Maryland Acts to Protect Chesapeake Bay

A law passed at the end of the legislative session requires homes within 1,000 feet of Chesapeake Bay and its tidal rivers to use nitrogen-reducing technology when existing septic systems fail or when new homes are built. An estimated 50,000 systems are affected. According to the Department of the Environment, while seven percent of nitrogen pollution comes from onsite systems in the state that increases to 25 to 30 percent for bay tributaries. The state’s Bay Restoration Fund, supported by a flush tax, gives grants to homeowners upgrading or replacing their systems.

Minnesota

Changes to the state’s septic system rules require counties to implement their own ordinances by February 2010. Otter Tail County is one of the first to issue rules, which cover systems treating up to 5,000 gpd. The changes include new inspection criteria for existing systems, increased tank size for new systems, and 15 percent larger tanks for households with garbage disposals and dishwashers.

The ordinance also says new septic tanks must be marked with their capacities and insulated if less than two feet below grade. Covers must weigh at least 95 pounds or be locked and bolted.

Ohio

The new budget bill signed into law includes a provision that extends the moratorium on the 2007 onsite wastewater rules until Jan. 1, 2010.

Texas

The Texas Onsite Wastewater Association stopped a bill that would require all licensed onsite system contractors to carry $1 million of liability insurance.

Washington

Cowlitz County commissioners proposed septic system rules to clarify what is allowed during design and construction and make inspection criteria consistent. The rules would let owners service and inspect their systems, as advanced treatment technologies are rare in the county.

The ordinance also allows owners to install their own systems and does not include an age limit or pumping schedule, as long as the systems function correctly. The county is offering a two-hour class to instruct homeowners on septic care and inspection.

Delaware

A study states that new onsite regulations could create a need for $23.8 million in aid between 2010 and 2014 to help low- and moderate-income families in southeastern Sussex County. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control set new inspection and pump-out rules for the Inland Bays watershed in 2007 and mandated that septic systems meet higher standards by 2015.

The new standards could require upgrades or replacements, along with annual upkeep contracts averaging $350 a year. As much as $2 million yearly could be needed after 2015 to support ongoing replacements.



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