SB 467 is the most recent effort to loosen laws governing the land disposal of liquids and solids pumped from septic tanks. It allows any certified septic tank pumper to dewater a load of septage and discharge the water into an on-site (land application) sewage management system approved by the local health department.  Oversight from the state Environmental Protection Division would no longer be required and septic tank pumpers certified by any county health department are authorized to operate on a statewide basis.     

 

Indeed, land application is a proven and necessary means to dispose of septage.  However, this process should remain regulated by EPD as it increases risk of injury to public health and the environment.  This bill makes it more difficult for local governments to regulate such land use within their jurisdictions.