Delaware is exploring ways to offset some of the expected cost of complying with new septic tank regulations designed to reduce the nutrient load to the Inland Bays Watershed. Nearly 19,000 small onsite systems contribute an estimated 11 percent of the region’s total nitrogen load.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is working to clarify the costs and financing needs of low-income households and identify financing opportunities to address those needs.
The regulations have not yet been finalized, but the proposal calls for inspection and pumping of all small septic systems every three years and for new and replacement systems to use nutrient reducing technologies by 2015. The DNREC estimates the need for $1.9 million to $3.8 million in assistance for low- income households and $10 million to $20.0 million for moderate-income homes from 2010 to 2014.
After 2015, an estimated $1 million to $2 million per year would be needed to subsidize the installation of new systems. A report on the matter is available at www.efc.umd.edu/pdf/DE_Septic_Report.pdf.
Vermont
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has revised onsite rules to allow constructed wetlands, subsurface drip distribution systems, and smaller onsite systems. Previously, design flows for single-family homes had to accommodate at least three bedrooms. The design requirement is now a minimum of two bedrooms.
The rules also waive the replacement drainfield requirement if the primary system handles 150 percent of the design flow and uses pressure distribution. Mound systems also do not require a replacement area if sized for 100 percent of the design flow.
The previous rules did not mention composting toilets, although they have been allowed for years. The revisions specifically allow composting toilets, reduce the size of the onsite system to handle just graywater, and eliminate the requirement to install an onsite system for flush toilets, even though composting ones are proposed.
A new exemption allows residences with outhouses or outdoor water pumps to continue as is until they apply for a permit to construct a piped supply or system. Vermont’s rules are at www.anr.state.vt.us.
Virginia
New rules requiring mandatory licensing of onsite soil evaluators, installers and providers become effective on July 1, 2009. Licensing will fall under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, which has created a board to determine what type of training or certifications are required.
K.R. “Trapper” Davis’ Coastal Plains Environmental Group manages, operates, and maintains small-flow alternative wastewater treatment systems. His company’s lobbying on behalf of licensing resulted in Gov. Kaine appointing Davis to the DPOR board. Contact him at 804/966-9190 or krdavis@ cpegllc.com.
Pennsylvania
The state Department of Environmental Protection filed a petition in Commonwealth Court to enforce a 2002 order requiring Cromwell Township to provide public sewers and operate the treatment plant. Malfunctioning onsite systems are causing the township’s problems.
When the township received sewer bids that exceeded initial estimates and would have raised user rates, it signed an agreement to send sewage to the Orbisonia-Rockville Joint Municipal Authority. The DEP approved the plan, but newly elected township supervisors repealed the ordinances.
Missouri
The state Department of Health and Senior Services Onsite Sewage Program is updating its inspection and evaluation forms to allow better assessment and reporting of the condition of onsite systems. The agency will phase in the forms over six months, and conduct mandatory training classes for inspectors and evaluators. The training will qualify for continuing education credits. The phase-in period is expected to conclude in July 2008. After that, no old forms will be accepted.
Nationwide
The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) has completed the first research phase for responding to reports of illness possibly caused by land-applied biosolids, animal manures, food residuals, septage and compost.
The investigation procedure will undergo pilot testing and refinements before being implemented, but organizations or individuals may use it before the subsequent research phases are completed. The project was the highest ranked priority at the 2003 WERF Biosolids Research Summit. Download the report at www.werf.org.
Correspondents Scottie Dayton and Doug Day contributed to this report.
