The text
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY#
Sec. 22-106. - Utilized where public sanitary sewer unavailable.#
Where a public sanitary sewer is not available under the provisions of this chapter, the building sewer shall be connected to a private wastewater disposal system complying with the provisions of this article.
(Code 1972, § 18-8; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-107. - Compliance with state regulations.#
The type, capacities, location and layout of a private wastewater disposal system shall comply with the rules and regulations establishing minimum standards relating to location, design, construction and maintenance of individual sewage disposal systems and amendments thereto, as adopted by the state department of health, under the authority of R.I.G.L. 1956, §§ 23-1-17, 23-1-18(6).
(Code 1972, § 18-9; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-108. - Permit, inspection and notification.#
A permit for a private sewage disposal system shall not become active until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of building inspector and an authorized representative of the state department of environmental management. They shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction. The applicant for the permit shall notify the approving authority when the work is ready for final inspection and before any underground portions are covered. Such system shall be covered within 48 hours after inspection and approval.
(Code 1972, § 18-10; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-109. - Operation and maintenance.#
(a)
The owner shall at all times operate and maintain all the private wastewater disposal facilities on his private property in a sanitary condition as is satisfactory to the building inspector at no expense to the town. No person shall deposit, or allow to be deposited in their disposal facilities, swill, rubbish or solid refuse matter, other than fecal matter.
(b)
Every owner and resident of the town shall be entitled to a partial reimbursement for biannual pumpings or cleanings of such residential private sewage disposal system. Reimbursement will be:
(1)
Upon application to the town treasurer;
(2)
No more than twice a year;
(3)
No more than the actual cost to the resident; and
(4)
No more than a maximum of $75.00 for each pumping.
(Code 1972, § 18-11; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22; Ord. No. 2025-09, 12-18-2025)
Sec. 22-110. - License for removal of sludge.#
No person shall engage in the business of removing the contents of privy vaults, cesspools or septic tanks, or transport through the streets within the town the contents of any privy vaults or cesspools, or carry nightsoil or other sewage, without first obtaining a license from the superintendent of water pollution control. Nothing in this section shall be construed as forbidding the owner of a privy vault, cesspool or septic tank from removing the contents therefrom, providing a permit is first obtained from the superintendent.
(Code 1972, § 18-12; Ord. No. 2013-08, 5-15-13; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-111. - Expiration of license and license fees.#
Any license to remove the contents of privy vaults, cesspools and septic tanks shall expire on March 31 following the date of issuance thereof, and may be revoked at any time by the superintendent of water pollution control. Upon the granting of any license and after the payment of the fee for the same in the hands of the town treasurer, the superintendent shall issue the license. Only nightsoil collected within the town may be disposed at the town's sewer facilities. The fees for the issuance of such license shall be as set forth in section 11-1 relating to fees and charges.
(Code 1972, § 18-13; Ord. No. 2013-08, 5-15-13; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-112. - Tank truck requirements and hours of cleaning.#
All tank trucks shall be kept airtight and free from leakage. All apparatus used in the business shall be kept clean and well-painted, and must have the name of the licensee upon it in plain letters, and be approved by the director. No tank trucks shall be allowed to stand in any street except while in use.
(Code 1972, § 18-14; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-113. - Discharge requirements and fees.#
The contents of any licensed tank truck may be discharged into the wastewater treatment works of the town, provided that the contents include only wastes removed from the privies, cesspools or septic tanks located within the town, and subject to the following rules and regulations: (1)
Every person desiring to discharge the contents of any such tank truck into the wastewater treatment works shall first obtain a permit from the director.
(2)
All such permits shall be for the calendar year in which issued and shall expire on March 31 following the date of the issuance thereof. However, the director may at any time suspend or revoke any such permit because of the violation by the holder thereof of the rules and regulations prescribed in this section, or for other just cause of complaint.
(3)
Contractors will be billed the first of each month, and payments must be made to the town treasurer prior to the next month's billing or the permit to dump wastes at the wastewater treatment works will be cancelled.
(4)
No industrial wastes of any kind will be permitted to be discharged at any point within the wastewater treatment works.
(5)
Samplings of wastes may or may not be required, before dumping, at the direction of the superintendent.
(6)
Wastes shall be discharged into the wastewater treatment works only at the grit unit or other location as directed by the superintendent.
