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Lawmakers debate shifting septic permitting from local health units to plumbing board; installers warn of lost capacity
Summary
Senate Bill 2267 would shift oversight for on‑site wastewater systems (septic) from local public health units to state regulators and create a single licensing/standards structure; installers urged the change while public health officials and the plumbing board warned of lost inspection capacity and fiscal costs.
Senate Bill 2267, which would change who oversees on‑site wastewater treatment (septic) permitting, licensing and inspections, drew lengthy testimony from installers, public health officials and the State Plumbing Board.
Sponsor and supporters
Senator Meerdahl introduced the bill as an effort to address inconsistent local practices and to create a uniform, state‑level structure of standards and appeals. Several licensed installers and industry representatives urged lawmakers to centralize standards, citing uneven county practices, delays and the loss of contractors.
Installer testimony
- Terry Novak, a licensed septic installer and pumper, said the industry is losing contractors because “we need an even playing field” and cited variance fees and inconsistent local responses as reasons some contractors stop offering septic work.
- Bruce Ellingson (Nodawra) said the prior technical committee that attempted…
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