Cliff Erosion Information

FAQs

Why was the tank not extracted?
Due to ground instability on the property, there is no safe way to remove the septic tank. The homeowners are working with the county to obtain funding to safely remove the tank.

Following the recommendation of the Calvert County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health, the septic tank was pumped and capped. The home was voluntarily vacated soon after.

Was the county aware of this issue?
Yes. An engineering study conducted in 2010 identified areas along the county’s eastern shoreline that were at high risk for erosion; this property was among those identified.

At the property owner’s request, the process was started through the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) in November 2020 to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Assistance. The county was notified in July 2021 that the property had not been selected by FEMA. The county resubmitted its application through an alternate funding line for post-disaster assistance for Tropical Storm Isaias and is currently awaiting funding award.

Has there been any hazard mitigation done to this property?
The county came out to the property when the issue initially presented and made recommendations, including installing a holding tank and pumping the exposed septic tank. Hazard mitigation for these properties is a complex process involving multiple local, state and federal partners. This property was not selected by FEMA for assistance in its initial application. The county resubmitted its application through an alternate funding line for post-disaster assistance for Tropical Storm Isaias and is currently awaiting funding award.

Can I go on the property since it is vacant?
No. The residential property is privately owned; entering the property without permission is considered trespassing. The beach area below is unsafe due to cliff instability and is marked with signage advising residents to avoid the area.  

Can I still visit the cliffs?
The lives and safety of Calvert County residents, visitors and staff is our top priority. Individuals can safely enjoy the unique cliffs and beaches that Calvert County has to offer by keeping only to areas designated safe for public access. The public is advised to obey any signage and warnings to keep out of hazardous areas for safety.

Will it be safe for me to go to the cliffs after the tank is removed?
As a general rule, it is not safe to walk closely to the cliffs as there is always a risk of collapse. To ensure your safety, always remain aware of your surroundings and obey all signage that states the section of the cliffs are off-limits. 

Will the tank pollute the bay?
The property was initially assessed in October 2020 when the cliffs sloughed and exposed the septic tank. At that time, following the recommendation of the Calvert County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health, the tank was pumped and capped, and the home was vacated soon after. The tank is empty and will be removed, it will not pollute the bay.

 What is being done about other properties at risk due to cliff erosion?
The areas at highest risk were identified during a Cliff Stabilization Study conducted in 2010. The study identified residential properties at highest risk, as well as areas where presence of the Puritan tiger beetle, a protected species, would limit cliff stabilization efforts.

In 2011, the county acquired 11 properties that were at very high risk due to cliff erosion. The acquisition of any high-risk residential property is voluntary and done by request of the owner. Calvert County continues to work with our local, state and federal partners navigate the complex hazard mitigation process.

Does the county seize properties that are high-risk for erosion?
No. The county works with homeowners to find the best solution for their home. Participation from homeowners is voluntary. In 2011, the county acquired 11 properties that were at very high risk due to cliff erosion.

What is the Puritan tiger beetle and its significance?
The Puritan tiger beetle is a threatened species that depends on the instability of the cliffs. They can be found on sandy beaches and eroding cliffs along the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Shoreline structures have been found to destroy the larval habitat directly or by promoting vegetation on cliff faces making the cliffs unsuitable for the larvae. Due to the threatened species located at this property, options for cliff stabilization are limited.