| TEXAS
Other States: Contact: Kenneth Graber or Warren D. Samuelson, P.E. Texas Constitutions, Statutes and Codes Construction Standards for
On-Site Wastewater Treatment The state of Texas updates onsite wastewater regulations on an ãas neededä basis. The last update occurred in 1997. There are no plans to revise the current regulations. There may be some review over the next year to correct any mistakes. Performance based standards are not being considered for implementation for the entire regulation; however, they are being implemented for spray irrigation systems. Aerobic treatment units (ATUs), alternative soil absorption designs, drip irrigation, evapotranspiration systems, gravelless/chamber systems, mounds, sand filters, spray systems, and low pressure dosing systems are approved in the current regulations. Any system, treatment or disposal, that demonstrates equivalent protection may be allowed by exception or variance. For new products, a testing protocol is in the rules. Currently, the policy of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) on surface application requires a testing and reporting of effluent three times annually as part of a maintenance system. Regulations may require a maintenance company to provide maintenance and monitoring of systems. While there are no real standards for management systems, some systems are permitted on the quality of effluent and a valid maintenance company. Funding mechanisms for the owner to repair a failing system may come from the Texas Housing Authority or the Texas Water Development Board. These funds are limited and in most cases the homeowner is on their own for locating funding sources. For more information, contact Mr. Sammuelson at the address and/or telephone number listed above. TNRCC presently licenses installers through an onsite certification program. Future regulations will license apprentices, site evaluators, and inspectors. For more information, contact Mr. Bob Brach at (512) 239-2150. Texas currently has three onsite training centers. For more information contact Mr. Graber or Mr. Sammuelson at the address and/or telephone number listed above. Texas also produces an onsite newsletter, for more information contact Mr. Rick Jensen at (409) 845-8571. For information regarding demonstration, research, or testing in the state of Texas, contact Mr. Sammuelson at the address/or telephone number listed above. |