The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to enhance the regulation of household sewage treatment systems in Ohio. It establishes a general operations fund to support health initiatives related to sewage treatment and assigns the director of health the responsibility to implement rules requiring local boards of health to approve the installation and operation of non-sanitary sewerage connected systems. The bill mandates site evaluations, including soil assessments for new installations, and requires notification to prospective buyers about the status of these evaluations. Additionally, it introduces operational standards and maintenance requirements, allowing boards of health to conduct educational assessments within a year of installation and setting uniform bonding and fee structures for installers and service providers.

Significant new legal language clarifies that boards of health cannot prohibit sewage treatment systems on slopes if they meet design criteria and safety standards. The bill specifies that permits are not needed for certain repairs unless they involve major alterations, such as replacing a septic tank. It also establishes a sewage treatment system technical advisory committee to develop guidelines and promote innovative technologies. The appeals process is streamlined, requiring immediate notification of the sewage treatment system appeals board for any appeals filed and mandating a written decision within forty-five days. The bill also outlines exemptions for specific systems and repeals several existing sections of the Revised Code to simplify the regulatory framework.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3718.02, 3718.021, 3718.11, 6111.44, 6111.441
As Reported By House Committee: 3701.83, 3718.02, 3718.021, 3718.03, 3718.06, 3718.11, 6111.44, 6111.441
As Passed By House: 3701.83, 3718.02, 3718.021, 3718.03, 3718.06, 3718.11, 6111.44, 6111.441