Proposed changes could cause on-lot sewage system costs to escalate

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently proposed changes regarding on-lot sewage systems in high quality and exceptional value watersheds which could have a chilling effect on housing across the state. Realtors® are urged to contact DEP by the June 3 deadline and explain how devastating the proposal could be to future housing.

DEP’s proposed guidance document, “Sewage Facilities Planning Module Review for On-Lot Sewage Systems Proposed in High Quality and Exceptional Value Watersheds,” would make land adjacent to lakes and streams undevelopable and restricted in use. The requirements in this guidance would have a detrimental impact on first-time homebuyers by imposing additional costs.

The proposed guidance would provide a grandfather clause for existing on-lot septic systems approved by DEP under current requirements. As older homes’ septic system needed to be replaced, they would have to follow the new restrictive regulations and may not be eligible to be replaced under the proposed guidance. The regulations would make new septic systems cost prohibitive.

Mansfield Realtor® Bob Wood, who represents PAR on DEP’s Sewage Advisory Committee and its task force, has been actively involved for many years and has provided input in drafting the committee’s solutions.

Wood said, “The Sewage Advisory Committee understands DEP’s desire to expedite the planning process in special protection watersheds while complying with the anti-degradation requirements. However, our committee remains unconvinced that the issuance of this guidance document is the appropriate mechanism to achieve the ultimate goal.

“A significant shift such as this is worthy of a more substantial regulatory or legislative revision to most appropriately address anti-degradation as it relates to on-lot systems,” Wood added. “We believe that existing on-lot system regulations are adequate to protect the special protection watersheds (in the absence of data that proves otherwise) and legislative and/or regulatory revisions should reflect that perspective.”

PAR is working in coalition with other organizations to voice its concerns and find a common-sense, cost-effective approach to mitigate watershed pollution.

Realtors® must send their comments regarding this issue to DEP by June 3. A sample letter is available online and can be sent via email or traditional mail to: Mr. Thomas Starosta, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Point and Non-Point Source Management, Division of Planning and Permits, P.O. Box 8774, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8774.