What are RI Towns Doing?
Block Island
Charlestown
South Kingstown

The BIGHP Project

RIWIS (Rhode Island Wastewater Information System)

Onsite Systems Basics
Onsite treatment systems
Property owner's guide

Wastewater Manager's Toolkit
Creating a management plan
Drafting an ordinance
Developing treatment standards
Funding and staffing a program
Getting the message out
Tracking inspections
Achieving results

Onsite System Research and Assessment
Demonstration systems
Soil suitability
Using GIS for evaluation
Water quality monitoring

Resources
Training and technical support
Publications




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Please check back soon for more complete information!

Sample Sequence of Town Mailings to Property Owners

Click on the links below to see suggested mailings for each event, including links to sample letters and fact sheets.

To see the flowchart version, click here.

Event

1. Ordinance Passes

2. Maintenance Schedule Created

3. System Passes Inspection and Needs Pumping

4. System Passes Inspection and Does Not Need Pumping

5. System Fails Inspection

6. Inspection Not Done

 

 

1. Ordinance Passes
    a. Residents need to be made aware of new ordinance
                i. Early Education to all residents
                    1. Letter detailing ordinance and regulations
                    2. What’s In Your Backyard?

 

2. Maintenance Schedule Created
    a. Residents need to schedule inspection
                i. First Maintenance Inspection Letter to selected residents
                    1. Town Program Info
                    2. Town Approved Service Providers
                    3. First Maintenance Fact Sheet
                    4. Tank Upgrades Fact Sheet

 

3. System Passes Inspection and Needs Pumping

    a. Resident needs to schedule pump out
                i. Pump-out Letter
                    1. Pump-out Fact Sheet
    b. Owner has system pumped
                i. Thank You For Your Compliance Letter
                    1. Suggested date of next inspection
    c. Owner does not have system pumped
                i. Action depends on Town regulations

 

4. System Passes Inspection and Does Not Need Pumping

    a. Resident does not need to take further action
                i. Thank You For Your Compliance Letter
                    1. Suggested date of next inspection
    b. 3 to 5 years later routine maintenance should be performed
                i. Routine Maintenance Letter
                    1. Routine Maintenance Fact Sheet

 

5. System Fails Inspection

    a. Resident needs to repair/replace system
                i. Notice of Deficiency
                    1. Repair/Replacement Procedures
                    2. How To Hire a Contractor Fact Sheet
                    3. Financial Aid Brochure
                    4. Low-Interest Loan Application
                    5. Tank Upgrades Fact Sheet
    b. Resident repairs/replaces system
                i. Routine Maintenance Letter
                    1. Routine Maintenance Fact Sheet
    c. Resident does not repair/replace system
                i. Fine

 

6. Inspection Not Done

    a. Resident has not scheduled an inspection after 45 days
                i. Reminder Letter
                    1. Town Approved Service Providers 
    b. Resident has still not scheduled an inspection after 90 days
                i. Notice of Violation
                    1. Town Approved Service Providers
    c. Resident has not scheduled an inspection 15 days after NOV
                i. Fine


 

Copyright 2006 URI Water Quality Program