ALABAMA Other States: Contact: Randall Farris, Director or Jimmy Coles, P.E. Alabama
Constitutions, Statutes and Codes Onsite Sewage Disposal and
Subdivision-Onsite Sewage Systems, Water Supplies and Solid Waste Management Onsite regulations for Alabama were last amended on April 4, 1997. All sections of the current regulations are under revision with an expected effective date to be mid 1999. Currently, the state of Alabama is considering the implementation of performance based standards. Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) for subsurface discharge, mounds, and gravelless/ chamber systems are approved by rule. Alternative soil absorption designs, drip irrigation, evapotranspiration beds, and sand filters are approved by the Board Approval Process. Spray systems must first be approved for a NPDES surface discharge permit. Alabama does not require National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or other certification for I/A technologies. However, ATU manufacturers must provide evidence of authorization to use the NSF seal as a result of performance evaluations based on NSF Standard 40. Technologies which are allowed by exception or variance include the following: Constructed Wetlands (TVA Design); Proprietary TVA Reciprocating Wetlands; Ecoflo & Puraflo Peat Biofilters; Delta Subsurface Drip Effluent Disposal Systems; Fibermesh Fiber Reinforcement for Septic Tanks; Biodiffuser Chamber; Envirochamber Chamber; Infiltrator Chambers; EEE ZZZ Lay Drain System; and Eljen In-Drain Systems. Alabama rules do not require management systems or districts to monitor and maintain onsite systems or individual liquid waste systems. However, the state would strongly support any such local initiatives. A state level funding program does not exist to assist homeowners with replacement of failing systems or installation of new systems. However, it is an objective to be pursued in the State Onsite Sewage Management Plan. For questions, contact Mr. John-Paul O'Driscoll at (334) 206-5373. Within the state, fees for licensing, permitting, and special uses are administered by local jurisdictions. There is no pattern to the application of these fees across jurisdictions. Currently, onsite certification is achieved through a voluntary certification program. Certification and license programs for contractors, installers, and inspectors are administered by the Alabama Department of Public Health. A training center is being established for installers, industry and regulatory personnel. For further information contact Mr. O'Driscoll. Mr. O'Driscoll or Mr. George Allison, also with the Alabama Department of Public Health, can be contacted concerning ongoing demonstration, research, and testing projects within the state. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) regulates large municipal septic systems except for dwellings and individual businesses. For information regarding these regulations, contact the ADEM at: ADEM |