Decentralized wastewater treatment systems are appropriately managed, perform effectively, protect human health and the environment, and are a key component of our nation's wastewater infrastructure. Enviornmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides national direction and support to improve the performance of decentralized systems by promoting the concept of continuous management and facilitating upgraded professional standards of practice. This program strategy builds upon EPA's 2003-2008 Agency Strategic Plan, which identifies septic systems as a source of pollution. The program strategy includes the principles and strategic goals that will guide EPA's decentralized wastewater program over the next five years. To accomplish these goals, EPA will implement a series of actions internally and externally through partnerships with state and local governments and national organizations representing practitioners and the public.

"January 2005."