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WATER RESOURCES MANAGtMtN 1 W/12/81 limited geographic areas, such as shorelines, leaving the regulation of most on -site systems up to the local governmental units. Following extensive study and analysis, the MPCA adopted a regulation governing a sizable share of all on -site systems. This regulation, WPC 40 (6 MCAR 48040), became effective on August 21, 1978. It applies only to large-scale systems and state facility installations. The provisions will be used by the DNR in determining the adequacy of local ordinances and programs for shorelands and floodplains. Nevertheless, most on -site system installations are still not regulated by the State of Minnesota. However, the MPCA and others recommend that WPC 40 be used as a model for a local program of on -site system management and control. WPC 40 provides an excellent solution to a large part of the management and control program needs involving on -site systems throughout the state. WPC 40 establishes technical and design require- ments for new on -site systems, both standard and alternative types, and their installation. It does not, however, provide a total solution to the needs either within the Metropolitan Area or elsewhere. The regulation does not deal with existing on -site systems, including recertification of such systems. Nor aces it provide for the monitoring, maintenance or inspection of new systems, or establish provisions for local proaram administration, enforcement, remedial actions, planning, etc. It is important that any management and control program for any part of the state be consistent with the provisions of WPC 40. Although duplication might be possibie, it would be inappropriate and impractical legally to have on -site reauirements that vary substantially from those contained in WPC 40. An examination of the past history of on -site systems reveals that failures can and do happen. The existing metropolitan -wide management structure for on -site systems is perhaps best described as loose and uncoordinated, although there are some exceptions. This combination gives the public poor assurance that pollution or public health hazards caused by on -site systems will not occur in the future. r Policies 38. The on-ameYetam management and control program for the Metropolitan Area should be designed to protect and promote water quality and protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of all Metropolitan Area 39. The on -site system management and control 1' program for the Metropolitan Area should be cost-effective, simple, understandable and sufficiently uniform to ensure simple and consistent administration throughout the Metropolitan Area. 40. The on -site system management and control program for the Metropolitan Area should promote public and private activities designed to provide for the appropriate utilization of such systems, minimize the risk of problems resulting from the use of such systems, and correct existing on -site system -related problems. Phases of a Local On -site Management Program Planning or Preinstallation Phase The first step in oeveloping an effective local management proaram is to relate the use of on -site systems to a community's general land use pian ana development proaram, including density of developments. Communities are responsible for develooinq a comprehensive development plan under the requirements of the Metropolitan Land Planning Act. A community s land use plan and land use controls should address the issue of what role on -site systems should plan in a community's future development. Rural areas that have and intend to continue rural oevelopment densities (that is, a range of one unit per 10 acres to one per 40 acres) will not be expected to hav, as stringent a program covering operation, maintenance and postinstallation inspection as rural areas having or proposing urban or urban -like development aensities (that is, a range of one unit per 2'1; to one per five acres). All communities are expected to adopt the require ments of WPC 40 for new installations, regardless of development dens -Ty (see Table 1) • 22