1996-04-25_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Water BilllBoard loon-legislative news ew regulations governing individual sewage treatment systems The Individual Sewage Treatment System Act (Minn. Statutes 115.55 and 115.56) became law in May 1994. The law, amended in 1995, governs requirements related to individual sewage treatment systems (ISTSs), commonly called septic systems. Requirements covered by the law include minimum sewage treatment standards, new construction and replacement of ISTSs, disclosure of ISTS status at property transfer, and state licensing of ISTS professionals. In addition, the law requires the MPCA to adopt rules for administration of these ISTS requirements by local governmental units (LGUs), including townships, cities and counties, and for a state ISTS professional licensing program. It also sets specific deadlines for the implementation of these requirements. Minn. Rule Chapter 7080 has been updated and expanded to address the requirements in the law. Some of the major areas affecting LGUs are: Effective Date: Requirement: December 31, 1995 LGUs may not. issue a building permit or variance for new construc- tion or replacement of an ISTS, or for the addition of a bedroom or bathroom, unless the IS T S is in compliance January 23, 1996 Minn. Rule Chapter 7080 becomes effective March 31, 1996 ISTS professionals may not design, install, maintain, pump or in- spect ISTSs without a state license issued by the MPCA and must follow applicable requirements when doing work. Exemptions to the licensing requirements are for: 1. qualified local government employees; 2. individuals doing work on their own property (after design consul- tation); 3. individuals performing work under a licensed person; and 4. farmers who pump and dispose of sewage wastes on land they own or lease. Local units of government may not require additional licenses for ISTS professionals after this date. All new construction and replacement of ISTSs must be inspected by a licensed ISTS professional or a qualified LGU employee. January 1, 1998 LGUs are required to update existing ISTS ordinances to comply with the state's standards. Alternative and more restrictive stan- dards are allowed if rule requirements are met.