(7)
Such contents shall be discharged into the wastewater treatment works only during operating hours, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
(8)
Such contents shall not contain any articles or substances which may tend to injure any part of the wastewater treatment works.
(9)
No person shall discharge into the sewer system contents removed from any privy vault, cesspool or septic tank located outside of the town, unless a license is obtained from the director of public works.
(10)
Every tank truck whose contents shall be discharged into the sewer system shall be equipped with a proper mud valve or similar device, satisfactory to the director, to ensure the clean and complete discharge of such contents into such container or receptacle as may be provided by the director.
(Code 1972, § 18-15; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Secs. 22-114—22-129. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 2. - ONSITE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT#
Sec. 22-130. - Authority.#
This division has been drafted in accordance with and under the authority of the R.I.G.L. Tit. 45, Ch. 24.5 entitled "Towns and Cities; Wastewater Management Districts". The authorizing state chapter shall be known and cited as the "Rhode Island OWTS Maintenance Act of 1987".
(Ord. No. 2009-05, 6-3-09; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-131. - Findings.#
The Bristol Town Council hereby finds the following evidence in support of the establishment of an onsite wastewater management program and ordinance. (1)
The town council finds that without proper operation and maintenance, individual sewage disposal systems or septic systems are prone to failure. Failure poses a risk to public health and a potential source of contamination to town surface waters and groundwaters.
(2)
RIDEM's Rules and Regulations Establishing Minimum Standards Relating to Location, Design, Construction and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) provide minimum standards for the location, design, construction and maintenance of individual sewage disposal systems. Undersized, grandfathered, nonconforming lots present a problem in terms of increased nutrient and pathogen levels associated with high-density residential development.
(3)
Septic systems located in sandy soils with fast percolation rates, particularly in areas of high water tables pose a significant threat to groundwater and receiving surface water.
(4)
Cesspools, according to RIDEM regulations, are not an approved method of wastewater disposal and are considered substandard.
(5)
When properly designed, installed, used and maintained, septic systems provide a viable and cost-effective alternative to municipal sewers. Furthermore, within groundwater recharge areas, septic systems help maintain the hydrological balance by reducing the transport of water out of recharge areas.
(Ord. No. 2009-05, 6-3-09; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-132. - Purpose.#
The purpose of this division is to establish the Bristol On-Site Wastewater Management Program (BOWMP). This program will ensure that all OWTS in Bristol are properly operated, regularly inspected, and routinely maintained to prevent system malfunction and insure maximum system longevity. It establishes a framework for the efficient inspection, repair and maintenance of septic systems in Bristol and recognizes the homeowner's responsibility to ensure that their system is well maintained and properly functioning.
(Ord. No. 2009-05, 6-3-09; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-133. - Definitions.#
Any term not defined herein, and pertaining to septic systems shall be governed by the definition as it appears in the current Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Rules and Regulations Establishing Minimum Standards Relating to Location, Design, Construction and Maintenance of Individual Sewage Disposal Systems.
Access riser means a structurally sound and water tight inspection port, which at its lowest point attaches to a septic tank or other on-lot disposal system component and extends upward to the ground's surface, allowing visual inspection and where necessary physical access for the purposes of maintenance and repair.
Contaminant means any physical, chemical, biological or radiological substance which enters the hydrological cycle through human action and may cause a deleterious effect on ground and/or surface water resources; it shall include but not be limited to hazardous waste, nutrients, pathogens and sanitary sewage.
Critical resource area means sensitive land and water resources that provide unique habitat and/or important ecological or economic function(s). Such areas include, but are not necessarily limited to wellhead protection areas, watersheds of drinking water reservoirs, coastal and freshwater wetlands, coastal ponds and estuaries, aquaculture areas, and habitat for rare threatened or endangered species.
Effluent means sewage, water or other liquid, partially or completely treated or in its natural state, flowing out of any component of a septic system flowing over the ground's surface or beneath the ground in groundwater.
Handbook means the current edition of the RIDEM's Septic System Check-Up: The Rhode Island Handbook for Inspection.
Hazardous waste means (1) wastes which include, but are not limited to, those that are toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive; and/or (2) wastes as defined in the RI Hazardous Waste Management Act.
