{"status":200,"message":"Success","data":{"id":"21c520d4-69d4-58f2-8114-da58ce60cc25","title":"Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) Onsite Sewage Disposal System (OSDS) Grant Program","description":"The Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) Onsite Sewage Disposal System (OSDS) grant program, administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and local county health departments, funds upgrades to conventional septic systems in Maryland. Eligible properties can be connected to a public sewer system or have a nitrogen-removing Best Available Technology (BAT) unit installed. BAT units can cut a septic system's nitrogen output roughly in half, reducing nitrogen pollution to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays. BAT systems are ranked by MDE based on total nitrogen reduction, total cost, and cost per pound of nitrogen reduced. Approved systems fall into two classes: BAT Class I (completed field verification) and BAT Class II/Class III+IV combination (under or completed field verification). Eligible field-verified systems include BioMicrobics RetroFast, Norweco Singulair TNT, Fuji Clean CEN 5, AdvanTex, AquaKlear, SeptiTech, Hydro Action, Hoot BNR, and Singulair Green, as well as systems currently under field verification. Total system costs (purchase + installation + 2-year O&M) range from approximately $19,055 to $31,512 per system; after the initial 2-year O&M period, homeowners are responsible for ongoing maintenance at approximately $200–$383/year. Grant eligibility is income-tiered: 100% coverage for household income ≤$300,000/year and 50% coverage for household income >$300,000/year. Senate Bill 117 (effective July 1, 2026) expanded coverage to include drainfield replacement for low- and moderate-income households. The BRF Onsite Disposal Systems Fund is supported by a $60 annual fee per onsite system user, generating approximately $27 million per year statewide. Sixty percent of funds support septic upgrades and 40 percent support cover crops. The program has upgraded over 17,000 systems to date and is implemented through local County Health Departments as of July 1, 2010. The program prioritizes: (1) failing systems and holding tanks in the Critical Area (within 1,000 feet of tidal waters); (2) failing systems in high-nitrogen Chesapeake Bay watersheds (relative effectiveness of 9.24 or higher); (3) systems in the 500-year floodplain; (4) systems that pose a public health or water quality threat. The BAT Technical Review Committee also accepts applications from vendors seeking approval of systems for BAT status and BRF grant eligibility. The grant cycle runs July 1 through June 30 annually (FY27 cycle: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). Also known as the Bay Restoration Fund Septic System Upgrade Program (BRF SSUP).","status":{"value":"open"},"source":"https://www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/BayRestorationFund/OnsiteDisposalSystems/Pages/index.aspx","funding":{"details":"Grants fund the upgrade of conventional septic systems by either connecting the property to a public sewer system or installing a nitrogen-removing Best Available Technology (BAT) septic unit. Grants are income-tiered: 100% of eligible costs for household income ≤$300,000/year; 50% of eligible costs for household income >$300,000/year. Eligible costs include: (1) the cost attributable to upgrading an existing OSDS to BAT for nitrogen removal; (2) the cost differential between a conventional OSDS and one utilizing BAT; (3) multi-unit community replacement costs up to the sum of individual BAT system costs; (4) connection to an existing WWTP up to the sum of individual OSDS/BAT system costs. Senate Bill 117 (effective July 1, 2026) expanded coverage to include drainfields for low- and moderate-income households. Total system costs (purchase + installation + 2-year O&M) range from approximately $19,055 to $31,512 per system. After the initial 2-year O&M period, low-income homeowners may receive a 50% grant toward ongoing O&M costs. Systems must be on MDE's approved BAT list (Class I or Class III+IV combination) to qualify. Program also supports cover crop implementation to reduce nitrogen loading to the Chesapeake Bay. Low/moderate income thresholds are tied to Maryland Median Household Income (MHI): 80% of MD MHI ($73,145) and 50% of MD MHI ($45,716) based on 2017–2021 ACS data. Excluded costs include permit fees, site prep, utility repairs, landscaping, tree removal, fence modification, moving of sheds/equipment, and removal/reinstallation of concrete structures or retaining walls.","minAwardAmount":{"amount":"19055.00","currency":"USD"},"maxAwardAmount":{"amount":"31512.00","currency":"USD"}},"acceptedApplicantTypes":[{"value":"individual"},{"value":"custom","customValue":"for-profit"},{"value":"custom","customValue":"non-profit"},{"value":"custom","customValue":"government"}],"customFields":{"agency":{"name":"agency","fieldType":"object","value":{"name":"Maryland Department of the Environment"},"schema":"https://commongrants.org/custom-fields/agency"},"contactInfo":{"name":"contactInfo","fieldType":"object","value":{"name":"Leslie Mitchell (public sewer connections pre-approval); Travis Sterner (holding tank pre-approval)","phone":"410-537-3599"},"schema":"https://commongrants.org/custom-fields/contactInfo"},"additionalInfo":{"name":"additionalInfo","fieldType":"object","value":{"url":"https://compass.maryland.gov/incentives/#/incentive/bay-restoration-fund-best-available-technology-bat-grants-for-onsite-systems","description":"Maryland