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Product Registration Process for Treatment Products, Distribution Media and Sewage Tanks

The use of proprietary treatment devices and distribution media in Minnesota has been hampered by the lack of a statewide “gateway” for products to enter the onsite wastewater treatment market. Manufacturers and vendors have instead gone knocking at the doors of local governments across the state seeking individual approval for their products. To address this issue and create a more consistent statewide process, changes to Minn. R. ch. 7080 now include new requirements related to the registration, listing, and use of public domain and proprietary technologies in subsurface sewage treatment systems.

Sewage TankPublic domain technology means a sewage treatment or distribution technology, method, or material not subject to a patent or trademark; proprietary products are subject to a patent or trademark. Both public domain and proprietary treatment and distribution technologies are listed on this Web page.

The product registration process began in 2008 with a two-year transition period. As of February 4, 2010, all systems using proprietary treatment or distribution media products are required to use registered products.

SSTS Distribution ExampleThe "List of Registered SSTS Sewage Tanks" and the "At A Glance Listing of Sewage Tanks" are found on the Sewage Tanks page.

The following publications are associated with the SSTS product registration process.

Product List

How to Use the Product Lists

Please read this document before reviewing the ‘Product Listing’ to obtain a better understanding of what the product listing actually means.

The products on this list have been determined to meet the requirements in Minnesota Rules Chapter 7083. The purpose of this listing is to ensure products are protective of public health and the environment while providing long-term performance to consumers when properly operated and maintained. The lists of registered products are intended to be a valuable resource to designers, installers, service providers, local regulatory officials and consumers.

The listing of products does not constitute approval of marketing, advertising or labeling practices used by the manufacturer. Listing does not constitute endorsement of these products by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Information obtained from the manufacturer is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer or other provider.

Links to external resources are provided as a public service, and do not imply endorsement by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is providing a public service by allowing the link to the manufacturer’s website, but such action does not imply endorsement for the manufacturer or any products.

When choosing from this list of registered products, consumers are advised to check that SSTS businesses are properly trained in the design, installation and maintenance of that particular product. Consumers should check directly with the product manufacturer to confirm the SSTS business has received the manufacturer’s required training.

Sewage Tanks

Sewage tanks include septic tanks, trash tanks, holding tanks, pump tanks, tanks used for surge storage, recirculation tanks and other processing tanks. Information is available on the following link to the Sewage Tank Web page.

Treatment Technologies

Public Domain Treatment Technologies

Proprietary Treatment Technologies

The following is a listing of registered wastewater treatment devices for subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS). The products on these lists meet the requirements in Minnesota Rules Chapter 7083. The purpose of this listing is to ensure products are protective of public health and the environment while providing long-term performance to consumers when properly operated and maintained. The lists are intended to be a valuable resource to designers, installers, service providers, local regulatory officials, and consumers.

The listing of products does not constitute approval of marketing, advertising, or labeling practices used by the manufacturer, nor is it an affirmation of manufacturer claims of product performance. Registration listing does not constitute endorsement of these products by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Information obtained from the manufacturer is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer or other provider. Links to external resources are provided as a public service, and do not imply endorsement by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Residential Strength Wastewater

High Strength Wastewater

Letters to Manufacturers

These are the letters sent to manufacturers that specify product name and models, treatment levels and conditions of product registration.

Manufacturer’s Manuals

Each manufacturer submitted a manual(s) that meet Minnesota requirements for their sewage treatment products as part of the product registration process. Please go to each manufacturer’s website for their product manuals.

Operating Permit Examples

The following documents include: 1) a blank template for operating permits, 2) a list of operating permits, and 3) examples of operating permits for different systems and treatment levels.

    Management Plans

    Go to the University of Minnesota’s web site for product specific management plans. Exit to Web 

    Remediation of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems

    PDF Document Remediation Technologies and Processes for Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems Guidance Document for Practitioner Use (wq-wwists4-46). This is a final document for the SSTS practitioner's to use, dated April 2011. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on the use of remediation practices for Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems. This document was developed with input from the SSTS Product Registration Technical Advisory Panel (TAP).Comments and questions regarding this document should be directed to Barbara McCarthy at barbara.mccarthy@state.mn.us  

    Distribution Media Technologies

    The following is a listing of registered wastewater distribution media products for subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS). The products on this list meet the requirements in Minnesota Rules Chapter 7083. The purpose of this listing is to ensure products are protective of public health and the environment while providing long-term performance to consumers when properly operated and maintained. The list is intended to be a valuable resource to designers, installers, service providers, local regulatory officials, and consumers.

    The listing of products does not constitute approval of marketing, advertising, or labeling practices used by the manufacturer, nor is it an affirmation of manufacturer claims of product performance. Registration listing does not constitute endorsement of these products by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Information obtained from the manufacturer is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer or other provider. Links to external resources are provided as a public service, and do not imply endorsement by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

    Public Domain Distribution Technologies

    • PDF Document Drainfield rock distribution media standards and guidance document (wq-wwists4-40). This document specifies size, durability and cleanliness requirements for drainfield rock used in trenches, beds, at-grades mounds and sand filters. This document was developed with input from the SSTS Product Registration Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) and was reviewed by the SSTS Advisory Committee. Rock used in the construction of SSTS must meet these standards after February 3, 2010. Questions regarding this document should be directed to Barbara McCarthy at barbara.mccarthy@state.mn.us.

    The use of processed tires (i.e. shredded or chipped) has not been approved or registered for new or replacement SSTSs in Minnesota. The solid waste rules regulate the re-use of tires. Tires cannot be used in any application where water percolates through the tires and enters groundwater. For additional information on the re-use of processed tires, please contact either Wayne Gjerde at 651-757-2392; wayne.gjerde@state.mn.us or Trevor Shearen at 651-757-2717; trevor.shearen@state.mn.us.

    Proprietary Distribution Technologies

    List of Distribution Media Products

    • PDF Document Excel Document List of Registered Distribution Media Products (wq-wwists1-22). This is the list of registered proprietary distribution media products for trenches, beds, at-grades, and mounds. The Excel spreadsheet contains a tab for each manufacturer and their products (make sure the spreadsheet is maximized to view tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet).  

    Letters to Manufacturers

     These are the letters sent to manufacturers that specify product name and models and the conditions of product registration for proprietary distribution media products. 

    Manufacturer’s Manuals

    Each manufacturer prepared a manual tailored for Minnesota for their proprietary distribution media products as part of the product registration process.

    Product Renewal

    SSTS treatment products and distribution media are initially registered by the MPCA for up to three years. This page provides information related to the renewal of SSTS products after the initial period of product registration.

      Forms for Treatment and Distribution Products

      Technical Advisory Panel

      The Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) was formed as an adjunct committee to the SSTS State Advisory Committee in June 2008. The purpose of the committee is to provide technical input and recommendations to the MPCA on the Product Registration Process and associated outcomes.

      Assistance

      For more information, please contact either Barbara McCarthy at 218-302-6647, barbara.mccarthy@state.mn.us, or Corey Hower (sewage tanks and tank testing), 507-206-2603, corey.hower@state.mn.us.

      Last modified on June 06, 2013 10:07
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