By Cody Robinson, MPCA
Thank you to all local governmental units (LGUs) that completed the transition to
web-based SSTS reporting for the 2017 permitting season. As reflected in the
2017 SSTS Annual Report, we had a great response rate, and were able to
successfully validate and standardize SSTS reporting across the state. With
that said, however, we are growing closer to the end of yet another building
season and we wanted to share some friendly reminders to help make 2018 annual
reporting as smooth as possible.
Operating permits
The first item is regarding the annual reporting of
operating permits There will be an update in how operating permits are
reported to more accurately align with reporting requirements and to get a
better picture of how many systems are regulated under these permits statewide.
In the past, we have asked for the number of operating permits (by system type)
issued only for that specific reporting year. We would then add that up to get
an annual total, and add that number to the past year’s number for each LGU for
a grand total.
Understanding that numbers of operating permits may fluctuate, we
may not have an accurate figure of systems regulated under operating permits
across the state. The 2018 annual report will now add a block asking LGUs to
indicate the total number of systems within the jurisdiction that are regulated
under an operating permit. It may be beneficial to browse over your permit file
beforehand to determine how you will obtain this figure.
Permits for repairs vs. replacement systems
Next, it appears there may have been some confusion
surrounding a few of the questions that were asked. There were a number of LGUs
that reported an unusually high volume of repair permits issued in the past, and
even some repair permits that matched up directly with the number of
replacement systems installed. To fix this, we will do a better job in
detailing the definition of repair permits within the questionnaire. Please
keep an eye out for this additional instruction to ensure correct numbers are
being reported.
Total number of dwellings with septic systems in your jurisdiction
Lastly, we want to encourage LGUs to accurately determine the total number of dwellings served by SSTS
within each jurisdiction. This data point is critical because it helps quantify
the size of each program as well as the SSTS program statewide. One way to get
this information would be to contact the local assessor’s office to get the total
number of dwellings within a jurisdiction, then identify how many of those
dwellings may be connected to municipal sewer systems. The difference could
produce a reasonable estimate of total dwellings served by SSTS.
For any questions, comments, or feedback surrounding the
SSTS Annual Report, please contact Cody Robinson or
by phone at 651-757-2535.
By Sadie Wunder, MPCA
Which would you rather do? Your SSTS paperwork or your
taxes? It’s alright you can tell us, you would rather do your taxes.
SSTS professionals are faced with many challenges. Keeping a
business up and running requires hours of equipment care, drumming up business,
and every professional’s nightmare, paperwork. This paperwork is a thorn in the
side. A confusing and irritating task that seems endless and pointless. We hear
you. Unfortunately, the MPCA is not cutting back on paperwork. However, we
would like to let you know that MPCA staff is here to help.
Are you a new business? Did you just buy the business from
grandpa? Are you wondering where all of grandpa’s records are? Are you
thinking, “The University of Minnesota class taught me I need to track a number
of things and keep them for five years but, Grandpa only has a few lime
receipts”? We can help you!
Our assistance is available not only for the newest members of the
septic workforce, it is open to all SSTS professionals. Here are your options:
- Attend a Mini Pumper class if you are a
maintainer, or if you can’t make it to a class near you, call the MPCA regional
staff in your area.
- Not a maintainer? Still give us a call and
request help.
Each regional staff member is willing to review records and
assist with technical questions. If you think you are missing something, call
us. Proactively asking for help will put you in a better position than hoping
you won’t get an inspection call from the MPCA.
So what is the catch? You as the SSTS professional must begin
the conversation. If the MPCA calls you to set up an inspection, that is
exactly what you will get. These inspections can lead to enforcement and
penalties when the paperwork is not in accordance to federal and state rules.
In short, call us before we call you. Contact the MPCA regional staff person for your area.
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Want to get your records on track? Attend a mini pumper class
near you. You must register prior to the class date, but space is limited so
register now. Attendees will receive three continuing education credits.
The class
is open to all specialty areas; however, seats will be open to the maintainer
specialty area first.
Email or call the appropriate contact below for the class you would like to attend. Coffee and a snack will be provided.
Nov.
8, 2018 Renville
County Government Center 105 5th
St. Olivia MN 56277, Room
117 8:30
a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Email Kristi Kalk, or by phone at 507-344-5261.
Dec.
4, 2018 MPCA, 7678
College Road , Suite 105, Baxter
MN 56425 8
a.m.-noon Email Sadie Wunder, or by phone at 507-316-3909.
Jan. 23, 2019 Waseca County License Bureau East
Annex conference room 300
North State Street, Waseca MN 56093 8:30
a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Email Steve Oscarson, or by phone at 507-206-2604.
April
10, 2019 Chisago
County Courthouse 313 N.
Main St.. Center
City, MN 55012 Room
150B 8:30
a.m.-12:30 p.m. Email Ian Harrison, or by phone at 218-302-6670.
April 11, 2019 Beltrami
County Environmental Services Soil
& Water Conservation District 701
Minnesota Ave. Suite 113 Bemidji,
MN 56601-3177 8:30
a.m. to 12:30 Email Nick Kramer, or by phone at 218-846-8115.
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