1. Decentralized Wastewater Systems – An ADPH Perspective Thad Pittman, Director Division of Community Environmental Protection Alabama Department of Public Health

2. History Lesson Decentralized wastewater systems generally refers to a system that collects, transports, treats & disposes wastewater from multiple sources. Decentralized wastewater systems generally refers to a system that collects, transports, treats & disposes wastewater from multiple sources. Law passed in 1999 establishing Private Management Entity requirements. Law passed in 1999 establishing Private Management Entity requirements. –One of first states to do so. –EPA recognized Alabama’s Leadership in this area. Private Management Entity - An entity which exercises sole responsibility for the operation and maintenance of one or more cluster or community wastewater systems. Private Management Entity - An entity which exercises sole responsibility for the operation and maintenance of one or more cluster or community wastewater systems.

3. From 1999 until 2009, ADPH maintained a contract with Public Service Commission (PSC) to review all applications for financial viability and recommend ADPH issue viability certificates. From 1999 until 2009, ADPH maintained a contract with Public Service Commission (PSC) to review all applications for financial viability and recommend ADPH issue viability certificates. Permitted all decentralized systems under 10,000 gallons per day flow. Permitted all decentralized systems under 10,000 gallons per day flow. ADPH Role

4. Fast Forward to 2009 Management Entity Law updated in May 2009. Management Entity Law updated in May 2009. Authorized PSC to take over financial viability requirements. Authorized PSC to take over financial viability requirements. Codified ADPH to permit systems 15,000 gpd. Codified ADPH to permit systems 15,000 gpd.

5. Today 8 Management Entities certified by PSC 8 Management Entities certified by PSC –90 Decentralized Systems ADPH has 55 permitted systems ADPH has 55 permitted systems –These systems are permitted to discharge up to 320,000 gallons per day.

6. Future Growth has been slowed by economy. Growth has been slowed by economy. Very few systems have been permitted in the last 4 years. Very few systems have been permitted in the last 4 years. Talk of new systems has picked up. Talk of new systems has picked up. Use of decentralized concept in rural/low income areas being discussed at ADPH/ADEM/EPA. Use of decentralized concept in rural/low income areas being discussed at ADPH/ADEM/EPA.

7. Continuing Issues Up-front Capital Costs Up-front Capital Costs Developer/Home Builder education Developer/Home Builder education Sewer bill non-payment Sewer bill non-payment

8. Questions?