Section 115.60 Pilot Program for Alternative Septic System Technology

MINNESOTA STATUTES AND CODES

Section 115.60 Pilot Program for Alternative Septic System Technology

115.60 PILOT PROGRAM FOR ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY.

Subdivision 1.Manufacturer's certification.

(a) Under the authority of the Pollution Control Agency, with consultation from the Department of Health, a manufacturer of new wastewater treatment technologies must submit accredited third-party testing documentation to the agency certifying that biodigester and wastewater reclamation systems, as designed and installed, will meet the applicable state standards for above or below surface discharge or potable water.

(b) A manufacturer of biodigester and water reclamation systems technology must provide training approved by the commissioner of the agency to provide certification for persons in the state to properly install, maintain, operate, and monitor systems. An entity that would provide monitoring, installation, maintenance, or operational services must not be a part of certifying system capacities for the commissioner.

(c) A manufacturer shall reimburse the agency an amount not to exceed $4,000 for staff services needed to review the information submitted pursuant to the certification request. Reimbursements accepted by the agency must be deposited in the environmental fund and are appropriated to the agency for the purpose of reviewing information submitted. The agency shall reimburse the Department of Health for consultation related costs.

Subd. 2.Requirements for manufacturer or consumer participation.

(a) Only trained and certified persons may install, operate, repair, maintain, and monitor a biodigester and water reclamation system.

(b) Systems must be monitored by an entity other than the owner.

(c) Annual monitoring and maintenance reports must be submitted to the commissioners of health and the agency and the local regulatory authority.

(d) Independent documentation of system performance must be reported on a form provided by the agency.

Subd. 3.Approval requirements.

(a) Permitting of biodigester and water reclamation systems are subject to any local government requirements for installation and use subject to the commissioner's approval.

(b) Any subsurface discharge of treated effluent from any system must be in accordance with environmental standards contained in Minnesota Rules, part 7080.0179, and is regulated under the requirements of sections 115.55 and 115.56.

(c) Any surface discharge of treated effluent from a system must be in accordance with environmental standards contained in Minnesota Rules, part 7080.0030, and be operated under a permit issued by the agency. The agency may issue either individual or general permits to regulate the surface discharges from biodigester and water reclamation systems.

(d) Any reuse of treated effluent from a system must be in accordance with state standards established for potable well water.

Subd. 4.Exemption.

Biodigester and water reclamation systems are exempt from all state and local requirements pertaining to Minnesota Rules, chapter 4715, until May 1, 2014.