Community Compass record"},"schema":"https://commongrants.org/custom-fields/additionalInfo"},"eligibilityCriteria":{"name":"eligibilityCriteria","fieldType":"object","value":{"beneficiaryTypes":[{"code":"individuals","name":"individuals"},{"code":"for_profit","name":"for-profit"},{"code":"non_profit","name":"non-profit"},{"code":"government","name":"government"}],"details":"Property owners and homeowners in Maryland with conventional onsite sewage disposal (septic) systems seeking to upgrade to nitrogen-removing Best Available Technology systems, particularly those in the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area or areas with high nitrogen impact. Also includes non-profit entities, small businesses, and housing cooperatives paying into the Bay Restoration Fund. Local governments and vendors seeking BAT system approval are also eligible.\n\nStatewide in Maryland; priority given to properties within the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area (within 1,000 feet of tidal waters), failing systems in high-nitrogen Chesapeake Bay watersheds (relative effectiveness of 9.24 or higher), systems in the 500-year floodplain, and failing systems designated as critical area at the county level. Properties must be within Priority Funding Areas (properties outside MDE-designated Priority Funding Areas may be ineligible). Low and moderate income qualification tied to Median Household Income (MHI) thresholds: qualified for partial credit at 50–80% of MD MHI; qualified for 100% drainfield credit at less than 50% of MD MHI. Program is administered through county Environmental Health Divisions / County Health Departments."},"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"attachments":{"name":"attachments","fieldType":"array","value":[{"downloadUrl":"https://www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/WQFA/Documents/FY2026%20-%20BRF%20%20Program%20Guidance%20-%20Appendix%20C%20v3_07092025.pdf","name":"FY2026 - BRF  Program Guidance - Appendix C v3_07092025.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/WQFA/Documents/Attachment-1_Septic%20to%20Sewer%20Grant%20Calculator.xlsx","name":"Attachment-1_Septic to Sewer Grant Calculator.xlsx"},{"downloadUrl":"https://www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/WQFA/Documents/FY26%20BAT%20Pricing%20by%20County.xlsx","name":"FY26 BAT Pricing by County.xlsx"},{"downloadUrl":"https://www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/WQFA/Documents/BRFGuidanceFY27.pdf","name":"BRFGuidanceFY27.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/BayRestorationFund/OnsiteDisposalSystems/Documents/BAT%20Ranking%20Document.pdf","name":"BAT Ranking Document.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/WQFA/Documents/Bay%20Restoration%20Fund%20Septics%20Guidance%20FY27.pdf","name":"Bay Restoration Fund Septics Guidance FY27.pdf"}],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"fundingSource":{"name":"fundingSource","fieldType":"string","value":"Public","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"fundingInstrument":{"name":"fundingInstrument","fieldType":"string","value":"grant; subsidy","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"lastSyncedAt":{"name":"lastSyncedAt","fieldType":"string","value":"2026-10-17T08:01:02.846Z","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdCompassId":{"name":"mdCompassId","fieldType":"number","value":1455,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdSlug":{"name":"mdSlug","fieldType":"string","value":"bay-restoration-fund-best-available-technology-bat-grants-for-onsite-systems","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdDataQuality":{"name":"mdDataQuality","fieldType":"string","value":"high","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdGeographicScope":{"name":"mdGeographicScope","fieldType":"string","value":"statewide","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdAcceptingApplications":{"name":"mdAcceptingApplications","fieldType":"boolean","value":true,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdRecurring":{"name":"mdRecurring","fieldType":"boolean","value":true,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdAssistanceTypes":{"name":"mdAssistanceTypes","fieldType":"array","value":["grant","subsidy"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdEligibleIndustries":{"name":"mdEligibleIndustries","fieldType":"array","value":["Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting","Any"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdEligibleCounties":{"name":"mdEligibleCounties","fieldType":"array","value":["All"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdEligibleOrganizationTypes":{"name":"mdEligibleOrganizationTypes","fieldType":"array","value":["individuals","for-profit","non-profit","government"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdBusinessStage":{"name":"mdBusinessStage","fieldType":"string","value":"any","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdApplicationDeadlineRaw":{"name":"mdApplicationDeadlineRaw","fieldType":"string","value":"Program operating in FY27 cycle (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027); applications accepted on a rolling basis through local County Health