NEBRASKA

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Contact:

Steve Goans, P.E. or Mike Meyers
Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality
Ground Water Section
Suite 400, The Atrium
1200 N. Street
Lincoln, Nebraska  68509-8922
(402) 471-2580 or (402) 471-2589 (respectively)
(402) 471-2909 (fax)

deq046@mail.deq.state.ne.us

deq136@mail.deq.state.ne.us

Nebraska State Regulations

Nebraska Constitutions, Statutes and Codes

Rules and Regulations for the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Septic Tanks
Title 124

September 1987

Rules and Regulations for the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Individual Waste Treatment Lagoons
Title 125

September 1990

Onsite regulations for Nebraska were last amended in 1994.  Currently, all sections are under revision with an expected effective date sometime in early spring 1999.  The state of Nebraska is not considering the implementation of performance based standards at this time.

Some technologies covered within the regulations include: drip irrigation, evapotranspiration beds, gravelless/chamber systems, mounds, sand filters, and spray systems.  Alternative soil absorption designs are also covered but must have an engineer design the system.  Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.  Each of these technologies are allowed on a case-by-case basis.  Each may be allowed by variance or exception under the current rule for experimental, innovative, or alternative technologies.  Innovative and alternative technologies (I/A) are covered by a Construction Permit Program.  The  Construction Program provides the criteria and procedures required for the approval of an I/A technology.

The state of Nebraska does not require management systems or management districts to monitor and maintain onsite systems.  Operation and Maintenance manuals are primarily used to address problems or questions on maintenance. There is a lifetime maintenance program required for all mechanical systems.

The state of Nebraska does not provide a funding source to assist homeowners in replacing a failing system or installing a new system. It is up to the individual homeowner to locate private funding sources.

There is no onsite certification/licensing program administered by the state of Nebraska. There is an effort from some installers and contractors to promote a certification program.

The state of Nebraska provides training for wastewater professionals about every two years. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) provides classes for training. For more information contact Mr. Goans or Mr. Meyers.

The DEQ produces a mailer by request informing recipients of regulatory changes. Mr. Goans with DEQ can be contacted for further information.

Mr. Goans or Mr. Meyers can also be contacted concerning ongoing demonstration, research, and testing projects within the state.

The DEQ is also responsible for the regulations governing large municipal septic systems. Mr. Goans or Mr. Frank Mills with the DEQ can be contacted at (402) 471-0096, for further information.