Introduction

By implementing House Bill 110 (HB110) in 1984, the Ohio General Assembly created Ohio EPA's HB110 program. The program is a contractual partnership between Local Health Districts ( LHDs) and Ohio EPA, whereby LHDs conduct, on behalf of the Agency, inspection and enforcement services for commercial sanitary waste treatment/disposal systems discharging between 0-25,000 gallons per day (semi-publics).

Ohio EPA operates the HB110 program to better protect the public health and welfare, and to protect the environment. Ohio EPA believes that due to the proximity, the multitude of facilities, and the availability of resources, oversight of operations for sanitary waste disposal at semi-publics may best be accomplished locally by qualified personnel.

To offset costs of local oversight, State law (Revised Code 3709.085) authorizes LHDs to charge fees for inspection services to be paid by semi-publics.

Inspection Program

In accordance with Ohio EPA's HB110 contracts, LHDs regularly inspect sanitary facilities at semi-publics for compliance with Ohio's water pollution control laws and regulations. Investigations of complaints regarding waste disposal by semi-publics are also accomplished locally.

Ohio EPA also consults with LHDs on the approval of plans and issuance of permits-to-install (PTIs) for semi-publics. Installation inspections may be performed locally to ensure compliance with Ohio EPA's PTI conditions.

Enforcement Activities

In coordination with Ohio EPA, LHDs may notify entities of noncompliance with Ohio's water pollution control regulations. LHDs are also instrumental in identifying semi-publics installed without PTIs, of which Ohio EPA may not be aware.

Where noncompliance notification and informal requests fail to correct violations, entities may be referred to Ohio EPA for enforcement or the County Prosecutor may bring an action under local nuisance ordinances. All discharges of pollutants which are unpermitted or in excess permitted amounts are statutory nuisances under Revised Code 6111.04.

Training Program

Ohio EPA intends to provide periodic training for LHDs. Training programs will focus on sanitary waste disposal for Semi-Public facilities, technical assistance, inspection issues, and enforcement case development.

Summary

The HB110 program is a unique opportunity for Ohio EPA and LHDs to assist one another in achieving the mutual goal of protecting public health and welfare. Through responsible regulation of Semi-Public facilities, the local community will benefit from decreased health risks and the State as a whole will benefit from improvements in water quality. Ohio EPA welcomes the participation of all LHDs.