The International Code Council (ICC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have signed a Decentralized Wastewater Management Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that addresses overall performance and management of wastewater systems and will serve to help protect public health.

With the MOU, the Code Council will provide leadership and resources to regulate and educate on the importance of responsible management of wastewater systems.

“We are honored to join in this partnership and look forward to working collaboratively to help implement wastewater and sanitation best practices,” said Code Council plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas executive director Matt Sigler. “When this type of wastewater system fails, the results are catastrophic, often polluting drinking water and creating public health hazards. Changes in flood plains like rising sea levels brought on by a changing climate are exacerbating these system failures and they must be addressed.”

ICC reports that the MOU is a continuation of a decades-long collaboration between the Code Council and the EPA, which included information sharing on system technology, training initiatives, public awareness campaigns about septic system care and maintenance, and the development of materials on decentralized wastewater systems.

Access more information via the recent ICC press release.