Greetings NDOWRA members, septic installers, and all others interested in on-site wastewater management,
NDOWRA has successfully hosted two training conferences since January. Please continue to monitor our website and emails for updates. We are considering some upcoming summer activities for members and others interested in on-site wastewater. Thank you for your continued support and participation.
Over the past couple of months, your board members have been in ongoing communication with state legislators, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and state health units regarding the oversight of on-site wastewater, along with several other proposed changes-similar to what we’ve seen in previous legislative sessions. Rest assured that while change is inevitable, the board remains committed to representing the best interests of installers. We will ensure installers have a voice in the final outcome, whatever changes may come. NDOWRA will continue to be a partner in progress with state legislators, DEQ, and state health units.
Our ability to be partners in progress stems from meaningful discussions with members of the legislature, DEQ, and state health units. We’ve been working collaboratively to address administrative challenges and inconsistencies in code enforcement that have arisen due to communication issues and misunderstandings.
I encourage all NDOWRA members and anyone interested in on-site wastewater management to share their input on SB 2267 (as amended) and HB 1541 (as amended). We are closer to reaching an agreement than we have been in the past eight years. I believe, as the Governor has stated, this matter must be resolved-it has gone on too long. We must also recognize the Governor’s push for smaller government, which presents unique challenges moving forward.
The board believes that no changes are necessary to the uniform code itself; instead, the focus should be on consistent enforcement and administration across the board. NDOWRA has sought-and received-assurances that both NDOWRA and installers will continue to have a voice in how on-site wastewater is administered. NDOWRA will also remain responsible for training new installers and providing continuing education for licensed installers.
Know that your NDOWRA board members are working diligently on your behalf, always keeping the best interests of installers as our top priority. With the 2025 legislative session nearing its end, if you have any feedback, questions, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact:
- Bruce Ellingson, NDOWRA President – (701) 331-2400 | [email protected]
- Terry Novak, Secretary – (701) 331-1931
- Darren Jespersen, Vice President – (701) 833-6063
