Rhode Island Continues Effort to Shut Down Remaining Cesspools

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Removing existing cesspools from service after a property is sold is among the changes to onsite wastewater rules to be considered in Rhode Island this year. The state Department of Environmental Management says the technical changes and clarifications are primarily due to legislative actions taken in 2015 dealing with onsite wastewater, including the Cesspool Act, according to a public notice announcing the proposed amendments to the Rules Establishing Minimum Standards Relating to Location, Design, Construction and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems.

New cesspools have been banned in Rhode Island since 1968, but there are still about 25,000 in operation. The proposed rule, which is consistent with the Cesspool Act signed into law last summer, requires cesspools to be disconnected and replaced with a modern septic system or connection to a sewer system within 12 months of the sale of the property. It is expected to result in about 400 cesspools being taken out of service every year.

Minnesota

Onsite professionals in Minnesota who failed to meet their continuing education requirements in 2015 have received a reprieve from the state Pollution Control Agency. Legislative action aimed at simplifying regulations and administration of rules required the agency to establish a one-year extension of certification for those who failed to meet the requirements. During the “conditional certification” period, the person must complete the missed continuing education and pass one or two certification exams that apply to the onsite wastewater work they perform.

Missouri

The Missouri Coalition for the Environment may file suit soon to force the creation of standards for nitrogen and phosphorus levels in state lakes and reservoirs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rejected the state’s proposed standards four years ago. While the Missouri Department of Natural Resources published draft recommendations last fall, it has yet to approve anything. Based on a Notice of Intent filed with the EPA, the coalition will allege that the federal agency failed to force regulators to establish nutrient levels in a reasonable amount of time. The coalition can file suit 60 days after issuing the Notice of Intent.

Nova Scotia

The provincial government of Nova Scotia has approved new onsite wastewater regulations along with a new standards document to replace the existing Technical Guidelines. The new regulations take effect in May. The program changes have been explained to onsite professionals through regional meetings of Waste Water Nova Scotia Society.



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