Voluntary Onsite Wastewater Disposal System Installers
Background
In June 1974 the state of Maine adopted a comprehensive set of rules covering the design, siting, permitting, and construction of septic systems, or as they are called today, subsurface wastewater disposal systems. These rules established criteria for site suitability, recognized various system components and construction techniques, required the use of a standard design form (HHE-200), and strengthened the system of permitting and inspecting systems at the local level.
The rules have evolved over time but retain many of the fundamental principles upon which the 1974 document was based. The most significant changes include licensing of all individuals preparing subsurface wastewater disposal system designs and implementation of a voluntary certification program for system installers.
This document describes the Department’s voluntary program for training and certifying installers of onsite wastewater disposal systems.
Certification Program Background
In association with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Nonpoint Source Training and Resource Center, the Division of Health Engineering offers a certification program for individuals who install onsite wastewater disposal systems.
Malfunctioning and improperly installed septic systems are a health hazard. With nearly 20,000 new septic systems being installed in Maine each year, proper installation is critical to protecting the health of Maine people and the quality of Maine waters. The Division of Health Engineering has developed a non-regulatory incentive driven program to broaden the use of proper septic system installation techniques.
Purpose
The main purpose of the program is to protect the public health from malfunctioning septic systems, by creating an incentive for Maine septic system installers to become educated on proper septic system installation techniques. A secondary purpose is to recognize installers who make an effort to educate themselves on these techniques and to provide an incentive to continue education efforts on proper installation techniques.
Program
All septic system installers are eligible for the program. For initial certification the program will require attendance at one full day training course and the submission to the Division of Health Engineering, of copies of the first pages of the HHE-200 Forms for two systems installed after attending the course. To maintain certification a minimum of 12 hours continuing education credits are required every 5 years. Certifications will be valid until December 31st of the second year after issuance.
A listing of Certified installers will be maintained by the Division of Health Engineering. Copies of the list will be distributed to all Licensed Plumbing Inspectors and Site Evaluators and to anyone from the general public requesting it.
The Division offers this certification to those who wish to participate. Such certification is not mandatory under the Maine State Plumbing Code, Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules; nor is it a requirement of any other rule or regulation. However, being certified as an installer demonstrates to potential clients, local code officials, and other interested parties that one is knowledgeable in the regulations and practices associated with installing these systems.
The certifications are valid for a period of 5 calendar years.
The following criteria must be met in order to be initially certified by the Division:
1. Attendance at one (1) full-day basic training session; and
2. Submission of two (2) HHE-200 Forms (wastewater disposal system designs) the certification applicant installed, for which a permit was issued and an inspection performed by the Local Plumbing Inspector; or other relevant qualifications, reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
In lieu of the approved designs, you may submit evidence of alternate, relevant training, which will be reviewed on an individual basis. Please enclose copies of the relevant documents.
In addition to the initial certification requirements, the certified installer must attend at least 12 hours of training each 5 years thereafter, otherwise the certification shall lapse. Alternately, one may attend other relevant training to be reviewed on a case by case basis (for example, product manufacturer demonstrations).
Registration Form
Site Preparation Affidavit
Information Brochure