Departments","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdApplicationProcess":{"name":"mdApplicationProcess","fieldType":"string","value":"Program is currently accepting applications in the FY27 cycle (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). Contact your local County Health Department or Environmental Health Division to apply. Applications are processed on a rolling basis through local county grant administrators who assess project priority based on MDE criteria. Contact MDE at 410-537-3599 for application details and a list of county contact information. For public sewer connection pre-approval, contact Leslie Mitchell; for holding tank pre-approval, contact Travis Sterner. Implementation guidance is available in the Bay Restoration Fund Implementation Guidance document (FY27 version linked on program page). For Somerset County, download and complete the application from the Environmental Health Forms page on the Somerset County Health Department website and submit it. Vendors seeking BAT approval may submit applications to the BAT Technical Review Committee.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdProgramAudience":{"name":"mdProgramAudience","fieldType":"string","value":"Property owners and homeowners in Maryland with conventional onsite sewage disposal (septic) systems seeking to upgrade to nitrogen-removing Best Available Technology systems, particularly those in the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area or areas with high nitrogen impact. Also includes non-profit entities, small businesses, and housing cooperatives paying into the Bay Restoration Fund. Local governments and vendors seeking BAT system approval are also eligible.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdUseOfFunds":{"name":"mdUseOfFunds","fieldType":"string","value":"Installation of a nitrogen-removing Best Available Technology (BAT) septic unit or connection of the property to a public sewer system; covering the marginal cost difference between BAT and conventional technology; implementing cover crops to reduce nitrogen loading to the Chesapeake Bay; purchase, installation, and 2-year operation/maintenance contract for an approved BAT onsite sewage disposal system; drainfield replacement for low- and moderate-income households (effective July 1, 2026 per SB 117); 50% of ongoing O&M costs for low-income homeowners after initial 2-year O&M period expires. Eligible costs include materials, labor, stabilization, and post-installation follow-up within 1 year. Excluded costs include permit fees, site prep, utility repairs, landscaping, tree removal/trimming, fence modification, moving of sheds/playground equipment/vehicles, and removal/reinstallation of concrete porches, patio pavers, decks, and retaining walls.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdGeographicEligibility":{"name":"mdGeographicEligibility","fieldType":"string","value":"Statewide in Maryland; priority given to properties within the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area (within 1,000 feet of tidal waters), failing systems in high-nitrogen Chesapeake Bay watersheds (relative effectiveness of 9.24 or higher), systems in the 500-year floodplain, and failing systems designated as critical area at the county level. Properties must be within Priority Funding Areas (properties outside MDE-designated Priority Funding Areas may be ineligible). Low and moderate income qualification tied to Median Household Income (MHI) thresholds: qualified for partial credit at 50–80% of MD MHI; qualified for 100% drainfield credit at less than 50% of MD MHI. Program is administered through county Environmental Health Divisions / County Health Departments.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdRequirements":{"name":"mdRequirements","fieldType":"array","value":["Must have an existing onsite sewage disposal (septic) system eligible for upgrade","Must be upgrading an existing onsite disposal system to best available technology for nitrogen removal, connecting to a WWTP, or (for low/moderate income) replacing a drainfield","Priority ranking order: (1) failing systems and holding tanks in the Critical Area (Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays); (2) non-conforming OSDS in the Critical Area; (3) failing OSDS outside the Critical Area; (4) non-conforming OSDS outside the Critical Area; (5) other OSDS in Critical Areas/new construction; (6) other OSDS outside Critical Areas/new construction","Funds cover the upgrade cost or the marginal cost difference between best available technology and conventional technology; income-tiered: 100% coverage for household income ≤$300,000/year, 50% for household income >$300,000/year","System must be on MDE's approved BAT list (Class I or Class III+IV combination)","System must have undergone rigorous third-party testing (e.g., NSF 245, NSF 40 Class I, CAN/BNQ 3680-600, EN 12566-3, or peer-reviewed university field study)","The BRF Program no longer funds non-field-verified systems for installation","Program implemented through local County Health Departments as of July 1, 2010","If a property is owned by more than one individual, the tax information of all owners must be considered for income eligibility","If a property is owned by a married person who files a joint income tax return, the joint return income applies","Properties held in trusts must submit all tax information for beneficiaries; they will be evaluated