Minnesota Administrative Rules

7080.1050 PURPOSE AND INTENT.

The proper location, design, installation, use, and maintenance of an individual subsurface sewage treatment system (ISTS) protects the public health, safety, and general welfare by the discharge of adequately treated sewage to the groundwater. In accordance with the authority granted in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 103F, 103G, 115, and 116, the Pollution Control Agency provides minimum environmental protection standards for ISTS as defined in this chapter. These environmental protection standards shall be adopted countywide and administered and enforced by local units of government as directed by chapter 7082 and Minnesota Statutes, section 115.55.

This chapter regulates all ISTS as defined in this chapter. This chapter does not regulate systems that do not receive sewage as defined in this chapter. If systems receive both sewage and nonsewage, the requirements of this chapter apply, plus any additional requirements governing the nonsewage portion of the wastewater. Systems serving two or more dwellings, systems serving other establishments that serve over 20 persons, and systems receiving nonsewage are also regulated under Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, parts 144 and 146.

This chapter does not regulate systems that discharge to the ground surface or surface waters. Those systems require a national pollution discharge elimination system permit.

In addition, this chapter provides prescriptive design, construction, and operational standards to reasonably protect surface water and groundwater and promote public health, safety, and general welfare. This chapter also provides public health and environmental outcomes as a basis for a custom-designed system. Technology and products employed in system design shall adequately protect the public health and the environment as determined by chapter 7083 and be approved for use by the local unit of government.

In conjunction with these standards, the agency encourages the use of advanced treatment methods and waste reduction to further reduce the discharge of contaminants.

Companion to this chapter are standards for midsized ISTS, chapter 7081; administrative requirements for local ordinances, permit, and inspection programs, chapter 7082; and certification and licensing requirements for those who design, install, inspect, manage, or maintain ISTS, chapter 7083.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 115.03; 115.55

History:

32 SR 1347

Published Electronically:

October 10, 2013