Legislation proposed in the Michigan House and Senate aims to create statewide septic system regulations. Michigan is the only state in the nation without a statewide sanitary code, leaving counties or municipalities responsible for residential wastewater systems. The proposed bills would require inspections every five years and create a database for inspections, an inspector certification process, and a technical advisory committee to provide guidance regarding septic system maintenance.
The Huran Daily Tribune reported that officials from several district health departments expressed concern that the inspections would be too burdensome. Kevin Hughes, health officer of District Health Department 10 told the Manistee County Board of Commissioners that he opposed the legislation.
“In our jurisdiction, we have approximately 165,000 septic systems (and) those are the ones we're aware of — so there's a whole bunch of other ones that we don't know about,” Hughes said. “If we had to inspect those every five years, it would be about 33,000 additional inspections that our staff would have to carry out in addition to everything else that
we’re doing.”
Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) said he plans to review the proposed legislation with stakeholder groups before the bills go to the Michigan House Committee. Lawmakers in previous Michigan legislatures have failed to pass
statewide rules.
Lowndes County Septic System Program implemented to remedy septic issues
Multiple media outlets reported that the Alabama Department of Public Health signed a contract with the Lowndes County Unincorporated Wastewater Program Sewer Board for installing septic systems in Lowndes County, Alabama. The contract is an important milestone in the effort to remedy sewage disposal issues in rural Alabama, as required by a May 2023 federal settlement agreement. The sewer board will hire licensed soil specialists to test the soil and licensed septic installers to design and install the septic systems.
The health department will prioritize installations and repairs based on an environmental health assessment. Residents can fill out the assessment at the Lowndes County Septic System Program website. The number of septic systems installed in this first round is limited by the $1,500,000 appropriation from the state’s American Recovery Plan Act funds.
Pennington County rentals policy places limits based on onsite system capacity
A vacation rentals licensing policy has taken effect in Pennington County, South Dakota, the home of Mt. Rushmore. South Dakota Public Radio reported the regulations apply to vacation rentals of single-family residences, not single-room rentals. Owners of vacation homes now must have a lodging license from the South Dakota Department of Health and a license from the South Dakota Department of Revenue. Additionally, the owners must have a local contact. The county set a limit of five bedrooms and limited the number of guests based on septic system capacity, if the property has a septic system.
Illinois county sends septic ordinance back to committee
The Christian County Board in Illinois considered adopting a new septic ordinance, proposed by the Director of the Christian County Health Department. The Taylorville Daily News reported that board members held a lengthy discussion before sending the ordinance back to committee. The ordinance would have established fines for property owners who fail to fix issues related to their septic systems. The board expressed concern that penalties could surpass $15,000 and requested leniency for property owners actively working to correct their septic issues.
FEMA offers reimbursement to repair or replace storm-damaged septic systems in Texas
Homeowners and renters in Texas affected by storms and flooding this spring may be eligible for government assistance to repair or replace storm-damaged wells and septic systems. According to a news release issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Texans can apply for reimbursement for storm damages that occurred from April 26 to June 5.
FEMA will reimburse eligible property owners the costs of having a licensed technician visit the property and prepare an estimate. Additionally, FEMA may cover the costs of repairing or replacing a private well or septic system. Applications are available at fema.gov.
Residents of Lake Monroe watershed can receive septic pumping vouchers
The Friends of Lake Monroe in Indiana are managing a septic voucher program to help residents cover the cost of septic system maintenance. According to The Herald-Times, the organization received $13,000 for the voucher program from the Monroe County Stormwater Management Board.
Residents living in the Lake Monroe watershed can apply for vouchers to cover as much as half of a septic pumping, not to exceed $100. Additionally, residents can apply for $100 vouchers to install a septic tank riser. Applications are available at friendsoflakemonroe.org/septic or by calling the Lake Monroe Watershed Coordinator, 812-558-0217. The application window is open until Aug. 31 or until all of the funds are disbursed.
The Friends of Lake Monroe will partner with the Brown County Soil & Water Conservation District and the Brown County Regional Sewer District to host a Septic Summit on Sept. 14 at the Brown County Fairgrounds.
Western Montana Conservation Commission awarded $7 million
The EPA Columbia River Basin Restoration Program awarded $7 million to the Western Montana Conservation Commission, reported the Bitterroot Star. The commission will use the funding to address septic leachate and stormwater issues. An application period will open Jan. 2, 2025, for proposals related to community projects, water quality outreach, educational sessions, and cost-share programs for communities west of the Continental Divide in Montana. This area includes the Bitterroot River watershed.
Texas county’s commissioners delay discussion of septic system recommendations
The Cherokee County Commissioners declined to act on two septic system recommendations presented by Eric Barker, onsite sewage representative for Cherokee County, Texas. The Jacksonville Progress reported that Barker spoke in favor of the county regulating RV park sewer systems. He also recommended the county discontinue the 10-acre rule which doesn’t require septic permits for property owners owning 10 or more acres. By issuing permits, the county can confirm that the septic systems pass inspection, Barker said. Commissioner Steve Norton said he disagreed with regulating residents for septic systems on private property. Barker countered by saying residents don’t want to contend with the septic problems of their neighbors. The commissioners agreed to discuss the issue further at a later date.
Grant awards will support onsite programs in Washington state
The Washington State Department of Ecology awarded $309 million in grants and loans to support 136 clean water and infrastructure improvement projects. In a news release, the Department of Ecology reported that four of the awards will go to support onsite sewer system projects and programs.
One of the four awards is a $500,000 grant to help Snohomish County residents repair and maintain their septic systems. Through the county’s Savvy Septic Program, low-income homeowners can apply for funding for major septic repairs and replacement. All residents can apply for rebates to cover inspections, pumping, minor repairs, and riser installation. Plus, the Savvy Septic Program offers free online septic system workshops.
Sonoma County seeks funding to replace failing septic systems in Russian River Watershed
Homeowners in Monte Rio and Villa Grande, California, met with Sonoma County officials in late June to discuss the effect of recent septic regulations on the aging septic systems in the region, reported The Press Democrat. Sonoma County is seeking funding to help homeowners in the Russian River Watershed replace aged or failing septic systems. A 2019 study estimated the replacement cost at $81 million to $114 million.
Homeowners within 600 feet of the Russian River are subject to septic regulations adopted by the regional water quality board in 2021. The regulations set daily limits to the waste load and require septic inspections for residents living close to certain streams.