accordingly","Any individual, trust, or property owner not wishing to share their income will be treated as exceeding the income threshold (50% grant level)","For income determination, use federal tax return (Total Income line)","Small businesses must be a certified small business registered with eMMA","Proposed sewer connection must be to a BNR or ENR Wastewater Treatment Plant","Proposed sewer connection must be consistent with the County Comprehensive Plan and Water/Sewer Plan","OSDS/Septic system being connected to WWTP must have existed as of October 1, 2008","If an address is determined by MDE to be outside of the Priority Funding Area, the project may be ineligible","Environmental impact of the OSDS must be documented by the local health department","Sewer connection must be more cost-effective than the cost of a BAT upgrade","Property must have received a certificate of occupancy or equivalent certificate","Applicants should contact vendors directly for more information on specific systems and to verify current costs and performance data before selecting a technology","Vendors seeking BAT approval may submit applications to the BAT Technical Review Committee; ranking criteria include total nitrogen reduction, total cost including O&M and electricity, and cost per pound of nitrogen reduction","For O&M grant renewals (low-income): verify homeowner is low-income eligible, verify initial BAT/O&M grant period has expired, review O&M contract amount and term, homeowner must select a certified O&M provider; 50% of O&M cost is granted after proof of homeowner payment of their 50% share","Senate Bill 117 (effective July 1, 2026) expanded drainfield funding for low- and moderate-income households","Failing onsite sewage disposal systems located within the 500-year floodplain are a priority category","Drainfield installation is available only for low- and moderate-income households","Excluded costs include permit fees, site prep, utility repairs, landscaping, tree removal or trimming, fence modification or removal and reinstallation, moving of sheds, playground equipment, cars, or boats, and removal and reinstallation of concrete porches, patio pavers, decks, or retaining walls","Low/moderate income thresholds based on Maryland Median Household Income (MHI): 80% of MD MHI ($73,145) and 50% of MD MHI ($45,716) per 2017–2021 ACS data","OSDS/Septic system being connected to WWTP must be located in a State Priority Funding Area"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdSourceUrls":{"name":"mdSourceUrls","fieldType":"array","value":["https://health.maryland.gov/somerset/Pages/Bay-Restoration-Fund.aspx","https://www.mde.maryland.gov/Pages/GrantsandFinancialAssistance.aspx","https://www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WQFA/Pages/index.aspx","https://www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/BayRestorationFund/Pages/Index.aspx","https://www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/BayRestorationFund/OnsiteDisposalSystems/Pages/brf_bat.aspx","https://www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/BayRestorationFund/OnsiteDisposalSystems/Pages/index.aspx"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdSourceCount":{"name":"mdSourceCount","fieldType":"number","value":6,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"stateCode":{"name":"stateCode","fieldType":"string","value":"MD","description":"USPS code of the state whose agency offers this funding","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"agencyKey":{"name":"agencyKey","fieldType":"string","value":"mde","description":"Portal key of the administering agency","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"agencyAbbrev":{"name":"agencyAbbrev","fieldType":"string","value":"MDE","description":"Administering agency abbreviation","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"upstreamSource":{"name":"upstreamSource","fieldType":"string","value":"maryland","description":"Upstream CommonGrants API this record is read from (src/data/state-portals/upstreams.json)","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"bindingMode":{"name":"bindingMode","fieldType":"string","value":"upstream","description":"Read from an upstream CommonGrants API; no editorial card yet","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"}},"createdAt":"2026-07-02T21:19:55.568Z","lastModifiedAt":"2026-10-04T20:03:38.289Z","identifiers":{"otherIds":{"opp:maryland:system":{"registry":{"code":"opp:maryland:system","url":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/common-grants"},"id":"21c520d4-69d4-58f2-8114-da58ce60cc25"}}},"funders":{"primary":{"id":"934fea97-0cca-572d-9362-d8d9e3f1fb03","name":"Maryland Department of the Environment","identifiers":{"otherIds":{"org:opengrants:funder":{"registry":{"code":"org:opengrants:funder","url":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/registries/org-opengrants-funder.json"},"id":"fc46d2d9-a176-4db9-b4fc-bfb48994c840","allIds":[{"id":"fc46d2d9-a176-4db9-b4fc-bfb48994c840","status":"active"},{"id":"054a5ad8-3e45-4e54-b05f-1aeae71817e5","status":"active"},{"id":"dd88f991-ea72-4f57-862a-32b9c9f8ade6","status":"active"},{"id":"1125f245-faf2-4804-b75a-9c51f870af78","status":"active"}]},"org:us:md:agency":{"registry":{"code":"org:us:md:agency","url":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/registries/org-us-md-agency.json"},"id":"MDE"}}}}},"competitions":[],"awards":[]}}