Bill > SB523

This bill modifies provisions relating to sewage regulation in Missouri. Key changes include: 1. The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) will develop a state standard for the location, size, and construction of on-site sewage disposal systems based on soil properties, rather than percolation or permeability rates. City or county governments can adopt this state standard. 2. DHSS will define a list of qualified "onsite soil evaluators" to conduct soil morphology evaluations required by the state standard, including contractors, engineers, sanitarians, geologists, and soil scientists. 3. DHSS will administer a mandatory registration program with continuing education requirements for onsite wastewater treatment system professionals qualified to perform percolation tests, until January 1, 2024, after which soil morphology evaluations will be required. 4. DHSS will establish a construction permit process and reasonable fees for on-site sewage disposal system construction or major modifications, to be deposited into the Missouri Public Health Services Fund.