The Evolution of Septic Systems Practices in Ohio

Journal of Environmental Health, 75(5):22-27, 2012

19 Pages Posted: 3 Apr 2012 Last revised: 3 Dec 2012

See all articles by Sridhar Vedachalam

Sridhar Vedachalam

Environmental Policy Innovation Center

Eli Hacker

Ohio State University (OSU)

Karen Mancl

Ohio State University (OSU)

Date Written: April 3, 2012

Abstract

Regulations that address management of wastewater in rural areas in Ohio are in the process of being updated. This study reviews the legal and regulatory process that occurred in the past decade. Thirty percent of septic systems in Ohio are failing due to installation in shallow soils. However, the adoption of alternative treatment systems is not widespread. Alternative systems are expensive and in many cases, require larger surface areas to build and operate. The establishment of the technical advisory committee provides an avenue to approve new and innovative treatment systems that differ from the existing regulations while the countdown towards the proposed new regulations approaches. A survey of county health officials in Ohio highlighted the need for training of regulators, and delineation of responsibilities to avoid conflicts of interest. Adequate training of regulators will make the regulatory transition a successful venture.

Keywords: septic systems, Ohio, regulations, survey

JEL Classification: I18, K32, Q25

Suggested Citation

Vedachalam, Sridhar and Hacker, Eli and Mancl, Karen, The Evolution of Septic Systems Practices in Ohio (April 3, 2012). Journal of Environmental Health, 75(5):22-27, 2012, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2033879 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2033879

Sridhar Vedachalam (Contact Author)

Environmental Policy Innovation Center

777 6th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
United States

Eli Hacker

Ohio State University (OSU) ( email )

Blankenship Hall-2010
901 Woody Hayes Drive
Columbus, OH OH 43210
United States

Karen Mancl

Ohio State University (OSU) ( email )

Blankenship Hall-2010
901 Woody Hayes Drive
Columbus, OH OH 43210
United States

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