Owner means any person who alone or jointly or severally with others (i) has the legal title to any real property, or (ii) has possession of or control of any real property through any agent, executor, executrix, administrator, lessee or guardian of the real estate of a holder of a legal title or who has possession or control through any lease or purchase and sales agreement. Each such person is bound to comply with applicable provisions of this division.
RIDEM means RIDEM is defined as the State of Rhode Island, Department of Environmental Management or its successor organization.
Septic system means the term is used analogously with on-lot wastewater disposal system and individual sewage disposal system (OWTS). It shall mean any system of piping, tanks, disposal areas, alternative toilets or other facilities designed to function as a unit to convey, store, treat and/or dispose sanitary sewage by means other than discharge into a public sewer system.
Violation means failure to comply with and or adhere to the rules and regulations set forth in this division or related state regulations.
(Ord. No. 2009-05, 6-3-09; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-134. - Program administration.#
(a)
Boundaries and jurisdiction. The wastewater management district shall encompass the entire Town of Bristol and include all properties served by on-lot wastewater disposal systems. Under this division the town shall have jurisdiction to ensure the operation and maintenance of all existing and future septic systems.
(b)
Administrative responsibility. The day-to-day operation of this program including technical and administrative assistance shall be the responsibility of the water pollution control department (WPCD). The superintendent of the WPCD or his designee shall be the administrative officer of the Bristol On-Site Wastewater Management Program. The tax collector shall be responsible for collecting all fees and fines associated with this division.
(c)
Power and duties of the water pollution control department under this division. It shall be the duty of the WPCD to:
(1)
Supervise the administration of a program of surface water and groundwater protection through maintenance and inspection of on-lot sewage disposal systems as authorized by this division and R.I.G.L. Tit. 45, Ch. 24.5.
(2)
Develop rules and regulations for the implementation of this division, which must be reviewed and approved by the town council.
(3)
Render decisions regarding the rights and obligations of any person or owner of property that is subject to the requirements of this division.
(4)
Contract for services with independent septage haulers, OWTS installers, OWTS inspectors and others as necessary.
(5)
Provide for the passage of authorized persons onto private property, when necessary and in accordance with the notice provisions of this division, for the periodic inspection, pumping, maintenance and repair of OWTS.
(6)
Order the maintenance of OWTS based upon inspection results.
(7)
Provide technical and administrative assistance to homeowners on all matters pertaining to OWTS maintenance, repair, upgrade and replacement.
(Ord. No. 2009-05, 6-3-09; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-135. - OWTS inspection and maintenance.#
(a)
Purpose of OWTS inspections. The purpose of septic system inspections is to assess its current condition to determine:
(1)
Maintenance that is required;
(2)
When the maintenance should be undertaken;
(3)
The date of the next inspection; and
(4)
The need for system repair or replacement.
Maintenance requirements shall be based upon inspection results. Information from the inspections will also be used to complete a town-wide septic inventory and to track system inspections, maintenance and upgrades.
(b)
Who may inspect. All septic systems shall be subject to first maintenance (baseline) inspections by a qualified, town-approved inspector. When appropriate, an inspector may also be a designee of the WPCD. Town-approved inspector(s) shall determine the maintenance and pumping requirements for each septic system based upon criteria outlined in The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's Septic System Check-Up: The Rhode Island Handbook for Inspection (hereinafter referred to as the handbook).
(1)
To be approved by the town to inspect conventional systems, an inspector must satisfactorily complete the training course in the complete use of the handbook and conventional septic system inspection offered through the University of Rhode Island's Onsite Wastewater Training (OWT) Center or similar program approved by the town. A property owner who completes the homeowner maintenance workshop offered through the University of Rhode Island's Onsite Wastewater Training Center or other program approved by the town may conduct routine maintenance inspections on their own conventional OWTS.
(2)
To inspect alternative and innovative systems an inspector, in addition to the above, must also have demonstrated knowledge in alternative and innovative technology and must satisfactorily complete the course in alternative and innovative system operation and maintenance offered through the University of Rhode Island's Onsite Wastewater Training (OWT) Center or similar program approved by the town.
(3)
The WPCD shall maintain a list of town-approved inspectors and make such list available to property owners for the purpose of arranging the inspection of their OWTS. The town reserves the right to remove an inspector from the list if the inspections and subsequent reports are not performed in accordance with the criteria outlined in the handbook and this division.
