In Vermont, septic systems are the norm, not the exception. In fact, state officials estimate that about 55 percent of residential homes and commercial buildings rely upon onsite systems, according to Mary Clark, environmental program manager for indirect discharge and underground injection-control programs in the Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division of the state of Vermont.
“That’s the highest rate (of septic system usage) reported in the entire country,” says Clark, whose division issues permits for and regulates decentralized wastewater systems, municipal water systems and potable-water systems. “There are only 94 wastewater treatment facilities in the state and 255 municipalities. That’s
