Advantages: The composting toilet keeps nutrients (mainly nitrogen from urine) and fecal coliform totally out of the groundwater therefore set-back distances and the treatment zone can be greatly reduced. The graywater flower bed has low flow, reduced pollutant load, and an indefinite life span, therefore, the system is smaller with less, if any, reliance on recovery areas and set-aside areas, and with potential for reductions in minimum ownership. NutriCycle Systems can solve health hazards created by septic systems, can cost less than sewer systems, mound systems, and other innovative systems, can allow marginal lands to be developed, can reduce development pressure on farmland, and eliminate pollution from septic systems.

Current Regulatory Status: NutriCycle Systems are, in general, only allowed after all sewage disposal requirements are met. The exception is existing properties with failing septic systems, however, it is often cost prohibitive to retrofit existing properties with the NutriCycle System. Also, 36% - 50% reduction in the initial septic system's size may be allowed, but this is a very small incentive considering the advantages listed above. Requiring that sewage rules be met can result in the installation of a septic system against the wishes of the property owner, and against the best interest of the state. It can also result in property use denied, which, in light of the NutriCycle System, constitutes a "taking" of private property by the government.  

Immediate Regulatory Action: NutriCycle Systems should be allowed on ANY property where the Design Criteria can be met, including properties with no indoor-plumbing or existing failing systems, all lots-of-records, and approved new subdivisions. Sewage disposal areas and setback distances that are met should be retained. Disclosure (Design Criteria Footnote 3) should be required on all properties that have no sewage disposal capability, but have been approved for a NutriCycle System.

The rationale, in summary, for allowing the NutriCycle System on any property that meets the system's experimental design criteria, is that the conceivable public health risks and environmental health risks associated with this system are significantly reduced compared to the known risks associated with conventional and innovative septic systems. Benefits of Nutrient Recycling, Health Hazards Compared

Future Regulatory Action: Following monitoring and evaluation of installed systems, the experimental design criteria will become Nutrient Recycling System Regulations incorporating all appropriate design set-backs, minimum areas, and minimum ownership rules. At this time, the Sewage Disposal Regulations will no longer be applied to Nutrient Recycling System properties.