For Release: December 18, 1997

Contact: Russell Chateauneuf 277-2306

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - In a first step toward implementing new regulations that call for licensing professionals engaged in septic system design, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) this week sent exam applications to more than 900 licensed septic system installers and more than 300 people who have submitted septic system designs to DEM in the past six years.

Any person interested in applying for the licensing exam who has not received an application should contact DEM's Office of Water Resources at 277-3961.

The new amendments to the individual sewage disposal system (ISDS) regulations streamline permitting and installation of septic systems and are an outgrowth of legislation approved in 1996 by the General Assembly. The amendments, when fully implemented, will significantly change and improve the procedures used to review septic system designs and installations.

They require that septic system designers and soil evaluators be licensed by DEM, increasing the responsibility of the private sector for ensuring that septic systems are properly designed and installed. Licensing becomes mandatory 12 months after the first license is issued, allowing a period of transition, and providing individuals with more than one opportunity to take and pass the exam. After that time it will be necessary to have a license to remain engaged in septic system design work in Rhode Island. Licensed ISDS installers who only install systems and do not intend to submit repair plans are not affected.

"The amended regulations are the result of a nearly two year collaborative effort between DEM and stakeholder groups and individuals," said DEM Director Andy McLeod. "Many people and groups, including builders, land surveyors, engineers, and environmental groups, provided substantial input in streamlining the septic system permitting system. Licensing is a good step forward in placing responsibility for the adequate design and installation of septic systems clearly on designers where it belongs, and freeing staff to concentrate on helping those with difficult lot conditions and repairs of older systems."

The Department plans to administer the Class I, II, and III Designer's exam at least three times during the period before licensing becomes mandatory, and will accommodate applicants on a first come first served basis. The exam is anticipated to be an open book test, consisting of multiple choice questions, short answers, and design exercises.

Under the new regulations, there will be four types of designer licenses; in general, all new homes and certain existing home sites with very difficult soil conditions will require higher classes of designers.

DEM will hold a pre-examination training seminar for Class I, II, and III exams at the end of January, and expects to hold the exam in March. Since the response and demand for the two events will determine the dates and times, DEM is asking that the applications be returned no later than January 9, 1998.

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. Current 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 examination -- which will be administered later in 1998 -- is for soil evaluators who will perform soil evaluations, which will be a necessary part of siting all new septic systems. The new regulations move toward a so-called "soils-based approach" for the siting and design of systems.

The soils-based approach 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 from minimum state standards.

Many of the participants at a workshop held by DEM this past summer to discuss the regulations expressed an interest in becoming soil evaluators, a process that includes academic training in soil science as a prerequisite for taking the Class IV exam. That exam will not be scheduled until after further revisions to the ISDS regulations involving soil-based siting of septic systems are completed. However, applications for the Class IV exam are being accepted now for future planning purposes.