OHIO

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Contact:

Rebecca Petty or Tom Grigsby
Ohio Department of Health
246 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio  43266-0588
(614) 466-1390
(614) 466-4556 (fax)
tgrigsby@gw.odh.state.oh.us

rpetty@gw.odh.state.oh.us

Ohio State Regulations

Ohio Constitutions, Statutes and Codes

Household Sewage Disposal Rules
Chapter 3701-29

July 1997

Onsite regulations for Ohio were last amended in July 1997.  Currently, the entire set of rules is under revision with an expected effective date for the fall of 2000.  Within the next year, soil absorption systems, including site evaluation and system design will be updated.  In addition, if proposed sewage disposal legislation is passed, rules for operation and maintenance, as well as general program administration will be adopted/revised.  The state of Ohio is considering the implementation of performance based standards.

Aerobic treatment units (ATUs), gravelless/chamber systems, and sand filters are covered within the body of the regulations.  All other alternative treatment systems are considered experimental and are dealt with under the provisions of 3710-29-20(B) and may be allowed by exception or variance.

Part of the proposed sewage disposal legislation will develop plans for the addition of management districts to monitor and maintain onsite wastewater treatment systems. The state of Ohio also has plans to develop a certification program for contractors, inspectors, and installers.

Some local health departments provide funding to assist homeowners replacing failing systems or installing new systems. Contact Ms. Caudill with the Clermont County Health Department, at (513) 732-7499. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering possible funding mechanisms within the state.  Contact Mr. Jim Bonk the Ohio EPA, Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance at (614) 644-3713, for more details about future funding options.

The state of Ohio does not have a certification/licensing program for wastewater professionals.

The state of Ohio does not have an onsite training center; however, there are plans to develop a training center. Current training provided through governmental (state and federal) agencies, industry, and The Ohio State University Extension Office. Contact Ms. Karen Mancl at (614) 292-6007.

The state of Ohio does have an onsite newsletter concerning onsite technologies and changes in regulations. Contact Mr. Golden or Mr. Grigsby for more information.

Demonstration projects are occurring in Ohio for wetlands, mounds and drip irrigation, and various treatment technologies. Contacts for each of these demonstrations:

Wetlands: Mounds and Drip Irrigation:
Mr. James Boddy Ms. Laura Kuns
Lorain County Health Department Lake County Health Department
9889 S. Murray Ridge Rd.  33 Mill Street
Elyria, Ohio  44035 Painsville, Ohio  44077
(440) 322-6237 (440) 350 2543

Other Technologies:
Mr. Ralph Benson
Clermont Count Health Department
2275 Beaver Rd., Suite 300
Batavia, Ohio  45103
(513) 732-7499

Large municipal septic system regulations are administered by the Ohio EPA, Division of Surface Water.  For information contact Mr. Tom Behlen, Chief, at (614) 644-2001, or at the address below.

Ohio EPA
Division of Surface Water
1800 Watermark Drive
Columbus, Ohio   43216