Published April 2007

Nebraska Faces Higher Onsite Fees

By Scottie Dayton

The Nebraska Environmental Quality Council proposes increasing fees for onsite system registrations from $50 to $140. The increase takes effect in late spring if approved by the governor. The DEQ also proposes increasing professional certification fees by 50 percent. • Delaware Effective in February, homeowners with onsite systems were required by law to maintain service contracts with certified service providers for the life of the systems. • Washington, D.C. The Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund could see a $20 billion boost over the next five years based on legislation that sailed through the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee in February. • Wisconsin As part of updating Wisconsin’s onsite code, the Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Technical Advisory Committee made two proposals: to eliminate the venting requirement for holding or treatment tanks, and to allow house vents to ventilate septic systems. • Virginia The state House passed a bill requiring the Board of Health to establish an operation and maintenance program for onsite systems. • Washington Beginning July 1, onsite system owners are responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining the units to minimize failure.