Model Code Framework

With the final June 9, 2006 adoption by the NOWRA Board of Directors on the work of the Model Code Framework, the committee leaders were tasked with the next steps for public distribution and conducting a series of educational workshops on the use of these documents. These workshops will begin January 2007 and occur in different regions of the U.S.

This “first edition” of the Model Code Framework was produced by members of the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA), volunteering their professional and technical expertise over the past five years. It is developed to serve as a guide and assist state and localities in addressing existing conflicts with the permitting and use of decentralized systems. This work is intended to accomplish the following objectives:

Promote the rationalization of regulations across political boundaries with performance and science based code provisions.
Establish an efficient method with which to evaluate and deploy new onsite wastewater treatment processes.
Create a methodology to integrate decentralized wastewater treatment standard setting mechanisms within the U.S.E.P.A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program, and
Advance the professionalism of industry participants through education, training and certification.

The individuals involved in this process represented all geographic regions of North America, and the regulatory, service and manufacturer segments of the industry. During this period, at least ten drafts were reviewed and discussed at committee meetings, held in all regions of the country. Funding to complete this work was provided by self-funded volunteers, grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency, and contributions from business, industry and state onsite associations.

The Guidance Documents and Model Code Framework were adopted by the NOWRA Board of Directors, June 9, 2006.