The 2014 SSTS Annual Report is now available online. There were 236 local governmental units (LGUs) that submitted annual report information (see map above) about septic systems they regulate within their jurisdictions; that’s 86 counties, 87 cities, 61 townships, and two other permitting authorities.
A total of nearly 532,000 septic systems were reported statewide. This represents 36.4 billion gallons of wastewater in 2014.
Estimates from data provided to the MPCA since 2002 show improvements in rural wastewater treatment. Over the past 13 years, LGUs reported more than 155,800 construction permits were issued statewide. Over 77,900 of these systems were replacement systems.
In other words, an estimated 29 percent of septic systems in the state are new or have been replaced since 2002.
The number of estimated compliant systems has increased over the years, from 334,500 systems in 2007 to 424,000 systems in 2014; this represents 29 billion gallons of wastewater treated via compliant SSTS.
County weighs keeping point-of-sale SSTS compliance inspections
Two members of the Stearns County Commission are asking the Commission to remove from a county ordinance a requirement that homeowners have their septic system inspected, and brought into compliance with current standards if necessary, before the home can be sold.
The ordinance that has been in place the past 17 years requires a septic system compliance inspection when a house is sold or transferred, unless the system is less than five years old or has been inspected within the last three years.
The number of counties and other local governments that regulate septic systems has grown steadily over the years, says the MPCA’s Aaron Jensen. Last year, 59 of Minnesota’s 87 counties required point-of-sale SSTS compliance inspections. In 2000, only 42 counties required them.
Requiring point-of-sale compliance inspections is one of several tools local programs have adopted in order to identify and correct septic system problems and increase the percentage of septic systems across the state that are protective of human health and groundwater (see SSTS Annual Report story above).
“Every year, we’re getting a better handle on systems, especially the older ones that were installed prior to a lot of the rules,” Jensen says. “And we’re getting those updated.” Last year, more than 12,800 septic systems were inspected and certified statewide. That amounts to about 2 percent of the systems in Minnesota.
A recent St. Cloud Times article about the proposed change includes these and other comments from Jensen, as well as from realtors and SSTS professionals who support keeping the Stearns County SSTS point-of-sale compliance rule in place.
Installers – update your surety bond, share pipe layer credentials with MPCA
The MPCA has sent notices to all Minnesota-licensed SSTS Installers to help them comply with 2015 legislative changes to surety bond and pipe laying authorizations.
Under the new requirements, all licensed SSTS installation businesses must submit updated surety bond documentation to the MPCA by Dec. 31, 2015, to prevent their license from lapsingJan. 1, 2016.
In addition, all Installer Designated Certified Individual Installers (DCIs) need to submit proof of completed pipe laying training to the MPCA by Dec. 31, 2015, to maintain their Installer DCI status beyond that date.
Installers without a plumbing contractor license
SSTS Installers who do not have a plumbing contractor license must submit this new SSTS Business License Surety Bond form that your bond agent can help you complete. This form will serve as proof you meet the new $25,000 coverage requirement (previously, the coverage requirement was $10,000).
Installers with a plumbing contractor license
Installers who are licensed plumbing contractors and have at least $25,000 of coverage under a plumbing contractor surety bond must submit to the MPCA a duplicate original of their plumbing contractor surety bond. A duplicate original bond form is identical to the original except without the original signatures, seals, etc. Your bond agent can help you obtain this form.
All SSTS license holders
All non-installer SSTS business license holders will need to submit new bond documentation to the MPCA by the end of 2016.
Proof of pipe laying training
Designated Certified Individual Installers must submit proof of pipe laying training to the MPCA to stay affiliated with the business.
Ongoing registrations going away
The good news is, after registering your new bond by the end of this year, you will not need to register a new bond every two years or register with the Department of Labor and Industry or pay a bond registration fee.
You only need to update your surety bond and demonstrate your pipe laying credentials to the MPCA by the end of 2015. You only need to do this once, and you should do it now to avoid a lapse in licensure.
Contact Jane Seaver at the MPCA at 651-757-2711 or [email protected] with questions about these legislative changes.
Learn all about these changes on our website.
