Caroline planning panel objects to Bay Restoration Fund use for Miscanthus project, assigns R3 code

The Caroline County Planning Commission voted to treat the Twin Maples Farm Miscanthus clearinghouse review as not consistent with county plans and policies (R3), signaling official opposition to use of Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) money for the proposed Clean Water Commerce Act projects on two Eastern Shore farms.

The vote followed a lengthy discussion about a draft comment the commission first issued in 2023. Leslies staff report (read in absentia) explained the clearinghouse review covers two projects (Twin Maples Farm in Caroline County and Lucy Farms in Dorchester County) seeking funding through the Maryland Clean Water Commerce Act via a Conservation Innovation Fund application to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).

Commissioners and county staff told the commission their core concern is that Caroline Countys wastewater and on‑site septic upgrade programs rely heavily on Bay Restoration Fund grants for nitrogen removal improvements. Several commissioners said diverting BRF dollars to agricultural projects would reduce available funding for septic upgrades and wastewater nutrient reduction work. One commissioner noted the countys septic sector depends on BRF grant funding as the primary implementation source and said moving those dollars away would hinder county nutrient‑reduction goals.

Commissioners also discussed prior conversations with MDE and a 2023 staff/commission exchange in which MDE managers expressed sympathy for Caroline Countys concerns and said legislative reprioritization would be the appropriate remedy. Multiple members said the only effective path to change the BRF prioritization is the Maryland Legislature, and that MDE told the county it could support a request for legislative change.

The commission debated whether the Clean Water Commerce Act projects would yield greater nitrogen removal than connecting septic areas to enhanced wastewater treatment; one staff member said the projects are prioritized on the state list because they are expected to remove more nitrogen per acre than typical septic connections. Commissioners pressed for clarity on acreage and funding: one speaker asked whether the two projects combined would receive $9,100,000 over 10 years; staff confirmed that figure applies to the two entities across both counties.

After discussion the commission voted to assign an R3 code ("not consistent") on the clearinghouse review. The motion to record the item as not consistent passed by voice vote.

The commission also discussed next steps, including pursuing a legislative request with MDE support to reprioritize BRF funding toward septic and wastewater upgrades. Members asked staff to continue coordination with Dorchester County and MDE and to provide the commissioners with options for legislative outreach.

Votes at a glance: The commission adopted an R3 (not consistent) code on the Twin Maples Farm/Lucy Farms clearinghouse review by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the minutes.