(c)
Type of inspections. At a minimum, all inspections shall follow the criteria outlined in the handbook. This division shall require two types of OWTS inspections: a) First maintenance inspection (baseline) and, b) Routine maintenance inspection.
(1)
A first maintenance inspection of each OWTS shall be conducted in order to obtain baseline information and to determine maintenance requirements and the condition of the system. The septic tank is usually pumped as part of this inspection to better evaluate the condition of the system. First maintenance inspections involve some data gathering and location of system components that is not usually necessary for subsequent routine inspections.
(2)
Routine maintenance inspections are generally conducted after the first maintenance inspection and may occur between pump-outs.
(d)
Inspection frequency and notification. In general, inspection frequency shall be based on the procedures outlined in the handbook and shall consider, but not be limited to, system age, household occupancy, tank size, sludge and scum measurements and when the system was last pumped. The WPCD or its designee, shall send written notice to septic system owners of the need to schedule an inspection of their OWTS. The first maintenance (baseline) inspection will be conducted by the WPCD, or its designated inspector. Subsequent inspections for which the property owner is responsible will generally be routine maintenance inspections unless there is a system failure. Routine maintenance inspections must be scheduled within 45 days of the date of notice. After a system has been inspected the owner will receive a report from the Inspector detailing the maintenance requirements and the timeframe for the next inspection.
The WPCD, or its designee, will conduct first maintenance inspections for each septic system within the wastewater management district over a seven-year period. As such, one-seventh of the total number of septic systems in town will be inspected each year for the first five years of program implementation. Owners will be responsible for fees associated with these inspections and related administrative costs, as discussed in section 22-138.
(e)
Inspection reports. Standard inspection forms shall be those used in the handbook, which may be modified by the WPCD, as needed. The property owner shall provide the OWTS inspector with all available, pertinent information, including but not limited to, the use, age, location, maintenance history and design of the OWTS. The completed inspection report shall detail the results of the inspection, pumping or other maintenance requirements, the timeframe for the next inspection and/or upgrade requirements for the OWTS. The inspector shall provide the WPCD and the property owner with a written copy of the inspection report. The WPCD shall be responsible for maintaining inspection, maintenance and upgrade records.
(f)
OWTS maintenance schedule and OWTS owner's responsibility. The schedule and activities for OWTS maintenance shall be described on the inspection report that inspector gives to the property owner and the town. Such maintenance requirements shall complement and may supersede any town imposed, preexisting, lot specific maintenance agreements due to such things as the granting of variances or special use permits. The OWTS owner(s) shall assume all responsibility for hiring a septage hauler or maintenance contractor to complete the maintenance and inspection requirements contained in the OWTS inspection report within the time frame required. As proof of compliance, the property owner shall submit a receipt for pumping and other system maintenance to WPCD within 45 days of the date stipulated in the OWTS inspection report.
(g)
Change in inspection or maintenance schedule. The WPCD, upon written notification to the property owner and the appropriate OWTS inspector, shall have the power to change the inspection schedule and/or maintenance requirements of an OWTS, where such a change is deemed necessary for the proper functioning of the OWTS. This may occur due to circumstances including, but not limited to, change in household occupancy, seasonal use, rental status, water consumption, system functioning, site characteristics and proximity to a critical resource. Likewise, the property owner may petition WPCD to alter the inspection and/or maintenance schedule. The owner must demonstrate, through the use of appropriate site data and household information, that such a change in the requirements would still ensure the proper operation of the septic system and fulfill the intent of this division.
(h)
Immediate need to pump. If an inspection reveals that a septic system needs immediate pumping, the inspector shall immediately notify the property owner and the WPCD, or its designee. The WPCD will attempt to contact the owner by phone and will send the owner a written notice by certified mail informing the owner that he/she has five working days to pump the system and to present evidence of such pumping to the town. Such evidence may be in the form of a receipt from an approved septage hauler. When a system failure poses an immediate public health and/or environmental hazard, and where the WPCD has been unable to contact the owner by phone, the WPCD may arrange for the system to be pumped immediately and at the owner's expense.
(Ord. No. 2009-05, 6-3-09; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-136. - Miscellaneous regulations—OWTS operation and siting.#
(a)
Septage disposal. Septage or contents pumped from an OWTS shall be discharged at the town's water pollution control facility or other state-approved septage handling facility.
