Updated Onsite Wastewater Regulations

For immediate release: October 2, 2023
Contact: Tonya Bear, Division of Water, 907-451-2177

Anchorage, AK — The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has updated wastewater treatment and disposal regulations in Title 18, Chapter 72 of the Alaska Administrative Code (18 AAC 72). These regulations became effective October 1, 2023.

The wastewater treatment and disposal regulations in 18 AAC 72 were amended to:

reorganize the chapter,
provide consistency in the plan review process for systems receiving non-domestic wastewater,
and reduce regulatory burden by expanding the systems that can be covered under a permit-by-rule or authorization-by-rule process while also allowing the Department to consider a permit issued under 18 AAC 83 or 18 AAC 15 to satisfy a requirement for plan review.

“Ensuring onsite wastewater treatment systems are properly designed protects not only human health but also the environment,” said Director of Water Randy Bates. “DEC is pleased to be working with industry professionals to develop best management guidelines that will streamline the plan review process. These guidelines supplement the updated regulations, are being developed collaboratively, and will be released in the coming weeks.”

DEC is planning target outreach to wastewater engineers and certified installers throughout this month for an in-depth overview of the changes. Additional outreach is planned for industry and real estate professionals. For more information and updates on future webinars, visit septic.alaska.gov.