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The Baltimore Sun

Program pushes local products

A farmers' association yesterday urged Anne Arundel County residents to buy locally grown products this month during the "Buy Local Challenge."

The program, conceived by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, seeks to boost the local farm economy and to highlight taste, nutrition and health benefits of local products.

The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corp., which manages and promoted county farming, has coordinated two special events for the Buy Local Challenge:

Tomorrow, 2 to 6 p.m. -- The South River Colony Farmers' Market, Routes 2 and 214 in Edgewater, will have a chef demonstration using local produce prepared by the Fix New York Deli. Samples will be available. Hot dogs and lemonade will sold. In addition to regular vendors, the Anne Arundel County Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions.

Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon -- The Severna Park Farmers' Market, Route 2 and Jones Station Road, will hold its annual Customer Appreciation Day. The Economic Development Corp. will give away "Ag Bags" to the first 100 customers. Jane Ferguson will sign copies of Comings and Goings: Recipes for Annapolis Living from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

More information is available at www.aaedc.org and www.buy-local-challenge.com.

Grant awarded for septic system

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health recently completed its first installation of a nitrogen-reducing septic system under the Bay Restoration Fund, county officials announced Monday.

Paul and Rosemary Smith of Annapolis were among the first 10 grant recipients for the program, established by the department this year.

The nitrogen-reducing system, valued at approximately $13,500, includes two plastic tanks that collect, re-circulate and treat wastewater. The system reduces the amount of nitrogen discharged into the surrounding soil, helping to keep excess nutrients from polluting waterways.

Through a state grant, funding is available to pay part or all of the cost to add nitrogen-reducing units to existing septic systems in the county.

The Bay Restoration Fund, which is fed by a $30 annual fee levied on homeowners, also covers the cost of the unit's installation, county application and permit fees and a five-year service contract.

Failing septic systems in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, the land within 1,000 feet of the bay or its tributaries, receive top priority for funding. Information: www.aahealth.org or 410-222-7193.

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