HB 1647

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Prohibits the installation of a residential onsite sewage system less than 25 feet from the edge of a sinkhole. Provides that if: (1) a professional soil scientist has determined that a site is suitable for the installation of the residential onsite sewage system; and (2) a registered professional engineer, a registered soil scientist, a septic system installer or inspector licensed by the county, or the designer of the system has approved the design and specifications for the residential onsite sewage system; the local health department shall issue a permit for the residential onsite sewage system not more than 30 business days after receiving a complete application for the permit. Provides that a residential onsite sewage system may be installed in a lot meeting a certain description if at least one site on the lot is determined to be suitable for the installation of the residential onsite sewage system. Prohibits an officer or employee of a local health department from entering a property to inspect a residential onsite sewage system: (1) if a licensed septic system installer or inspector, an onsite sewage system technician, or a registered professional engineer has notified the local health department within the preceding 180 days that the residential onsite sewage system is functioning properly; or (2) if the owner or occupant has not been notified of the inspection by first class mail at least seven days before the inspection date. Provides that if a local health department determines that a residential onsite sewage system is in failure and orders that the system failure be corrected but the owner or occupant of the property contracts with an onsite sewage system technician, a professional engineer, or a system installer or inspector for an independent determination whether the residential onsite sewage system is in failure, the order of the local health department requiring that the system failure be corrected is stayed until the report of the independent determination is presented or until 60 days after the date of the order. Provides that if the onsite sewage system technician, professional engineer, or system installer or inspector determines that the residential onsite sewage system is not in system failure, the local health department shall: (1) withdraw its order; or (2) conduct an investigation to make a new determination whether the residential onsite sewage system is in system failure. Provides that an individual who: (1) is licensed in at least one county of Indiana to provide onsite sewage system service; and (2) is certified as an inspector or installer by the Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association (IOWPA) and is a member in good standing of IOWPA; is entitled to provide onsite sewage system service in any county in Indiana, but may be required to pay a county license fee before providing onsite sewage system service in a county other than the county in which the individual is licensed.