State onsite rules proposed in California would require agencies to test for nitrate entering the groundwater, but officials from agencies that issue system permits contend they already test, and that studies to monitor nitrate show the levels are safe.

County health departments test water quality for nitrate when new wells are drilled, and many water utilities annually sample wells for nitrate, according to agency reports. Utility officials say average nitrate levels are within state drinking water standards. County officials say focusing on additional monitoring would cost the equivalent of five full-time positions.

The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board proposed amendments to update the basin plan. If passed, regulations would require agencies to streamline new onsite system permits and monitor system maintenance. Approval by the State Water Resources Control Board and the Office of Administrative Law was expected to take about six months.

 

Florida

The state senate passed legislation that charges citizen complainants with the burden of proof to show how proposed development projects would hurt the environment. It did not repeal a law requiring septic tanks to be pumped and inspected every five years or pass a law lifting the 2016 ban on land application.

A provision in the budget bill stopped the septic mandate from taking effect on July 1 by requiring the legislature’s Budget Commission to ratify any legislation that increases regulatory costs and adversely affects economic growth.

 

Rhode Island

Rep. Frank Ferri proposed a five-year extension of the Jan. 1, 2013, deadline for residents with cesspools within 200 feet of water to tie into sewers or install onsite systems. The Department of Environmental Management identified three neighborhoods with an estimated 1,200 homes affected by the 2007 law. The extension was necessary because sewer construction would not be completed by the deadline.

 

Minnesota

Mower County Environmental Services received additional grant funds from the state Board of Water and Soil Resources to continue its inventory of onsite systems. Many of the estimated 700 systems were installed before 1996 or have not been inspected, requiring staff to visit sites and assess health threats.

 

Washington

A proposed rule change by the Kitsap County Health District would allow drainfield setbacks for advanced treatment units to be 75 feet from potable wells or water instead of 100 feet. The revision mirrors state regulations.

 

Oregon

Proposed rules by the state Department of Environmental Quality would create a voluntary program for homeowners to irrigate with greywater. A three-tier permitting system would define requirements based on the volume of greywater. More information is at www.deq.state.or.us/wq/reuse/gwrulemaking.htm#back.