New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation making it more affordable to install or upgrade septic systems, multiple media outlets reported. New York added $30 million to its State Septic System Replacement Fund Program, with the goal of helping property owners replace or upgrade failing septic systems. This is the fifth round of funding for the program.
Property owners can apply for up to $10,000 or 50% of the cost to install a conventional septic system. In addition, they can apply for up to $25,000 or 75% of the cost of an enhanced septic system. The reimbursement program prioritizes septic systems in priority areas near water bodies.
“Access to clean water is a basic right,” Gov. Hochul said. “I am committed to protecting the health of all New Yorkers, and this bill is a promise to future generations that we will keep building a more resilient, sustainable state while ensuring clean water for all.”
Iowa
New septic system rules took effect in August in Iowa, reported Radio Iowa. The Iowa Environmental Protection Commission updated the rules governing aerobic treatment units or ATUs. Under the new rules, ATUs are no longer required to run their water through a sand filter or soil absorption system before discharging treated water. This eliminates the third step of water filtration.
Eric Wiklund, of the Department of Natural Resource’s Water Quality Bureau, said this update standardizes septic system rules.
“All these alternative units, whether they’re media filters or aerobic treatment units, they all have to meet the same standards for testing in Iowa. And we want everybody to be able to meet that same standard and be treated equally,” Wiklund said.
Colorado
The Custer County Board of County Commissioners in Colorado has temporarily stopped issuing short-term rental permits, reported the Citizen Portal. County officials imposed the moratorium in July as the state considers changing septic regulations for short-term rental properties. The state may move from a system that bases septic needs on the number of bedrooms. Instead, the state would base septic needs on the number of occupants. County commissioners decided to wait for clearer guidelines from the state before issuing more permits.
Florida
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection filed a legal brief, raising concerns related to a court ruling aimed to protect manatees, WUSF reported.
A moratorium on new septic tank installations took effect July 17 in parts of the Indian River Lagoon in Florida. A U.S. District Judge ordered the moratorium, along with a biomedical assessment program and supplemental feeding program for manatees in the region. An appellate court upheld the district court’s decision, but the Florida Department of Environmental Protection disputed the ruling in its legal brief.
The disagreement stems from a lawsuit brought by an environmental group. The brief disputes that the DEP, which in recent years gained permitting authority over septic systems, has violated the Endangered Species Act and contends the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — not the Florida DEP — is constitutionally responsible for wildlife-related issues.
Washington, D.C.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act on June 23, reported Cleaning & Maintenance Management. The legislation requires “Do Not Flush” labeling on nonflushable wet wipes, informing people not to flush the wipes down the toilet.
Because the wipes do not break down, they can obstruct septic systems and sewer pipes. Nonflushable wipes clog pumps, block collection systems and cause other damage that can result in sewage backups and equipment failures.
British Columbia
Residents in Shuswap, British Columbia, can apply for rebates to maintain their septic systems, The Eagle Valley News reported. The SepticSmart Rebate program, which started on July 29, helps property owners pay for septic maintenance. Applications can be found at the Columbia Shuswap Regional District website.
