For Release: October 20, 1999

Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE -The Department of Environmental Management today issued a reminder that all new septic system designs now must be prepared by a septic system designer licensed by DEM. The measure, part of DEM's permit streamlining process, makes private sector designers responsible for both preparing complete and proper designs and inspecting their installations to ensure that they comply with plans approved by DEM.

The effective date of the change, October 1, was set a year ago when the first such licenses were issued, to give those who perform septic system design work a full opportunity to become licensed. All designers were required to meet pre-qualification criteria and pass a license exam in order to continue working. Three rounds of exams were given over the last 18 months. More than 200 persons are currently registered as licensed designers, and another 54 who passed the most recent exam are expected to be licensed soon. A listing of the designers is available on DEM's web site, at www.dem.state.ri.us/regs/water/isdsinst.htm.

Those holding existing, valid septic system permits from non-licensed designers are not immediately affected by the new procedure. To ease the transition, DEM has extended the validity of most existing permits to September 30, 2001, and DEM will perform inspections for the installation of these systems. For more information, or if there are questions, please contact DEM at 222-6820.