CS/CS/CS/HB 309 Summary

• Authorizes system owners or authorized contractors to hire private providers to inspect onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems, provided the private provider did not install the system being inspected.

• Requires private provider inspectors to be either environmental health professionals certified under statute, master septic tank contractors, licensed professional engineers who completed required training, or individuals working under a licensed engineer's supervision who completed the required training.

• Mandates owners or contractors notify the Department of Environmental Protection at permit application or 2 business days before the first scheduled inspection, including private provider credentials and contact information plus a signed acknowledgment that the owner assumes responsibility for system compliance and remediation.

• Permits the Department of Environmental Protection to audit up to 25 percent of private providers annually and allows work to proceed after private provider approval unless audit deficiencies are found.

• Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to initiate rulemaking by August 31, 2022, and submit a report on private provider inspections to the Legislature by October 1, 2023; takes effect July 1, 2022.