On-Site Wastewater Septic Program

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does the Environmental Health Specialist look for in doing a site evaluation?
    • They look at: type of soil, how much rock is involved, soil wetness, soil depth, slope of property and the available space. (See Rule .1939 Site Evaluation for more specific definition.)
  • How far from a dwelling does the septic system need to be?
    • If you are going to have a foundation the minimum distance is 5 ft. If you are going to have a basement the minimum distance is 15 ft. (This is for any part of your septic system) (See Rule .1950 Location of Sanitary Sewage Systems)
  • How far from water source does the septic system need to be?
    • 100 ft minimum from any private water supply source including any wells, springs 100 ft. minimum from any public water supply source 50 ft. minimum from any creek or stream unless in a water shed area then you need to be 100 ft. minimum away from your septic system (See Rule. .1950 Location of Sanitary Sewage Systems for more info on distances from other water sources.)
  • How far from a property line do I need to be with my septic system?
    • 10 ft minimum from property lines (See Rule .1950 Location of Sanitary Sewage Systems.)
  • How many holes do I need to dig and the size?
    • A minimum of 4 test holes need to be dug and they need to be 25 feet apart. Holes should be dug in two rows of two holes each. One row below and offset of the other, please see the example site plan shown in the application packet. Dig where you feel that you want your field lines to be. If dug with post hole digger the holes need to be 12 inches wide and 36 inches deep. If dug with backhoe, holes need to be 30 inches wide and 48 inches deep.
  • Can someone else sign and pickup permits besides the applicant?
    • The only persons who can sign for a permit is either the applicant or his or her agent, in which case an agent authorization form must be present for someone other than applicant to sign. If the application is under a husband or wife’s name and it is for there personal use, than the other one can sign to pick up permits without an agent form. This also applies in a parent and child situation. If in doubt an agent form may be required.
  • What is required in drawing a site plan for application?
    • You need to draw a rough drawing of the property showing house location, driveway location, where holes are dug, and any water sources on property and on adjoining property, any existing septic systems or fuel tanks on property and on adjoining property, any buildings, proposed well locations and any other pertinent information.
  • Can I grade or excavate before a site evaluation is done?
    • Grading and excavation of property is not recommended prior to evaluation. You could damage the only possible septic site you may have on the property if you do so before the evaluation.
  • What is date platted?
    • Date in which property was recorded with the county as it currently exists.
  • Where do I find my Tax Pin #, Date Platted and Zoning/Watershed information?
    • Tax Pin #---Tax Mapping Date Platted---Register of Deeds Zoning/Watershed information---Planning & Inspection (See check list for this same information)
  • What is a pad for a crane and why do you need to know this?
    A pad is for the crane to set on while assembling the modular home. We need to account for the pad area needed to make sure it will not encroach on any proposed or existing septic area.
  • What is a watershed?
    A watershed is an area that water runoff runs into an area that feeds a community its water supply.
  • What is a schematic?
    • A schematic is a computerized drawing done from the deed by the county tax mapping department. It will show the measurements of the property lines from the deed. (In order to accept an application we will need EITHER a survey plat (first and foremost) or a schematic (second choice). A survey will most likely be needed for this department to issue a permit.
  • Can I have just a 1 bedroom system?
    • An applicant may just put 1 bedroom in the home but for septic purposes the smallest system is a 2 bedroom system (240gpd).
  • What do I need to do to renew a non-expired permit?
    • Renewal of a non-expired permit (Less than 5 yrs old) If the permit has not expired but the owner wishes to renew it before the expiration date, the applicant will need to do the following:
    1. Fill out a new application.
    2. Stake off a house site.
    3. Stake off a driveway.
    4. Make sure that all property corners & lines are clearly marked.
    5. Dig new holes if the inspector is no longer with this department which may allow for an optional system.
    6. Draw a new site plan
    7. Provide current survey plat if one is not already attached to the current permit that is accurate (unchanged). If an attached plat is used, new applicant must sign and date plat.
    8. Pay the current fee for Renewal of Non-expired Permits
    When the application is returned to the Health Dept., make sure that for a renewal that everything is going to stay the same. Check to see if the acreage is still the same as well as number of bedrooms. If the acreage has changed this could VOID the permit totally (an updated survey plat is required) or if they are making any other changes to the permit this could also VOID the permit totally. If the permit is VOIDED the applicant will need to start over with the Application Process.
  • What is the process if a permit has expired and the owner wants to renew it?
    • If the permit has EXPIRED (5 years or older) The applicant must START OVER completely. Once the permit has expired it is not longer a valid permit and can not be renewed. The applicant must complete a new application, stake off a house site, stake off a driveway, draw a site plan, provide a survey plat, make sure property lines and corners are clearly marked and dig new holes. The applicant will be required to pay the full fee again and a new set of permits will need to be pulled. The expired permit will need to be attached to the new application packet for the inspector to see what occurred on the lot previously.
  • What do I need to do to move a mobile home or build a house onto an existing septic system? (With the same number of bedrooms going on that is coming off.)
    • An Application will need to be submitted to the health department. The environmental health secretary will need to try to find the old septic permit. This is to show what the original system was designed and permitted for. Whether you find the old septic permit or not, the client will need to talk with the environmental health specialist who will direct the client as to what needs to be done for inspection (usually they need to uncover the top of the tank and have it pumped out). Tanks without filters in the outlet end will need to be upgraded. The environmental health specialist will need to go and inspect the system to make sure that there are no sings of a failing system and that all setbacks will be met when placing the new structure on the property.
