![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Related EPA Programs
NOTICE: Links to non-EPA sites do not imply any official EPA endorsement of, or responsibility for, the opinions, ideas, data or products presented at those locations, or guarantee the validity of the information provided. Links to non-EPA servers are provided solely as a pointer to information on topics related to environmental protection that may be useful to EPA staff and the public. 
Coastal Waters - Coastal Zone Management programs must satisfy specific conditions, including the adoption of onsite wastewater treatment systems management measures that protect nitrogen-limited waters.
Drinking Water Source Water Assessment and Protection - A significant number of community water systems list onsite systems as a potential contributor to pollution of underground and surface drinking water sources.
Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program - EPA has established 12 technology testing centers under its ETV program to verify the performance of environmental technologies. The program's goal is to substantially accelerate the entrance of environmental technologies into the domestic and international marketplace. One part of the ETV program verifies market-ready onsite wastewater technologies using protocols developed by manufacturers. Although not a certification program, it seeks to obtain credible operating data that can be widely distributed and accepted by regulators and others.
Management of Scrap Tires and Septic Systems - Some states allow tire shreds to be used in construction of drain fields for septic systems.
National Estuary Program - A number of National Estuary Program Comprehensive Conservation Management Plans list the reduction of nutrient and bacteria loadings from onsite systems among their key objectives.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Wastewater Permits - Surface-discharging onsite wastewater treatment systems can be covered under general permit programs, which might need to be strengthened in some states.
Nonpoint Source and the Section 319 Grant Program - Under section 319 of the Clean Water Act, EPA annually provides grants to states for controlling nonpoint sources of pollution, such as agricultural runoff, mining activities and malfunctioning onsite septic systems. In states where onsite systems have been identified as a significant source of such pollution, the 319 funds may be used to construct, upgrade or repair onsite systems.
Office of Wetlands - Onsite systems can be a significant source of nutrient inputs to valued wetlands, limiting the wetlands? ability to process nitrogen and phosphorusloads from other sources.
Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) Help for Small Community Wastewater Projects - This project is a training and technical assistance program focused on addressing wastewater treatment and disposal issues in small, rural and tribal communities that have difficulties complying with Clean Water Act requirements.
Source Water Protection - Check out this site to learn more about source water protection. The site offers the Citizen's Guide to Ground-Water Protection, as well as helpful information on state and tribal initiatives, various EPA programs, and grants that support source water protection.
State Revolving Fund (SRF) - State Revolving Fund programs in each state and Puerto Rico are funded by EPA and operate like banks. Assets are used to make low- or no-interest loans to install new systems; replace, upgrade, or modify inadequate or failing systems; and establish decentralized wastewater management programs. From July 1987 to June 2003, 13 states have collectively allocated $39.8 million to individual/decentralized sewage treatment.
Stormwater Phase II of the NPDES Program - Phase II requires each municipal separate storm sewer system to address six minimum control measures. One measure is to detect and eliminate illicit discharges, including flows of partially treated sewage from septic systems that reach storm sewers.
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) - Nutrient and bacteria TMDLs often include septic systems as a key contributor to water quality criteria violations and beneficial use impairment.
Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program - Large-capacity septic systems are subject to regulation under the UIC program. The disposal of industrial or commercial waste into an onsite system can inhibit wastewater treatment and cause the system to fail. Chemicals can also pass through the system, enter the ground water and pose a serious contamination threat.
Water Quality Standards - Water Quality Standards define the goals for a waterbody by designating its uses, setting criteria to protect those uses, and establishing provisions to protect water quality from pollutants. Many states have found failing septic systems have caused exceedances to water quality standards.