The proposed bill aims to establish new regulations and oversight for septic systems in North Dakota by creating chapter 23.1-17 of the North Dakota Century Code. It grants the Department of Environmental Quality exclusive authority to adopt rules regarding the licensing, permitting, and inspections of septic systems, while also requiring local public health units to conduct inspections within one business day of a request. The bill includes provisions for local health units to enter cooperative agreements with counties or cities for septic system management and prohibits the replacement of functional or repairable septic systems under certain conditions. Additionally, it repeals previous sections related to the onsite wastewater recycling technical committee.

The bill also amends existing sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the powers and duties of public health units and boards of health, particularly in relation to environmental public health and septic system management. It establishes an Environmental Quality Advisory Committee to recommend standards and procedures for septic systems and provides for a one-time appropriation of $99,500 to the Department of Environmental Quality for the regulation of septic systems. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and includes a provision for the transfer of funds from the State Board of Plumbing to support these regulatory efforts.

Statutes affected:
Adopted by the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee: 23-35-02, 23-35-08, 23.1-01-03, 23.1-17-01
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 23-35-02, 23-35-08, 23.1-01-03, 23.1-17-01
Adopted by the Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee: 23-35-02, 23-35-08, 23.1-01-03, 23.1-17-01