Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 167 - Pollution Control Agency
Chapter 7081 - MIDSIZED SUBSURFACE SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Part 7081.0010 - PURPOSE AND INTENT

The proper location, design, installation, use, and maintenance of midsized subsurface sewage treatment systems (MSTS) protects the public health, safety, and general welfare by the discharge of adequately treated sewage to the groundwater. In accordance with the authority granted in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 103F, 103G, 115, and 116, the Pollution Control Agency, hereinafter referred to as the agency, provides minimum environmental protection standards for MSTS as defined in this chapter.

These standards shall be adopted countywide and administered and enforced by local units of government as directed by chapter 7082 and Minnesota Statutes, section 115.55.

This chapter does not regulate subsurface treatment systems that do not receive sewage as defined in this chapter. If systems regulated under this chapter receive both sewage and nonsewage, the requirements of this chapter apply, plus any additional requirements governing the nonsewage portion of the wastewater. Systems serving two or more dwellings, systems serving other establishments that serve over 20 persons, and systems receiving nonsewage are also regulated under Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, parts 144 and 146.

This chapter does not contain design standards for sewage treatment systems that discharge to the ground surface or surface waters. Those systems require a national pollution discharge elimination systems permit.

Primarily, this chapter provides measurable performance outcomes for MSTS, but this chapter also includes limited design, construction, inspection, and operational standards that are believed to reasonably protect surface water, groundwater, public health, safety, general welfare, and the environment.

In conjunction with these standards, the agency encourages the use of advanced treatment methods and waste reduction to further reduce the discharge of contaminants.

Other chapters that have a bearing on MSTS are standards for individual subsurface sewage treatment systems in chapter 7080, administrative requirements for subsurface sewage treatment systems local permit and inspection programs in chapter 7082 and certification and licensing requirements for those who design, install, inspect, maintain, or operate subsurface sewage treatment systems and product registration in chapter 7083.

Statutory Authority: MS s 115.03; 115.55