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. The 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 desired goals could be achieved through policy updates. With the consensus we achieved, the workgroup effort is completed, and the division is now seeking feedback from stakeholders on proposed policy changes.

The division would like to extend our appreciation to stakeholders who participated in the workgroup meetings and provided feedback to the division throughout this process. The division drafted proposed edits to the Reg. 22 Implementation Policy based on collaboration during the workgroup meetings. The draft policy will be available for comment for a period of 30 days, and stakeholders are asked to provide feedback no later than 5 p.m. on June 3.