Link to DEM Home Page Link to State of RI web site RIDEM graphical banner, showing land and water scene
Navigation button, HomeNavigation button, ProgramsNavigation button, TopicsNavigation button, MapsNavigation button, PublicationsNavigation button, NewsNavigation button, EventsNavigation button, SearchNavigation button, HelpNavigation button, Contact
Home > Programs > Bureau of Environmental Protection > Office of Water Resources > Permitting > Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems


ISDS Search Icon and Link
ISDS Permit Search


Subscribe to OWTSINFO
E-Mail List


Cesspool Phaseout

Rules and Policies

Professional Licensing Program

Maintaining Your OWTS

Alternative and Experimental Technologies

Contacts

Permit Tolling Page


 
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
ISDS icon image
E-Mail Notification Service Available

Public Notice re: May 3, 2012 Hearing on Proposed Amendments to the OWTS Regulations


Permitting activities are divided into three main stages: site-suitability, design review, and construction inspection. Site-suitability is a preliminary stage which assesses the suitability of a parcel of property for on-site sewage disposal. Design review entails a review to determine a design's compliance with State standards, rules and regulations including setbacks to drinking water wells, water supplies, and sensitive water bodies. Proper design and installation is essential to protect public health and avert the potential adverse impacts of onsite wastewater treatment systems on water resources. Construction inspections are conducted during installation in addition to the inspections conducted by the Designer. Annually, the program undertakes approximately 2,300 suitability assessments, 5,000 permit reviews, and 11,600 inspections. Additionally, the program has developed a process for approving innovative septic system technology. As a result of 1997 revisions to the onsite wastewater treatment systems legislation, a licensing program (including training and examination) for private-sector professional designers and installers has been implemented in order to allow RIDEM staff to concentrate on major projects and proactive planning and policy development.

OWTS Rules
(eff. 6/30/11)
The Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Program has created an e-mail list to distribute information on Department policies and rule changes. You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to: majordomo@listserve.ri.gov. In the body of the message, include the following text: "subscribe owtsinfo". Leave the subject line blank. This is an announcement-only list so you will not be able to post messages to other subscribers. If you have difficulty subscribing or have other questions, email owner-owtsinfo@listserve.ri.gov.
Additional Links
New England Onsite Wastewater Training Program
USGS Water Table Information
Online ISDS Permit Customer Service Survey
ISDS Licensing Disciplinary Actions
Final ISDS Permit Streamlining Report
Summary of R.I. Municipal Onsite Wastewater Programs

Rules and Policies
OWTS Rules (eff. 6/30/11)
Rules History
Critical Resource Area Boundary Tool
Clarification- Denitrification Requirements for Repairs in Critical Resource Areas
Leachfield Options with Advanced Treatment Systems
OWTS Repair Guidance in Critical Erosion Areas
Holding Tank Policy for OWTS Repairs
Groundwater Table Adjustment Factors
Field Guide for OWTS Installations
Rules Development:
Reports and Publications:
Nitrogen Loading in the Salt Ponds
USGS Salt Pond Groundwater Study
Presentations:
House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Washington County Regional Planning Council

Contacts:
For more permitting information E-Mail:
Brian Moore (brian.moore@dem.ri.gov)

For more installer licensing information E-Mail:
Linda Washington (linda.washington@dem.ri.gov)

For more designer licensing information E-Mail:
Deb Knauss (deb.knauss@dem.ri.gov)

For more rules and policy information E-Mail:
Jon Zwarg (jonathan.zwarg@dem.ri.gov) or
Ernie Panciera (ernie.panciera@dem.ri.gov)

For General Information 222-6800 • After Hours Emergencies 222-3070 • Disclaimer
rev. 4/2/12