I. INTRODUCTION
An Onsite Wastewater Management Plan (OWMP) is a What is an Onsite Wastewater toolbox of strategies designed to ensure the proper design, Management Plan? location, construction, function and maintenance of onsite wastewater treatment systems. In RI onsite wastewater treatment systems are commonly referred to as ISDS and include both septic systems and cesspools. When properly developed and implemented an OWMP can help preserve and improve the quality of valuable ground and surface water resources, and provide a cost-effective alternative to municipal sewers. The Foster/Scituate OWMP contains the following principal components:
1. Public outreach, education and technical assistance plan. 2. A septic system inspection and maintenance program.1 3. Summary of zoning and subdivision provisions related to septic system setbacks and performance standards. 4. A financial incentive program for the repair and upgrade of failing and substandard systems. This OWMP also describes the nature of the problem, the impact of failed septic systems on ground and surface water and analyzes the causes of system failures. Furthermore, the Plan discusses the projected costs associated with the implementation of the OWMP and provides an environmental and economic perspective on the use of septic systems. The Scituate Reservoir Watershed Management Plan2 and the Comprehensive Plan of each town support the development of the Foster/Scituate Onsite Wastewater Management Plan. There are two main reasons to develop an OWMP. First, such a Why Develop an plan and accompanying ordinance and/or education program is OWMP? designed to protect ground and surface waters by preventing pollution from failing and sub-standard septic systems. Secondly, once the OWMP has been approved by the state, the towns become eligible for the Community Septic System Loan Program (CSSLP). This program provides 4% loans for septic system repairs to residents that are repayable over a 10-year period. This enables families who might otherwise not be able to afford it to repair and upgrade their septic systems. This protects public health, the environment and the owner's investment in his or her property. The program was developed by RI Clean Water Finance Agency (CWFA) in cooperation with the RI Department of Environmental Management. In order to qualify for CSSLP a municipality must first receive a Certificate of Approval from RIDEM for its Onsite Wastewater Management Plan. The towns recognize the importance of inspecting, managing and where appropriate, establishing performance standards for septic systems in order to protect ground and surface water resources.
1 The inspection and maintenance program would be voluntary with the exception of Scituate Village. Here, small lots, high- density housing, onsite wastewater treatment systems and private wells necessitate a mandatory septic system maintenance program.
2 Scituate Reservoir Watershed Management Plan, December 1990 (element 125 of the State Guide Plan). The Plan recommends that all communities should adopt a mandatory septic system maintenance program within the watershed area.
Foster and Scituate Onsite Wastewater Management Plan (draft 3) September 2004 1 The Foster/Scituate Onsite Wastewater Management Plan will collaboratively address the existing and potential impact of septic systems on groundwater and surface water quality in the towns of Foster and Scituate. The focus of this project is on protection of groundwater resources for both individual and public wells, with greatest attention to managing onsite wastewater impact in the areas listed below: