Published June 2007

State Tweaks Alternative System Permit Transfers

By Scottie Dayton (page 26)

Arizona officials require homeowners to follow new stringent transfer rules for Aquifer Protection Permits...

Arizona

People who purchase properties with septic systems or alternative onsite systems now must report the transaction to the state under a bill passed in 2006. The Department of Environmental Quality estimates 18 percent of homes in the state use such systems. When a home changes hands, the buyer must transfer the Aquifer Protection Permit for septic tank and leachfields, composting toilets, evapotranspiration bed systems, mound systems, aerobic systems, or engineered pad and filter systems.

The new owners are responsible for filing the transfer form and the $50 fee, along with a Report of Inspection completed by a qualified inspector, within 15 days of the transfer. The inspection is the responsibility of the seller and must be completed within six months before the sale. The inspection requirements do not apply to newly built homes being occupied for the first time, though the transfer must still be registered. Find out more at www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/ permits/onsitenot.html.

Connecticut

The Department of Public Health revised several technical standards dealing with onsite systems on Jan. 1. Among the changes:

Manufacturers of non-concrete septic tanks must file updated specifications with the department by July 1, including whether or not tanks meet the IAPMO PS 1-2004 standard for prefabricated tanks.

New language states that garbage grinders are not recommended for use with onsite systems.

The sale of mercury float switches is banned in the state. Mechanical float switches are permitted. Learn more at www.dph.state.ct.us/BRS/ sewage/TechStd_07_Changes.pdf.

Delaware

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Division of Water Resources has released new guidance for site evaluations of onsite systems (www.dnrec. state.de.us/water2000/Section/GroundWat/GWDSRegulations.htm). The document clarifies regulations on the design, installation, and operation of the systems (Section 5.01172). The regulations became effective in March. For more information, contact the Ground Water Discharges Section at 302/739-9947 for Kent and New Castle counties or 302/856-4561 for Sussex County.

Florida

The Department of Health in February distributed five, 30-second “Maintain the Drain” video public service announcements to county health departments for use on local television stations and cable systems. The videos are available online at www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/ostds/publications.htm.

The Florida Wastewater Summit 2007 was held in January. Electronic files of all presentations and documents from the summit are available online at www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/ostds/WastewaterSummit.html.

Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is proposing several changes to the laws regulating subsurface sewage treatment systems. The proposed changes can be viewed at www.pca.state.mn.us/programs/ists/ ists-rulesmajor.html.

Among the proposals are changes to the design, installation, and maintenance of individual and midsized subsurface treatment systems, the certification of products for subsurface treatment, regulation by local units of government, and the licensing of sewage treatment businesses and certification of qualified individuals. The MPCA contact person is Carol Nankivel, 651/297-8371, carol.nankiv el@pca.state.mn.us.