For Release: August 26, 1998

Contact: Russell Chateauneuf 222-2306

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management will hold a public hearing Wednesday, September 2 on proposed amendments to the Individual Sewage Disposal System (ISDS) regulations to clarify and refine the program established last year to license ISDS designers. Many of the changes are the result of numerous meetings and discussions held with prospective licensees as part of implementing the new program.

The proposed amendments make it clear that during the one year period from the issuance of the first designer license (planned for this September 30) to the time when all applications must be submitted by a licensed designer (planned for October 1, 1999), designers who are licensed can take advantage of the procedures under the licensing program.

In addition, the types of ISDS that Class II designers will be authorized to design have been broadened to include those for commercial use with a design flow of no more than 900 gallons per day. Current regulations limit Class II designers to the design of residential systems only.

Designers, now required to witness and inspect the installation of systems personally, will be able to have an employee under the designer's direct supervision witness and inspect the installation under the proposed amendments.

ISDS permits will no longer be renewable under the proposed amendments. Instead, expiration dates will be extended for many permits, and eventually all new permits will be valid for five years.

The hearing will take place at 10 a.m. on September 2 in room 300 at DEM headquarters, 235 Promenade Street, Providence. Written comments should be sent to DEM's Office of Water Resources, Permitting Section, at 235 Promenade St. by 4 p.m. Thursday, September 3. Copies of the proposed amendments are available at that office weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by calling DEM's Galen McGovern at 222-3961 ext. 7610. They are also available on DEM's web site, at www.dem.state.ri.us, in the Program Updates section.