| Common Onsite
Regulations
Regulations vary from state to state and sometimes locally, by
county, district, township, or community. Local jurisdictions may
have the option of simply adopting their state laws or developing
their own, as long as they comply with minimum state requirements.
Therefore, local onsite laws are sometimes more restrictive than
state laws. Some communities may restrict certain system types or
designs allowed by the state if they require extra maintenance or
expertise not locally available. Although onsite system regulations
vary depending on where you live, it helps to be aware of some common
requirements and how they may effect you. Health Departments - Friends
not Foes
Property Transfers / Buying or Selling
Some regulations require mandatory inspections of existing onsite
systems within a given time before property is sold or transferred.
Realty Septic Inspections / Health Departments - Friends not Foes
Professional Qualifications
State or local regulations often indicate specific professional
qualifications, such as education, certification, or licenses, that
individuals must have to perform onsite system tasks. For example,
regulations commonly require that site evaluations be performed
by local health officials, registered sanitarians, engineers, or
soil scientists. However, a trained and licensed septic contractor
may work along with the designated officer, as an advocate for the
homeowner, to achieve the best solution for the existing situation.
Site Evaluations & Building Permits / General Septic Problems
Homeowners should be aware, however, that choosing someone with
the appropriate legal qualifications doesn’t ensure that they
are the best person for the job. It is important to compare estimates
and to find someone who has proven experience with onsite systems
and who is willing to work with local health officials. Your local
or state health agency may be able to offer some guidance. About
Us
Operation & Maintenance
Proper operation and maintenance of onsite systems are essential
to avoiding system failures. For certain types of onsite system
with electrical or mechanical components, maintenance is often regulated
through operating permits. These permits need to be renewed periodically
with maintenance as a condition of renewal. In some cases, system
maintenance can be performed by the homeowner who has attended and
completed the proper training classes for the type of system installed.
However, inspections of the system usually must be performed by
health officials or other qualified professionals. This is the case
in systems such as the Aeration Sewage Treatment Units used for
Spray or Direct Discharge which carry a facility number registered
with the state or local health department. These systems, in the
State of Kentucky, are only approved and permitted by the state
and require a licensed certified Wastewater Operator to service
these systems on a regular schedule. Sewage Protection Program /
New Gribbins Whirlair Aeration Treatment Unit
Permits
Permits are required in most areas for any new construction and
should be obtained for any repair or alteration to the existing
wastewater system. These permits are usually attain through the
local or state health agency.
Health Department - Friends
not Foes | Site Evaluations
& Building Permits | General
Septic Problems | Installation,
Repair & Service Maintenance
|
Barrow Company, Inc.
PO Box 468
2221 North Highway 53
Lagrange, KY 40031
Phone 502-222-9992
Fax 502-222-0556
|
Source of information in part provided:
National Small Flows Clearinghouse, West Virginia University 800-624-8301
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