FILED ON: 5/9/2013

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 3462

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Thirteen

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An Act relative to protecting, preserving, and increasing access to family camping.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department of environmental protection shall, within 1 year of the passage of this act, amend the regulations under 310 CMR 15.07, and other regulations related to on-site sewerage treatment and disposal systems at campgrounds, to increase access, encourage and facilitate the growth of camping, while protecting public health, safety and the environment.

The department shall revise regulations pertaining to septic flow, volume discharge, greywater, land size, and approved chemical additives to accurately reflect the circumstances associated with seasonal use of campgrounds; provided, such revisions shall not without necessity hinder user access or expansion regarding those facilities. In amending said regulations, the department shall consult with established camping organizations, including but not limited to, the Massachusetts Association of Campground Owners and the Massachusetts Camping Association.