Creating a Management Plan

A wastewater management plan summarizes the status of septic systems in a Town or region, including causes and impacts of septic system failure. It further identifies areas or resources of particular concern and outlines goals for a wastewater management program. In Rhode Island, a wastewater plan enables Towns to qualify for a line of credit under the State’s Community Septic System Loan Program (CSSLP).

The plan also provides a complete summary of issues closely related to wastewater such as development, land use, population pressures, and the natural features of an area such as topography, geology, and soils. The plan outlines how it complements other regional studies and plans such as the Town Comprehensive Plan.

Finally, the wastewater plan outlines a strategy to complete the goals of a wastewater management program. The program strategy may contain the following components:

• Public outreach, education, and technical assistance
• A septic system inspection and maintenance program
• Zoning and subdivision standards related to septic system setbacks and performance
• A financial incentive program to repair and upgrade failing and substandard systems