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12 <br />and non - residential systems. The frequency of the re- inspection cycle can vary r <br />from every six months to once per five years. <br />This proposal would add all new gravity flow systems and the review frequency <br />time would start' at the time the operation permit (final approval) is issued for the <br />system. In-the past few years, the average number of new gravity flow systems has <br />been approximately 500 per year. <br />Repaired Systems — As with the new systems, all repaired systems can be included <br />in the programs during the permitting and implementation of the repair strategy. In <br />the past few years, the average number of repaired systems has been approximately <br />90 per year. <br />Volunteers - As stated above, there will be nothing to prohibit volunteers from <br />entering into the program, and, in practice, it will be encouraged. There will need <br />to be some type of perpetual legal authorization given by the owner for the right of <br />entry to avoid misunderstandings during the re- inspections in the future. A yearly <br />"cap" on volunteers may be needed so that resources can be adequately <br />maintained. <br />Post Sale — The cause for the requirement of an inspection at or after title transfer <br />for homes with septic systems is touted by EPA in their on -site wastewater <br />recommendations for State and local governments' consideration.. According to • <br />EPA, many states are considering this mandate and all states or localities should <br />"develop a program for regular inspection" of on-site systems. It must be decided <br />whether the post sale inspection, if adopted, should happen immediately or within <br />a given time window after the transfer (e.g., six months) or if the home should <br />enter into the program and have its first inspection at the first review frequency. If <br />an inspection is to be required immediately, the cost could be integrated into the <br />closing fee. The, work group also suggested that the type and age of the systems <br />might determine whether the inspection is immediate or delayed. The advantage <br />of making the requirement at transfer or post sale is that the Health Department <br />'will not be a party to the transaction negotiations between the buyer and seller and <br />consequently not be subjected to the artificial pressures of closings and other <br />financial transactions. There are now adequate private sector inspectors available <br />for the pre -sale functionality assessments and systems needing repairs should be <br />flagged during that process. <br />Ovtions — At the last meeting, the committee decided the following three options <br />should be considered for implementation. New and repaired systems (option 1) <br />should be a part of either of the other two options, if selected <br />1. Only New and Repaired Systems — This option offers the easiest transition <br />into management of gravity flow systems and is similar to the way alternative <br />systems are entered into management now. But it does not address the issue <br />of immediate watershed protection nor is there any consideration for • <br />Page 7of12 <br />