Measure 5c: Establish a program to
control the sources of
fecal coliform to the maximum extent practicable
“Control
the sources of fecal coliform to the maximum extent practicable. Develop
and implement an oversight program to ensure proper operation and
maintenance of on-site wastewater treatment systems for domestic
wastewater. Municipalities must coordinate this program with the county
health department."
A Phase II jurisdiction can meet this requirement by
coordinating with the county to ensure that onsite wastewater systems
within its jurisdiction are properly permitted. However, be aware that
health department standards for onsite systems generally cover just the
approval of the technology and its installation, not the ongoing
management of the systems.
Phase II jurisdictions can consider taking one or more of
the following additional steps to protect their streams from the impacts
of failing septic systems:
- Integrate health department permit data for onsite systems into a
jurisdiction-wide inventory of onsite systems.
- Extend the maintenance obligations for stormwater BMPs to newly
installed onsite wastewater systems. The
draft model local ordinance for the Phase II stormwater regulations
contains optional language for enforcing septic system maintenance
requirements.
- Conduct public education programs on septic system maintenance. If
you get a list of septic system owners from your county health
department, you can send them brochures to explain that a septic system
is not “free” wastewater treatment – it requires maintenance just like
every other part of their homes. Also remind homeowners of the high cost
of replacing the system if it fails and the human health concerns they
may face if they don’t maintain their systems (especially if they also
have a well).
- Work with your local register of deeds so that your citizens know
they have a septic system at the time they purchase a new property and
understand what they need to do to maintain it.
|
