DOH to hold statewide public informational meetings on major changes to wastewater rules

The Department of Health will hold a series of public informational meetings statewide to present major changes being proposed to the state’s current wastewater rules (schedule below). Many of these changes will impact all owners of wastewater treatment plants, engineers, both in the private and public sectors, contractors, wastewater/sludge haulers, septic tank manufacturers and suppliers and persons planning to build new homes in areas where public sewers are not available throughout the State.

The major changes being proposed include:

• prohibiting the construction of new cesspools throughout the State
• requiring fees for the review of plans for new individual wastewater systems
• requiring IAMPO approval for the structural design of septic tanks
• adding technical provisions for processing wastewater biosolids prior to reclamation
• implementing a permit program for wastewater biosolids
• implementing a registration program for wastewater haulers, and
• expanding provisions for wastewater reclamation.

The current draft of the proposed amendments to Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 62, entitled "Wastewater Systems" may be viewed and downloaded from the Department’s web site at www.state.hi.us/doh/rules/admrulechanges.html

The public informational meetings are scheduled at the following places and times:

Honolulu, Oahu

Kona, Hawaii

Hilo, Hawaii

Kaunakakai, Molokai

Lihue, Kauai

Kahului, Maui

R.S.V.P. for the meeting you wish to attend so that adequate space and materials can be available. R.S.V.P. by calling or FAXing the Wastewater Branch at numbers: on Oahu at 586-4294; from the Island of Hawaii at 974-4000 ext. 64294; from Kauai at 274-3141, ext. 64294; from Maui at 984-2400, ext. 64294; from Molokai at 468-4644, ext. 64294 or by faxing (808) 586-4300. When calling, please be prepared to specify which meeting location and session (1^st or 2^nd) you are interested in attending. As space is limited, adjustments may have to be made to accommodate those wishing to attend.

If you are unable to attend but would like to submit written comments and concerns, please send them to the Planning and Design Section, Wastewater Branch, State Department of Health, 919 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 309, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814.

Any persons with a hearing impairment desiring to attend the proceedings may request the assistance of a sign language interpreter, provided such request is made at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled event. This request may be made by writing to the Wastewater Branch, Department of Health, 919 Ala Moana Blvd. Room 309, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814-4920 or by faxing (808)586-4300.

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