DELAWARE Other States: *note:1997 and 1998 information was not available from the state of Delaware. Information below is from the 1996 response. Contact: Mr. Rodney Wyatt or Dave J.Schepens Delaware Constitutions, Statutes and Codes Regulations Governing The
Design, Installation, and Operation of On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Onsite regulations for Delaware were last updated in July 1985. Regulations are currently under revision. Delaware defines innovative technologies as systems approved in other states but not in Delaware. An experimental technology is considered a technology not necessarily proven by any other state's regulatory authority. Innovative and alternative (I/A) technologies allowed by the state of Delaware are continuously being added to the regulations as subsections. Basic alternative design and system performance evaluations are approved and then added to the regulations under the alternative design criteria and experimental section. Onsite regulations also provide allowances for enhanced treatment systems. Delaware does not require National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or other certification for innovative and alternative technologies. However, NSF certifications are very helpful in determining the acceptance of alternative systems. Delaware rules do not require management systems or districts to monitor and maintain onsite systems or individual liquid waste systems. However, three year pumping intervals are required for individual systems. Funding is available through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to assist homeowners with replacement of failing systems or installation of new systems. For more information, contact Terry Deputy at (302) 739-5081. Licensing fees are not assessed for individual systems. Permit fees for individual systems range from $50 to $750. Special use fees of $675 are assessed on variances for individual systems. Certification and license programs for contractors, installers, and inspectors are administered by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. For further information, contact Rodney Wyatt at the address and telephone number above. Mr. Wyatt can also be contacted for information concerning the Delaware Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (DOWRA) and the onsite training center located at Delaware Tech. Currently, no known onsite wastewater demonstration, research, or testing projects are ongoing in Delaware. However, a demonstration project is being proposed for I/A systems. Regulations for onsite septic/liquid waste, municipal waste, and industrial waste are administered at the state level. The Groundwater Discharges Section within the
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control regulates large municipal septic
systems. |