solutions for communities served by these ponds. During this period, MDE will perform an in-depth assessment under an action plan developed by the department. MDE will coordinate with local health directors to discuss strategies to support homeowners and communities moving forward.
What is a BIP?
BIPs have been utilized since the late 1980’s in specific Eastern Shore Counties of Maryland. BIPs were permitted as a component of on-site sewage disposal systems (OSDS), also known as septic systems, in marginal landscapes that could not meet the normal design requirements. A BIP is part of a conventional system in which the treated sewage effluent is discharged to a pond structure. Soils excavated to create the pond are piled above the surrounding ground to create an enclosed berm or dam like structure around the pond.
Household wastewater enters a septic tank, where it settles into three layers; solids at the bottom, liquid in the middle, and fats, oils and greases which rise to the top. Septic tank liquid effluent is then conveyed and discharged near the bottom of the pond for additional treatment and final disposal. Biological organisms in the pond, along with dilution, provide treatment of the wastewater, after which the water moves into surficial groundwater beneath/surrounding the pond or evaporates. See Figure 1 below.
Figure 1. A basic schematic of a BIP
BIPs in Maryland
MDE has identified problems with the performance of BIPs, particularly older ponds that have not been properly maintained. With a number of ponds at risk for failure, The department is taking action by exploring options for replacement and repair, including providing technical and financial assistance. Many of these systems have been constructed in environmentally sensitive areas within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, especially non-tidal and tidal wetlands.
Considering the multiple environmental and health risks, including the effects of climate change, flooding, and groundwater contamination, MDE will evaluate and review this method of sewage disposal. Recognizing numerous existing BIPs are failing and/or appear to have inadequate operation and maintenance, the department will co-review with the local approving authority any new construction of BIPs, connections to existing BIPs or expansion of properties served by BIPs until the department’s evaluation and review are completed.
Figure 2. A properly mowed BIP (BIP SDShFc #22 11/5/20)
Links
Multi-lot Shared Facilities BIPs
| Adams/Jennings |
5440 |
Cassons Neck Rd |
Dorchester |
| Antioch Acres |
1915 |
Dailsville Rd |
Dorchester |
| Bahr |
1544 |
Town Point Rd |
Dorchester |
| Brad Vern Pk 3 |
4810 |
Laurie Lane |
Dorchester |
| Brannock Cove |
606 |
Hills Point Rd |
Dorchester |
| Bromwells Adv#1 |
1308 |
Taylors Island Rd |
Dorchester |
| Bromwells Adv#2 |
4906 |
Timbermarsh Lane |
Dorchester |
| Budd/Hales |
5143 |
Maple Dam Road |
Dorchester |
| Burnett/Dixon-Lowry |
3962 |
Punch Island Rd |
Dorchester |
| Camelot |
5220 |
Travelers Rest Rd |
Dorchester |
| Deep Harbor |
1723 |
Brannocks Neck Rd |
Dorchester |
| Deep Water 1 |
1531 |
Deep Water Rd |
Dorchester |
| Deep Water 2 |
1522 |
Deep Water Rd |
Dorchester |
| Ferry Farm Estates 1 |
827 |
Kim Drive |
Dorchester |
| Ferry Farm Estates 2 |
820 |
Kim Drive |
Dorchester |
| Harold & Bride Miller |
5730 |
Morris Neck Rd |
Dorchester |
| Heron Harbor #1 |
5220 |
Heron Rd |
Dorchester |
| Heron Harbor #2 |
5227 |
Heron Rd |
Dorchester |
| Hughes |
5429 |
Town Point Rd |
Dorchester |
| James Engel |
5378 |
Cassons Neck Road |
Dorchester |
| Jordon |
5241 |
Ragged Point Rd |
Dorchester |
| Kilmaurie |
1228 |
Hudson Rd |
Dorchester |
| Krapf |
5100 |
Ragged Point Rd |
Dorchester |
| Linkous & Dorworth |
7528 |
Bar Neck Road |
Dorchester |
| Marquess |
2015 |
Pig Neck Rd |
Dorchester |
| Marshall's Landing |
760 |
Hills Point Road |
Dorchester |
| McKeil Point #1 |
5113 |
Brooks Rd |
Dorchester |
| McKeil Point #2 |
5124 |
Brooks Rd |
Dorchester |
| McKiel Point #3 |
5208 |
Brooks Rd |
Dorchester |
| Meekins |
3416 |
Golden Hill Road |
Dorchester |
| Meridith |
5428 |
Cassons Neck Rd |
Dorchester |
| Point of View |
770 |
Hills Point Rd |
Dorchester |
| Richard G. Wheatley |
5461 |
Ragged Point Rd |
Dorchester |
| Rienhoff |
2524 |
Old House Point Rd |
Dorchester |
| Roger Ralph |
5366 |
Cassons Neck Rd |
Dorchester |
| Ruxton Landing |
5907 |
Heather Lane |
Dorchester |
| Spangler |
1418 |
Town Point Rd |
Dorchester |
| Sunset Farms B |
5415 |
Ragged Point Rd |
Dorchester |
| Tieder Sub |
2825 |
Hoopers Island Rd |
Dorchester |
| Trees |
1325 |
Broadview Drive |
Dorchester |
| Tudor Farms |
3675 |
Decoursey Bridge Rd |
Dorchester |
| Unangst |
5626 |
Bar Neck Rd |
Dorchester |
| Vaughan #1 |
1626 |
Town Point Rd |
Dorchester |
| Vaughan #2 |
1620 |
Town Point Rd |
Dorchester |
| White |
4403 |
Pine Top Rd |
Dorchester |
| Wright |
519 |
Taylors Island Rd |
Dorchester |
| Wright |
5942 |
Indian Quarter Rd |
Dorchester |
