| MINNESOTA
Other States: Contact: Lori Frekot or Mark Wespetal Minnesota Constitutions, Statutes and Codes Individual Sewage
Treatment Systems Standards Onsite regulations for Minnesota were last updated on January 23, 1996. All sections within the current regulations are being revised. The target date for completion is July 1, 1999. The state of Minnesota is currently considering the implementation of performance based standards. Aerobic treatment units (ATUs), at-grade soil absorption designs, gravelless/chamber systems, mounds, artificial drainage systems, greywater systems, privies, alternative toilets, holding tanks, collector systems, and sand filters are all considered standard systems and included in the regulations. No downsizing of the drainfield is allowed for ATUs, gravelless/chamber systems, and sand filters. Spray systems are not allowed under code; however, they can be allowed with a state issued permit. Any technology may be used as an experimental system; however, it must be monitored. Minnesota does not require management systems or management districts to monitor or maintain onsite systems. However, as mentioned earlier, experimental systems must be monitored. There are no current plans to implement such management systems. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) offers grant assistance to homeowners for replacement of failing systems or installation of new systems. Contact Ms. Vicky Cook at (651) 296-7248 or 800-657-3864, or Mr. Ron Omann at (651) 296-4445 for further information. MPCA administers an onsite certification and licensing program for contractors, installers, and inspectors. Contact Mr. Russ Degerstedt, Individual Sewage Treatment Systems, ISTS Licensing Coordinator at (651) 296-7309 or by e-mail at rdegerstedt@pca.state.mn.us. The Minnesota On-site Sewage Treatment Contractors Association (MOSTCA) offers three categories for membership: pumpers, installers, evaluators; associate members such as suppliers; and affiliate members such as regulators and educators. Ms. Cyndi Spencer can be contacted at (651) 433-4178, for further information. The University of Minnesota Extension has many classes and the state of MPCA participates in teaching and administering exams. For further information contact Ms. Frekot or Mr. Wespetal at the address and/or telephone number listed above. MPCA provides a newsletter concerning onsite technologies and changes in regulations. Gretchen Sabel can be contacted for further information. Dr. Jim Anderson with the University of Minnesota, can be contacted concerning ongoing demonstration, research, and testing projects within the state. Dr. Anderson can be reached at (651) 625-8209. MPCA regulates large municipal septic systems over
10,000 gallons/day. For systems that serve the public and have flows of less than
10,000 gallons/day, the Minnesota Department of Health reviews and approves facility plans
and specifications. Ms. Joellen Rumley can be reached at 800-657-3864, for further
information. |