NORTH DAKOTA Other States: Contact: Dick Bechtel, R.S. North Dakota State Regulations North Dakota Constitutions, Statutes and Codes North Dakota State
Plumbing Code Onsite regulations for North Dakota were last amended in February 1996. Regulations are updated bi-annually; however, regulations are constantly being critiqued, and revised on an as needed basis by a committee composed of Environmental Health Practitioners and Registered Sanitarians from all over the state. At this time, the regulations are not being revised and there are no plans to update within the next year. There are no plans to consider the implementation of performance based standards. North Dakota defines innovative technologies as data-backed technologies that are proven to properly treat wastewater; but, is an alternative to currently accepted practices. Approval for the use of an alternative technology falls under the administrative authority of the Local Health Unit. Because staffing is limited in parts of North Dakota, there are some health units that do not possess enough expertise to make a decision on alternative technologies. If the technology is above the expertise of the regulator in a particular area, that technology will not be approved. Currently, alternative soil absorption designs and mound systems are contained in the regulations. North Dakota requires management systems or management districts to monitor and maintain wastewater systems for livestock feedlots (greater than 300 heads), dairy operations, and lagoons. Across the state, most of these systems are regulated by the State Health Department (NDSHD). Most of the system management comes by regulating the installer industry. There is no statewide funding program or mechanism available to assist homeowners replace a failing system or install a new system. For questions regarding potential funding sources in North Dakota, contact: Mr. Jack Long, An onsite certification and licensing program for contractors, installers and inspectors began in 1995. Certification sessions are held at different locations each year and are instructed by North Dakota State University (NDSU) Agricultural Extension Engineers. The Onsite Sewage Treatment Systems (OSTS) Revisions Committee develops the curriculum for this one day class. For more information, Tom Scherer can be contacted at: NDSU Mr. Scherer is also the contact for information regarding North Dakota's onsite training center. Currently, North Dakota does not have an onsite wastewater association; however, the State is in contact with the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) for assistance with the development of an association. Currently, there are no ongoing research or
demonstration projects in the state of North Dakota. |