Michigan’s Grand Traverse County Board of Public Works voted to conduct an independent investigation of its troubled $8 million septage plant to see if it should seek damages over the design and construction. The facility opened in May 2005 and suffered a partial collapse of a holding tank less than a month later. Even since going back into operation, the plant has performed below expectations. Financial projections indicate the plant will lose around $2.4 million over the next four years, and officials are struggling to come up with funds to cover the losses.
Connecticut
There have been some revisions to the technical standards for septic systems as of the first of the year. The changes are published on the Department of Public Health Web site at www.ct.gov/dph under Environmental Health, Subsurface Sewage, Regulations and Technical Standards. Click on the link to Technical Standards Summary of Revisions 2009.
Florida
The Department of Health has issued a public notice of proposed changes to septic system regulations in the state. The changes address “tank inspection procedures; operating permits; filters and components; land application of septage; drainfield repairs; portable restrooms; design, construction location and use of septic tanks, dosing systems, drip irrigation systems, performance-based treatment systems, aerobic treatment systems and mound drainfield systems; system abandonment; site evaluations; reports required; and availability of forms.” Visit www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/ostds/rule.htm.
Hawaii
State officials in Hawaii are considering their options after research indicated that discharges from cesspools are polluting some of the best snorkeling areas. About 60,000 gallons of wastewater are produced by residents in two subdivisions near the Wai Opae tide pools, news reports say. Studies have found high levels of fecal bacteria in the ocean waters near the subdivisions, which have developed only half of their lots. Proposed solutions include installing individual septic systems at a cost of about $32,000 each, or a community sewer system at an estimated cost of $7.8 million.
Idaho
The state senate in February killed a bill calling for more stringent requirements for new septic systems. The proposal from the Department of Environmental Quality to require larger drainfields came after an extensive rule-making process and years of debate.
Iowa
Effective last July 1, all septic systems must be inspected before any sale or transfer of the deed of any building or business. Such septic systems do not have to meet current codes in order to pass the inspection, but they do have to meet the requirements included in their installation permit and must be operating properly.
The Department of Natural Resources also developed a certification program to make sure there would be enough inspectors. After applying for certification, people must complete a training course and pass a test. Applicants must have two years of experience working with septic systems. Certification costs $350 and is good for two years. Inspectors must have 12 hours of continuing education during each two-year certification period.
Maine
A bill to require a license for onsite system installers failed in committee in April. The requirements would have included being a licensed plumber and maintaining certain insurance coverage. The Committee on Business, Research and Economic Develop-ment killed the bill.
Mississippi
As of last July 1, septic systems in Mississippi must be approved by health officials before they can be used. Rural areas that use wells for drinking water are exempt. New regulations also have stricter requirements for the maintenance of some alternative systems. Homeowners can either contract for the maintenance or become certified to do their own work.
