Septic tank regulations to tighten

SACRAMENTO — The state water board is proposing tougher regulations to protect surface and ground water that could affect owners of over 1.2 million septic tanks and new septic tank systems.

At 7 p.m. Dec. 10, the State Water Resources Control Board will conduct a workshop in the Nevada County Board of Supervisors chambers at 950 Maidu Ave., in Nevada City.

The workshop will collect public comment on the board’s proposed septic tank discharge regulations.

The California Legislature directed the state water board to adopt regulations (through AB 885, 2000) to protect surface water and groundwater quality.

The draft regulations, which are written to protect residents’ water supplies, include the following:

• Every five years, existing septic tank system owners would be required to have a qualified service provider inspect their septic tanks for solids accumulation;

• Every five years, existing septic tank system owners, who have domestic wells on their lots, would be required to have a qualified service provider analyze well water (groundwater); and

• Requirements that stipulate minimum design, construction and operation standards for new septic systems to protect water quality.

The proposed regulations, draft environmental impact report, and related information are posted at www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/septic_tanks.

Send comments

Written comments can also be sent to:

AB885@waterboards.ca.gov

or:

State Water Resources Control Board

Division of Water Quality

Attn: Todd Thompson, P.E.

1001 I Street, 15th Floor

P.O. Box 2231

Sacramento, CA 95812

Comments must be received or postmarked by Feb. 9, 2009.