House Bill 628 Summary

• Streamlines on-site wastewater system permitting by reducing review timelines from 10 to 5 business days and allowing licensed soil scientists and geologists to conduct site evaluations for permit applications.

• Establishes Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluators as certified professionals who can prepare evaluations and specifications for non-engineered wastewater systems under the NC On-Site Wastewater Contractors and Inspectors Certification Board.

• Modifies the NC On-Site Wastewater Contractors and Inspectors Certification Board membership to include an Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator and registered environmental health specialist.

• Creates a Registered Environmental Health Associate certification allowing professionals with associate or bachelor's degrees to perform specified inspections and permitting duties under supervision of registered environmental health specialists.

• Prohibits cities and counties from forcing sewer connections when installation costs exceed on-site wastewater system costs or when adequate water pressure cannot be achieved, and exempts private well installations meeting state requirements from mandatory sewer connections.