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What is
a Septic System?
Onsite
sewage disposal systems, or septic systems, are important
during the development process of each home, especially if
your home is in an area without city sewers. Septic systems
have tanks that sort, store and treat solids, and leach
fields that distribute fluids over a sand and gravel bed.
It should be treated with special care to ensure efficient
treatment for the effluent we produce in our homes. Septic
systems should be installed carefully so that chances of
having heightened bacteria levels in your water will not be
likely to occur.
What is
a Perc Test?
To
determine if your property will support a septic system, try requesting a perc test from the
Environmental Health Division. A representative will visit
your property and dig a 4 foot hole to test whether the soil
available is suitable for a septic system.
The representative will then perform other tests to
determine whether the septic system will affect areas surrounding
your property.
How do I
get a Septic System Permit?
1. Contact your local Environmental Health Division and a
health department staff member will mail or fax you the
septic system permit procedure guideline.
2. Contact a certified Soil Scientist to perform an analysis of
your property. The information from this analysis will be
sent to you and your health department representative.
3. Your health department representative will use the
information from the analysis to design your septic system.
4. Apply for the septic system permit. Remember to submit the septic
permit application with two copies of the building plans, a
detailed site plan, and any additional information that may
be required by the health department.
5. You will receive your septic system permit once the submitted
material is approved and construction can begin.
6. Finally, a representative from the health department will
perform a final inspection of the construction.
How much
does Septic System Permitting cost?
The cost
will depend on the general fees for the permit, inspection,
and any services provided by the health department
representative. Additionally, the cost will depend on the
amount of time, the number of visits, the location, and the
season the job is performed. The permitting process for an
onsite sewage disposal usually costs several hundred
dollars. However, this amount covers all of the costs from
acquiring the permit to hiring a representative.
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