The Georgia Onsite Wastewater Association worked with legislators to delay for two years the implementation of the Department of Natural Resources land application and permitting rules. The postponement gives members and lawmakers time to rewrite the language before the rules become effective in July 2014. Association members stated that the new rules were expensive and harsh and would force many out of business because they could not afford to comply. The rules also made it more difficult to dispose of septage. GOWA president Dart Kendall spent two days at the state Capitol discussing the problem with legislators and winning support for the delay. GOWA lobbyist Bruce Widener worked with them to draft the amendment.
Indiana
Fears that some homes damaged or destroyed by spring tornadoes could not be rebuilt until their septic systems were updated have been calmed. A disaster declaration made recovery funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) available to people in five counties. The funds will help pay for septic repair and replacement; homeowners and renters could also apply for housing assistance while their home was being repaired or rebuilt.
Iowa
The Department of Natural Resources is considering several changes to its regulations covering private onsite systems. A notice of the rulemaking says no significant changes were proposed. Updates to the Iowa Time of Transfer rules for septic systems were designed to “simplify the inspection process” in accordance with a 2010 law, according to the notice. Other technical changes were intended to improve consistency and uniformity.
Michigan
Five counties have teamed up to develop regional septic system regulations to protect waters around Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron. Bay, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac and Iosco counties make up the Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative. The regulations now in development would rank septic systems by age, require permits for installation and operation of systems, and mandate regular inspections. Bay County has established a low-interest loan fund to help homeowners repair faulty systems, and other counties hope to follow suit.
