Bill > LD1550

This bill directs the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to update its rules for subsurface wastewater disposal systems (septic systems) to better address nutrient pollution. The bill first provides detailed definitions for technical terms like "disposal field" (the area where septic tank wastewater is treated), "short circuiting" (when nutrients bypass soil treatment and directly enter groundwater), and "septic tank effluent" (partially treated wastewater). It requires the department to amend its existing rules to specifically address short circuiting in soil profiles that have high risks of nutrient contamination, such as those with sand, gravel, or bedrock fractures. The amendments must focus on reducing nutrient loading through natural soil processes. The department is instructed to seek input from interested parties during rule development, hold a public hearing, and complete the rule changes using existing resources, potentially seeking additional support from other state agencies or private entities. Importantly, the bill ensures that any new rules will not render previously suitable land areas unsuitable for septic system installation.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1550&snum=132