For Release: June 2, 1997

Contact: Peyton Fleming 277-2771

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - The second of two public workshops on proposed new regulations that will streamline permitting and installation of septic systems will be held by the RI Department of Environmental Management from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 4 in Room 390 at DEM headquarters, 235 Promenade St., Providence.

The proposed regulations, an outgrowth of legislation approved last year by the General Assembly, will require that septic system designers, and soil evaluators be licensed by DEM. They will increase the responsibility for proper design and installation of septic systems to the private sector.

Over 40 people, primarily designers, attended the first interactive workshop, held last Thursday, May 29. Most had reviewed the proposed changes in advance and centered their questions on two areas: pre-qualifications for each class of license and the timing of implementation.

"We have been reaching out and talking with groups about streamlining the septic system permitting system for more than a year and the proposed regulations are the result of a collaborative effort," said Frederick Vincent, acting director of DEM. "Many people and groups, including the Rhode Island Builders Association, land surveyors, engineers, and environmental groups provided substantial input. There shouldn't be any surprises."

Under the proposed regulations, there will be four types of licenses; in general, the more difficult the design or lot characteristics, the more stringent the qualifications for design and installation.

A Class I license authorizes the design of a repair to an existing conventional septic system with a design flow of 900 gallons per day or less. Currently licensed installers, professional land surveyors, and registered professional engineers will be able to apply for a Class I license.

Professional land surveyors and registered professional engineers will be able to apply for a Class II license which authorizes the design of repairs or alterations to conventional and certain alternative residential septic systems with a design flow of 2000 gallons per day or less.

Registered professional engineers will be able to apply for a Class III license which authorizes the design of all types or sizes of septic systems.

The Class IV license is for soil evaluators who will perform soil evaluations which will be a necessary part of siting all new septic systems. The proposed regulations move toward a more soils-based approach for the siting and design of systems. Many of the participants at the workshop expressed an interest in becoming soil evaluators, a process that includes academic training in soil science as a requisite for taking the Class IV exam.

The soils-based approach, Vincent said, concentrates DEM efforts at the beginning of the siting process, focusing on site suitability rather than the current practice of visiting the site during system installation. "Proper installation will be the responsibility of the designer under the new regulations, and DEM staff, while retaining oversight of the licensed professionals, can shift their workload to assist homeowners in repairs of failed septic systems, evaluate new technologies, and work with homeowners who have lots with difficult soil conditions that may require variances," Vincent added.

DEM will prepare a written exam for each class that prospective licensees can expect to take this winter, and plans to begin issuing licenses in time for the 1998 construction season. Under the statute approved by the legislature last year, licenses will be required for all septic system submittals one year after the first licenses are issued. The department is currently working with the University of Rhode Island to develop training programs relating to the licensing initiative.