Ohio Lawmakers Extend Moratorium on Onsite Rules

Ohio state legislators extended the moratorium on onsite regulations to July 1, 2010, giving themselves more time to reconcile differences between competing bills.

Ohio state legislators extended the moratorium on onsite regulations to July 1, 2010, giving themselves more time to reconcile differences between competing bills.

The debate revolves around the separation distance between the gravel at the bottom of the trench to the clay layer, and requirements for expensive replacement systems for homeowners in Geauga and Cuyahoga Counties. Only a small percentage of systems are not in compliance.

The moratorium on legislation enacted in 2007 was set to expire in January. While the debate continues, county boards of health must decide how to regulate the systems. The lack of state-level rules has led to disparities between counties.

Virginia

An opinion from the state attorney general has at least temporarily ended a moratorium on advanced onsite treatment systems. As of January 2010, advanced treatment installations are acceptable and local governments do not have the authority to ban them. The state Department of Health must establish operation and maintenance regulations for the systems by April 30.

Michigan

A bill requiring contractors to provide portable sanitation at residential work sites was incorporated into state policy. Another bill allowing septage haulers access to county roads during frost restrictions passed the Senate and is in the House. Additional introduced legislation would require local governments that prohibit land-applied septage to have a receiving facility within their boundaries.



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