Bill > H690

This bill aims to enhance the sewage disposal system inspection process by preventing conflicts of interest for inspectors. Specifically, it amends Chapter 21A of the General Laws to stipulate that an individual cannot be approved by the department of environmental protection (DEP) as an on-site sewage disposal system inspector if they are also approved as a disposal system installer or have a financial stake in the work of another installer, such as being a partner, employer, employee, or co-worker. Furthermore, inspectors performing on-site inspections under the state environmental code are prohibited from recommending a specific installer for any work on the system. Instead, inspectors must provide the property owner with a list of approved local installers, prepared by the local board of health, which should include at least five installers who request to be on the list. The bill also clarifies that a disposal system installer cannot be approved if they are also approved by the DEP as a system inspector. Violating these provisions will result in a fine of up to $1,000.