Septic systems fail for a number of reasons and trying to decide who is primarily at fault becomes harder as time goes on. Users of the system must also take responciblity for its sucessful operation. The present 3 years is sufficient. Authorized onsite soil evaluators are required to have training to maintain thier certification. Training is hard to come by and expensive especially since most of these people are self-employed. They could use the funds and the expertice of the Health Department personnel for formal training.

Indemnification cases depend not only on documentation from files but information from individuals involved with development and permitting of the lot. After 3 years, it would be difficult to recall details about an individual lot. Talk about fuzzy memories! Also, with current turnover in VDH, it is unlikely that the individual who issued the permit would still be working at the health department 8 years after the system is installed. As for AOSE training using indemnification fund monies- AOSE's work under regulations created and enforced by VDH - we should promote cooperation and teamwork by assisting them whenever possible. Also, the indemnification fund fee of $10 is charged for all septic system applications including those submitted by AOSEs.