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
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: Suggested Citation