About a year ago, I explained why all Pumper readers should be aware of efforts in the Chesapeake Bay region looking at septic system contributions to elevated nitrate-nitrogen levels in estuaries and evaluating nitrogen reduction strategies.Then, a few months ago, an article appeared about nitrogen causing reduction in salt marsh grass and associated environmental problems in the waters around Long Island, New York. The bottom line was that septic systems were identified as the major contributor to these elevated nitrogen levels. The author had the following to say in the opening paragraphs:“Even properly functioning systems are flawed. Basic septic units
