New RIDEM Amendments to Individual Sewage Disposal System (ISDS) Regulations Proposed

“The proposed amendments will update technical standards for the siting and design of septic systems, improve treatment for environmental protection and public health, increase protection of water resources, streamline the permitting process, and reformat the rules to follow the sequence of actions taken in permitting a septic system in RI. Among the proposed technical changes are revisions to design standards to ensure optimal treatment in soil dispersal trenches, higher performance standards for septic systems in salt pond watersheds and on small lots with drinking water wells, and increased setbacks between large systems and drinking water wells. Under the proposed Rules, the term septic system or "individual sewage disposal system" (ISDS) will be replaced with the term "onsite wastewater treatment system" (OWTS) to better emphasize the importance of treatment in system function and environmental protection. DEM has complied with the requirements of Rhode Island General Law Section 42-35-3 by considering alternative approaches to the proposed regulations and has determined that there is no alternative approach that would be as effective and less burdensome. DEM has also determined that the proposed regulations do not overlap or duplicate any other state regulation. DEM has complied with the requirements of Rhode Island General Laws Section 42-35-3.3 by submitting copies of the proposed regulations to the Governor's Office and the Economic Development Corporation (EDC).

The proposed rules in clear text format and an annotated version highlighting the changes can viewed on the internet at: www.dem.ri.gov/programs/benviron/water/permits/isds/draftreg.htm. Copies of both versions of the rules can be obtained from the DEM Office of Water Resources weekdays from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., or by contacting Jon Zwarg at (401) 222 - 4700, ext. 7205, by e-mail at Jonathan.Zwarg@dem.ri.gov or by writing to:

Office of Water Resources
Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade St.
Providence, RI 02908”

---

Home | Services | About Us | Contact Info Adventures | Oct 07 News | Resources | Jukebox