In March 2020, stakeholder workgroups could not reach a consensus on two items during the discussions leading up to the Water Quality Control Commission hearing for Regulation 22: Site Location and Design Regulations for Domestic Wastewater Treatment Works. At the annual Water Quality Forum retreat held on July 8 and 9, 2021, participants agreed to establish an ongoing workgroup to prepare for a future rulemaking hearing.

The division hosted routine workgroup meetings to determine the feasibility of future regulatory changes. 

This workgroup aimed to find an agreed pathway for historical infrastructure that does not have documentation demonstrating site location and design approval, and explore the possibility of construction flexibility through the site location and design application processes. During the workgroup process, the division determined that the desired goals could be achieved through policy updates. The division incorporated the agreed-upon edits and published the most recent Regulation 22 Implementation Policy edition.

The division would like to extend our appreciation to stakeholders who participated in the workgroup meetings and provided feedback throughout this process.