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For example...
New
technology review - The MPCA has initiated a list of registered
treatment and distribution products for use in SSTS. Thanks to the funds
provided, the list now includes:
- 34 registered treatment products for residential use
- 32 proprietary products and
- 2 public-domain designs,
- 3 registered products for treatment of high-strength waste, and
- 20 distribution products (chambers, synthetic rock bundles and natural rock).
Registration
materials provided include management plans, draft operating permit
templates and links to manufacturer manuals with specific information on
how to use these products in Minnesota systems. These products offer
many more options for homeowners and the designers who work with them.
The
SSTS sewage tank registration process/list has been folded into this
effort. There are now nearly 1000 tank models registered from 39 tank
manufacturers, including both concrete and plastic tanks. The tank
registration process ensures that tanks used in Minnesota are strong and
water tight. More information on this is found on the Product
Registration page.
Technical assistance/enforcement - The MPCA uses
revenue from the tank fee to support staff in our regional offices
(Detroit Lakes, Brainerd, Marshall and Rochester) who work with SSTS
professionals in both government and private practice to build
understanding of program requirements and to conduct compliance
activities to build a level playing field for all who work in the
industry.
Program planning - Program planning activities include the
work that goes into supporting the septic rules. Now that the
rule-update process is completed, this work has shifted to
implementation and rule support. This includes the training that MPCA
staff provide to those who participate in the University of Minnesota’s
pre-licensure classes and in a variety of continuing education settings
across Minnesota (University of Minnesota, MOWA and other venues like
county contractor meetings, supplier spring meetings, etc). The MPCA is
also working with local governments to accelerate compliance – seeking
to identify problem individual homes and communities with ongoing
wastewater concerns. This work results in many upgrades occurring across
the state. Today, more than half of permits issued by local governments
are for SSTS upgrades, a definite change from the past.
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Training is also provided for local units of government. For example, last year the MPCA provided a series of videos for local SSTS program administrators that spell out state requirements and other helpful information.
License
fees also directly support the SSTS licensing team. This group is
working to maintain and improve our licensing program as well as update
the need-to-know basis for all training, update exams, accredit courses
and provide an effective link for checking on license and registration status.
These are a few examples of how the tank and license fees
support an effective program that is helping to move the industry
forward in terms of professionalism and quality. As evidence of that,
last year at the annual MOWA conference, one of the keynote speakers,
Mark Adams of the California Onsite Wastewater Association, praised
Minnesota for adopting certification requirements for septic
professionals and implementing SSTS ordinances that are uniform and
consistent across the state, neither of which is true in California, he
said.
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By Gretchen Sabel
The MPCA SSTS Talking Tour takes off in full force soon. Last year the MPCA hosted 16
sessions that drew more than 100 people representing 63 counties, 43
cities, 22 townships, a joint powers board and a sanitary district. We
are looking forward to meeting with our partners and stakeholders again
this year.
However, there has been a slight change in plans. Winter weather is taking its toll on the Talking Tour schedule. Given the fact it will be cold enough that the Governor has cancelled school for Jan 6, we asked our boss, Jim Ziegler, if he thought it would be advisable to stick to our planned schedule.
Jim said, “The weather on Monday (Jan. 6) is not going to be just cold, it is going to be dangerously cold. I recommend we reschedule and stay closer to home on Monday. Since you would have to travel Monday to get to the meeting on Tuesday, and Tuesday is not going to be a whole lot better, I suggest rescheduling Tuesday also. We will still get the work done. Just a bit later. -- Jim”
The schedule above reflects the changes due to weather plus two other reschedules due to conflicts.
At these meetings we are open to talking about whatever is
on the minds of those who attend, but we also have a list of potential
topic areas people might want to discuss:
- What is the MPCA doing to support LGU ordinance work?
- Will the MPCA attend meetings when requested?
- Public relations issues associated with ordinance adoption
- When is a State SDS Permit Required (vs. a local permit)?
- Alternative local standards
- The ordinance process and submittal requirements
Many
of these meetings conclude within two hours, but we schedule three-hour
time slots just in case there are many people who want to talk or work
on an issue.
Thanks to those who have agreed to host these meetings. We appreciate all the help we had in finding good locations.
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