5 States to See Updated Septic Regulations, Additional Industry Training

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Much-delayed onsite wastewater laws for California take effect May 13. The new policies follow years of work in response to AB-885, which was passed by the California legislature in 2000. The original deadline for the regulations was January 1, 2004. After objections over the one-size-fits-all laws originally proposed, the state Water Resources Control Board developed a tiered, risk-based approach to set standards and minimum operating requirements for onsite wastewater systems.

Colorado

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is planning “sweeping” changes to its laws for septic tanks and drainfields to make them more flexible. State officials also say the regulations are outdated. The Durango Herald newspaper reports the department has been working on new regulations for three years and expects to have them finished in 2014. Public hearings began in March.

http://durangoherald.com/article/20130124/NEWS01/130129777/-1/s

Delaware

Proposed septic regulations in Delaware would require inspection and pump-out of systems before properties are sold. The state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control proposed a plan requiring Sussex County residents living within a quarter mile of bodies of water to upgrade their onsite systems. Homeowners must purchase nitrogen removal technology, have a service contract for the life of the system, have the system inspected every six months, and submit an annual written report by a qualified maintenance provider.
At least one provision of the state’s proposed septic rule changes is prompting opposition. Among the law’s requirements is semiannual inspections of new enhanced nutrient removal systems within 1,000 feet of Chesapeake Bay tidal waters. The cost for each inspection, between $350 and $450, would be the responsibility of the property owner, and the state could require more frequent inspections.

http://capegazette.villagesoup.com/p/dnrec-hears-sussex-woes/946007

Florida

All 19 counties with first-magnitude springs voted to opt out of septic tank inspections as required by the Florida Department of Health. Three cities with first magnitude springs also voted to opt out. The deadline to do so was Jan. 1.

New Mexico

The New Mexico Environment Department requests submission of additional training courses to expand opportunities for liquid waste training and continuing education. The department seeks submissions that would increase the knowledge and expertise of onsite system installers and government regulators. It also seeks volunteers to serve on the panel that would review the material. To submit material or volunteer, contact Dennis McQuillan, NMED Liquid Waste Program manager, at 505/476-3236 or dennis.mcquillan@state.nm.us.



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