  • What is a repair area?
    • The repair area is an area, either in its natural state or which is capable of being modified, consistent with the rules in this section, which is reserved for the installation of additional nitrification fields and is not covered with structures or impervious materials. (See Rule .1935 Definitions) ALSO: (See Rule .1945 Available Space) The repair area shall be based upon the area of the nitrification field required to accommodate the installation of a replacement system as specified in Rules .1955, .1956, or .1957.
  • Can I get a Building permit before getting a septic permit?
    • No. Planning and Inspections wants to make sure that you can get an approved septic system on your property before they issue a building permit.
  • Can I do Multi-Family housing on one piece of property?
    • If someone is planning on doing Multi-Family housing on a piece of property, they will need to contact the Planning and Inspection Department in their county before submitting any applications to the health department.
  • What constitutes a bedroom?
    • Applicants need to check with the local Planning and Inspection department to determine if a room is considered a bedroom.
  • Are lofts considered a bedroom?
    • Applicants need to check with the local Planning and Inspection department to determine if a room is considered a bedroom.
  • Does the health department require a certain amount of land to get a septic permit?
    • No. We have no minimum lot size; the property required depends upon the proposed house size and location, driveway type and location, proposed water supply and various site conditions.
  • How big will my septic system be?
    • The septic system size varies from site to site. The number of bedrooms, soil type and depth, slope of property are some of the factors that determine the size of the septic system.
  • What does Provisionally Suitable mean?
    • (See Rule .1948 (b) Site Classification) "(b) Sites classified as PROVISIONALLY SUITABLE may be utilized for a ground absorption sewage treatment and disposal system consistent with these Rules but have moderate limitations. Sites classified Provisionally Suitable requires some modifications and careful planning, design, and installation in order for a ground absorption sewage treatment and disposal system to function satisfactorily."
  • What is LTAR?
    • Long Term Acceptance Rate (LTAR) means the rate of wastewater effluent absorption by the soil in a ground absorption system after long-term use. (See Rule .1935 Definitions for further explanation.)
  • What is a Nitrification Field?
    • The area in which the nitrification lines are located. (See Rule .1935 Definitions.)
  • What are Nitrification Lines?
    • Approved pipe, specially designed porous blocks, or other approved materials which receive partially treated sewage effluent for distribution and absorption into the soil beneath the ground surface. (See Rule .1935 Definitions)
  • How long are permits good for?
    • The Authorization for Wastewater System Construction shall be valid for a period of 5 years, not to exceed the validity of the Improvement Permit that it was issued upon. Improvement Permits are valid for 5 years from date of issuance, unless it meets the requirements to be classified “Non-Expiring”.
  • Do Septic System Installers have to register with the Health Department?
    • Yes, they do. Anyone wishing to install septic system must go to the county of installation and talk with an Environmental Health Specialist. There is no fee involved to register but the installer will need to fill out a registration form. The installer will receive the original and the health department will keep the copy on file. (See Rule .1937 (L) Permits)
  • Are septic easements a common occurrence?
    Yes, easements are granted frequently in this area. When property is unable to accommodate a septic system, an easement onto another tract of land may help the situation. Whether the problem with the track of land is the suitability of the soil for a septic system or area limitations easements are a common way to overcome site suitability and setback restrictions; if there is an approvable area off-site.
  • How do I get an easement for a septic system?
    1. The first step is to obtain permission from the property owner to explore the suitability of the site for a septic system. It must be emphasized that this is just permission for this department to explore the property. This may include having holes dug to evaluate the suitability of the proposed area but there is no obligation to grant the easement at this point. The property owner that is being asked to grant the easement is in complete control of the areas this department evaluates. Our department will be glad to talk to the property owners about the conditions, steps, area or any other questions they may have.
    2. The next step is for either this department or the applicant to dig the holes in the proposed area. Who digs the holes and what type of holes will be required will vary from site to site.
    3. Once a suitable site has been found our department will locate the proposed septic area and its boundaries on the site. (This may require the removal of laurels or other undergrowth from the proposed area.) These boundaries will include the system area and room for installation as well as room for ingress and egress from the septic system for maintenance, repair and observation of the septic system.
    4. At this point it is up to the property owner to approve the area for an easement or deny its use. If it is approved the area must be surveyed by a registered land surveyor. The surveyor will produce a meets and bounds description of the area. This will be used by an attorney to draft the septic easement. This department will approve the meets and bounds laid out by the surveyor. The meets and bounds must be staked by the surveyor with metal stakes at each corner of the easement or as required.
    5. The attorney will then incorporate the meets and bounds and other restrictions into a written easement that must be recorded onto the deed. The restrictions that must be included in the easement include but are not limited to: the design flow for the proposed structure (i.e. The number of bedrooms in the house.), the ability of the system user to observe and perform maintenance on the system and limitations on the land owner to keep the system area from being disturbed.
    6. Once this department has approved the easement it must then be recorded with the county.
    7. A copy of the recorded easement must then be given to the health department.
    8. As long as there are no other issues to be resolved; then at this point this department may issue an Authorization to Construct.