(b)
Septic tank additives and improper discharges to OWTS. The use of septic tank additives shall follow RIDEM's policy, which prohibits the use of chemical additives. The use of biological additives does not alleviate the owner from the obligations of this division. The disposal of hazardous wastes, to an OWTS is prohibited. Backwash from a water filtration system into a septic tank is harmful to the operation of the OWTS and is best discharged to a separate infiltration line. There shall be no discharge to an OWTS from rainspouts, basement sumps, floor drains, or any other drains, other than those carrying household wastewater.
(c)
Garbage disposal. Garbage disposal discharges to a new OWTS shall be permitted only on systems that are equipped with an oversized tank, capable of handling the excess solids, and with an effluent filter located on the tank's outlet. Existing septic systems that are linked to garbage disposals may require more frequent maintenance.
(d)
Location, setbacks and use of innovative and alternative systems. Location of OWTS, setbacks from critical resource areas, treatment goals and standards for various resource areas and requirements for enhanced onsite wastewater treatment are governed by the RIDEM Rules and Regulations Establishing Minimum Standards Relating to Location, Design, Construction and Maintenance of Individual Sewage Disposal Systems.
(e)
Accessibility, effluent filters, inspection ports and tipping d-box. To help facilitate the inspection and pumping of a septic tank and ultimately the longevity of the system, OWTS and septic tanks installed after the effective date of this division, shall be equipped with effluent filters and access risers to grade. Access risers shall be watertight and a minimum of 22 inches in diameter. They shall be located at the inlet and outlet ends of the septic tank. The effluent filter shall be located at the outlet end of the tank. Center access tanks shall not be used for new OWTS or for systems where the septic tank is being replaced. New OWTS installations must also include a tipping d-box or similar device approved by RIDEM for the purpose of equalizing flow distribution to all lines of the leachfield. Where technically feasible, all OWTS constructed prior to the effective date of this division should also be retrofitted with these devices.
(f)
Watertight septic tanks. Any existing tank that leaks may be declared a failed system. All septic tanks installed after the effective date of this division shall be certified watertight in accordance with RIDEM minimum standards or those developed by the WPCD with approval by the town council. Tank installation must be done in accordance with manufacturer's requirements. In addition, tanks must be site tested or vacuum tested to ensure that they are watertight.
(Ord. No. 2009-05, 6-3-09; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-137. - Enforcement.#
(a)
Failure to pump, maintain or inspect. If proof of system pumping, maintenance or inspection is not received by the WPCD, or its designee, within 30 days of the time frame within which the required activity was to occur, the WPCD may, after written notice to the owner and after no response or appeal within two weeks on the part of the property owner, hire a private septic system maintenance contractor or inspector to complete the required activity and the owner will be billed by the town. The owner will be notified by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the intended date and time of such actions. The bill will include the actual cost of pumping, maintenance or inspection as well as associated administrative costs.
(b)
Failure to pay bill. Failure to pay a bill incurred by the WPCD for the pumping, inspection, or maintenance of the septic system or any annual fee for program administration assessed by the town, shall constitute a lien on the owner's property. The owner shall be responsible for any associated interest, administrative and court costs.
(c)
Notice of violation. If upon inspection, any owner of a septic system is determined to be in violation of these regulations, a written notice shall be issued by the WPCD explaining the nature of the violation, required actions, any assistance that is available from the town, a reasonable time frame for compliance, and the possible consequences for noncompliance. If an inspection reveals a malfunctioning or failed septic system, the town-approved inspector shall immediately notify the owner and the WPCD and send a copy of the inspection report to both parties. In the event that pumping records might indicate a failed system, the WPCD shall notify the owner in writing. A copy of said notice shall also be sent to RIDEM. The owner shall be given 30 days to apply to RIDEM for a permit to repair or replace the system as necessary. A copy of the application to RIDEM shall be provided to the WPCD. The homeowner shall notify the town as to the expected timetable for repairs to be completed.
(d)
Failure to repair. If the owner of a failed OWTS does not accomplish the repairs within the time schedule established, the WPCD superintendent will take the enforcement action provided for in this division and/or the building official will take the enforcement action provided for in the RI State Building Code.
