Rules and Regs: Which State is First to Ban Triclosan-Infused Soaps?

In this month’s regulations news, a Midwest state becomes the first to ban triclosan-infused soaps, and Michigan simplifies provisions in a septage storage bill.
Rules and Regs: Which State is First to Ban Triclosan-Infused Soaps?

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Minnesota has become the first state to ban the sale of antibacterial soaps, body washes and other products containing triclosan. The ban takes effect on Jan. 1, 2017. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, around 75 percent of antibacterial soaps and body washes contain the chemical.

While not dangerous to humans, it is suspected to contribute to drug-resistant bacteria and disrupt reproductive hormones in some animals. The FDA has already proposed a rule forcing companies to demonstrate their products are more effective than soap and water and some manufacturers are already phasing out the use of triclosan.

According to the University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment program, normal use of antibacterial products is okay, though it does destroy some good and bad bacteria in a septic system. Excessive amounts, however, “can cause significant and even total destruction of the (bacteria) population.”

In a fact sheet, the University says, “Several professionals have reported problems with low or no bacterial activity in systems and upon the removal of antibacterial products from the home, beneficial bacterial activity returns and desired treatment functions resume. These products affect all treatment systems but because of special attention being paid to new ‘alternative’ treatment technologies now being introduced into the onsite industry, it is possible that some systems may be more affected by fluctuating bacterial numbers due to antibacterial products than other systems. More research needs to be done on this as well.”


Michigan simplifies septage storage bill

The Michigan House of Representative has passed a bill simplifying several provisions of laws dealing with septage. The bill now awaits action in the Senate. 

The bill (HB 4874) eliminates a sunset provision that applies to pumpers with storage capacity of 50,000 gallons or more. As of 2025, such pumpers would have to dispose of septage at a receiving facility within the service area in which it was pumped and within 25 miles of where the septage was pumped. The requirement still exists for smaller operators. The bill also eliminates local ordinances that impose requirements for such septage disposal that are stricter than the state law.

According to a summary by the Natural Resources Committee, officials in Grand Traverse County opposed the bill because it would affect the amount of septage disposed of at a wastewater treatment facility that was built with more capacity than needed. 

“To pay for the excess capacity, the rate for taking septage to the facility is almost three times the state average, according to some estimates,” the summary states. “The officials worry that by eliminating the service areas, and thus allowing servicers to use other treatment facilities, they may have to pay for the facility out of their respective municipality’s local general funds.”


New York county to provide 200K+ septic tank upgrades

A proposal by the Suffolk County Executive to provide sewer service or upgraded septic systems for 209,000 homes could cost around $7 billion. The county estimates it would cost $30,000 to $35,000 per house to install upgraded onsite wastewater systems and about $50,000 to connect each home to a sewer. More than 70 percent of Suffolk homes currently use onsite systems. 

While discussions about funding sources have occurred, the county will look into state and federal grants. 


Modernized septic system requirements in Ohio

Proposed new rules regarding septic systems in Ohio are expected to take effect on Jan. 1, 2015. The regulations are designed to modernize requirements to account for soil types and the amount of water generated by homes. 

The Ohio Department of Health says 31 percent of system failures were due to soil conditions, which wasn’t addressed in the old rules written 35 years ago. The new rules would only apply to new homes or systems that are being replaced. Officials are hoping the rules will help make consumers more informed about their options for their property and their disposal needs.



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