States, Ontario agree to reduce phosphorous levels by 40 percent in part of Lake Erie

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Michigan, Ohio and Ontario, Canada, have signed a joint agreement to reduce phosphorus in the western Lake Erie basin by 40 percent by 2025. The chemical is blamed for algae blooms that degrade water quality in the lake, including one last year that cut off water supplies to about 400,000 people around Toledo and southeast Michigan. Ohio has already passed a new law banning spreading manure and other fertilizers on frozen ground. Michigan, which regulates the practice, will be looking at prohibiting the practice as well. Leaders of the two states and Canadian province signed the Western Basin of Lake Erie Collaborative Agreement in June. It calls for them to develop independent plans and timelines to meet the 40 percent goal, with an interim goal of a 20 percent reduction by 2020.

California

As the state suffers through a fourth year of drought, the California Onsite Water Association is publicly backing a bill to establish water-quality standards for recycling wastewater for use in internal plumbing of residential and commercial buildings. The measure, AB 1463, would promote the use of graywater, rainwater and other water captured on site for things like flushing toilets and urinals. It would require the state Water Resources Control Board to establish distribution, monitoring and reporting requirements. It would not include water from toilets, sewers or onsite wastewater systems unless the board establishes “requirements for that water necessary to protect public health, safety and the environment,” according to the text of the bill.

In a letter to bill sponsor Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale), COWA states, “Increasing the usage of recycled water for non-potable purposes is one way Californians can use water more efficiently and has the potential to play a significant role in our ability to maximize the sustainable yield for the waters of this state, a most precious resource.”

Saying it is vital to reduce barriers to onsite water-recycling systems, COWA also called for allowing the use of water-saving technologies. “We encourage legislation that directs agencies to work together to break down the overly conservative barriers to reuse that currently exist within our state. Our reuse laws were originally drafted many years ago, before the 30-plus years of technological advances in this rapidly changing industry.”
COWA also says it supports more opportunities to reuse black water.

Michigan

A failed septic system has forced 33 families to find new places to live after their mobile home park decided to close rather than hook up to the municipal sewer system. The Village on the Lake mobile home park in White Lake was ordered to either connect to the sewer system or vacate the property in a consent decree with the Oakland County Health Department.

Township officials say it would have cost $400,000 to bring sewer service to the park. The owner decided to close the mobile home park after telling residents they either had to move or start paying $2,000 a month rent, which was about $500 per lot.

Health Department officials, who regularly monitor mobile home parks, noticed standing water on the property earlier this year and found it was contaminated water from the septic drainfield. It now appears the property will be the location of a new hotel, conference center and restaurants.

Hawaii

A bill to provide tax credits for replacing cesspools has been signed by Hawaii Gov. David Ige. The last state still allowing new cesspool construction, Hawaii will provide up to $10,000 in tax credits for converting to a septic system or aerobic treatment unit, or connecting to a sewer system. With about 90,000 cesspools in use and 800 new ones each year, the Department of Health has long faced opposition to a ban. It issued rules in 2014 to require the conversion of cesspools upon sale of property, but couldn’t get then-Gov. Neil Abercrombie to sign them before he left office. So far, legislative efforts to ban cesspools have not succeeded, and a bill to do so appears to have stalled this year.

The tax credit is good through 2020, with priority going to homes near drinking water wells and within 200 feet of shorelines, streams and wetlands.

Maryland

The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved $14 million in grant funding to help upgrade septic systems in rural parts of the state. The money comes from the Bay Restoration Fund and is aimed at reducing the amount of nitrogen discharged to the Chesapeake Bay. Financial assistance for homes and businesses is based on a sliding income scale to cover up to 50 percent of the cost to replace a failing septic system. The funds can also be used for new construction. The program is administered by the state’s 23 counties with a focus on upgrading systems located in critical areas – those within 1,000 feet of tidal waters, wetlands and tributaries that drain into the bay.

Arizona

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has requested feedback about the future of its required inspection rules when properties change ownership. Current rules require an inspection within six months prior to transferring ownership. A department memo requested input about eliminating the state program or transitioning responsibility to interested counties over 12 to 18 months. ADEQ has said it doesn’t have the staff or funding to properly administer the notice of transfer program and there are sufficient environmental protections in existing onsite rules. The department held a listening session in July to receive feedback but has not said when it will make a decision.

Rhode Island

As of Jan. 1, 2016, existing cesspools in Rhode Island will have to be replaced within 12 months of a property changing hands. The state banned new cesspools in 1968, but 25,000 of them are still in use. A new law requires the replacement of cesspools with approved septic systems or sewer connections when a property is sold or ownership changes, other than between immediate family members. Low-interest loans and waivers will be available for low-income property owners.



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