(e)
Administrative conference. A person is encouraged to resolve issues at an informal administrative level before appealing a decision of the WPCD. Any owner of an OWTS who is aggrieved by any action or finding of the WPCD shall have the right to an administrative conference. Representatives at the administrative conference shall include the WPCD superintendent or his designee, the building official, the town administrator and a designated member of the town council. An administrative conference shall be convened within ten workdays following the request, and earlier whenever possible. A written consent agreement, signed by the town and the OWTS owner, shall outline the specifics of any agreement developed as a result of an administrative conference. The appeal period set forth in subsection 22-137(f) shall be stayed pending the outcome of an administrative conference.
(f)
Appeals. Any party aggrieved by a decision of the administrative officer shall have the right to appeal that decision to the building code board of appeals by the following procedure:
(1)
The appeal must be taken within 20 days of notification of the decision.
(2)
The appeal shall be in writing and shall state clearly the factual and/or legal issue(s) or decision that is being appealed, the reason for the appeal, and the relief sought.
(3)
The appeal shall be filed with the office of the town clerk.
(4)
Upon receipt of an appeal, the building code board of appeals shall require the administrative officer to transmit forthwith to the building code board of appeals all papers, documents and plans, or a certified copy thereof, constituting the record of the action which is being appealed.
(5)
An appeal shall stay all proceedings in furtherance of the action being appealed. Under no circumstances, however, shall an OWTS that presents an immediate public health and/or environmental threat be allowed to continue to do so during the appeal process.
(g)
Building code board of appeals standard of review. In exercising its powers the building code board of appeals may, in conformity with the provisions of this division, reverse or affirm wholly or partly and may modify the order, requirement, decision, or determination appealed from and may make any orders, requirements, decisions, or determinations that ought to be made, and to that end has the powers of the administrative officer from whom the appeal was taken.
(h)
Appeals to the district court:
(1)
An aggrieved party may appeal a decision of the building code board of appeals to the district court by filing a complaint setting forth the reasons of appeal within 30 days after the decision has been recorded in the town clerk's office.
(2)
Within 30 days after being served with a copy of the complaint, the building code board of appeals shall file certified copies of the building code documents acted upon by it and constituting the record of the case appealed from, together with such other materials as may be pertinent, with the clerk of the court.
(3)
The court shall review the matter in accordance with the provisions of R.I.G.L., § 42-35-15.
(i)
Penalties. Any person neglecting or refusing to comply with a written notice of violation issued under the provisions of this division may be fined not more than $500.00 per violation. Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate and distinct violation. All fines shall be used for the administration and implementation of the Bristol On-Site Wastewater Management Plan.
(Ord. No. 2009-05, 6-3-09; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-138. - Financing.#
(a)
Fee structure. The town council shall have the authority to raise funds for the administration, operation, contractual obligations, and services of the Bristol On-Site Wastewater Management Program. Any funds collected or raised for purposes of implementing the Bristol On-Site Wastewater Management Plan shall be kept as a dedicated account separate from the town's general fund.
(b)
Grant and loan program. The town under the authority of the state legislature shall have the authority to issue bonds or notes or to receive grants for the purpose of establishing a revolving fund. This fund may be used to make low interest loans or grants available to qualified property owners for the improvement, correction, or replacement of a failed OWTS.
(Ord. No. 2009-05, 6-3-09; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-139. - Education.#
A public education program shall be developed by the WPCD, or its designee, and approved by the town council, to inform people about the benefits and goals of the BOWMP. The educational program shall include, but not be limited to the following: (1)
Proper operation and maintenance of septic systems.
(2)
Proper disposal of hazardous waste, including household hazardous waste.
(3)
Water conservation and the development of a water conservation program. Protection of critical resource areas.
(4)
Use of environmentally sensitive cleaning products.
(5)
Use of alternative and innovative treatment technology.
(6)
Availability of any grant and/or loan funds for septic system repair.
(Ord. No. 2009-05, 6-3-09; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)
Sec. 22-140. - Severability.#
If any provision of this division or any rule or determination made hereunder, or application hereof to any person, agency, or any circumstances is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this division and its application to any person, agency, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. The invalidity of any section or sections of this division shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this division.
(Ord. No. 2009-05, 6-3-09; Ord. No. 2022-14, 11-16-22)