Step 1: The applicant completes an application for a Site Review-Soil Evaluation along with a site plan of the property. The fee for this application is $125. At this time, a HSTS Installation Permit Application may be completed if the applicant plans to build a house within twelve months. The fee for this permit application is $290.
Step 2: At least two six foot deep test pits, approximately 75 feet apart, must be excavated in the location where the sewage treatment system will be installed. The person who will be excavating the test pits must contact the Health Department for an appointment by calling (419) 337-0915.
Step 3: The Health Department will prepare a written evaluation of the site based on the soil type, water table, available drainage, and any other information. The site evaluation will detail the location of the test pits, the minimum sewage treatment system that would be approved for installation, major structures proposed or present, location of all known wells within 100 feet, lot dimensions, and location of any known buried structures such as buried fuel tanks or utility lines. A copy of the site evaluation will be given to the property owner and a copy will be put on file at the Health Department. The sewage treatment system installation permit will then either be issued or denied.
Step 4: Once the permit has been issued, the contractor may install the sewage treatment system. Post the permit in clear view on your property.
Step 5: After the installation is complete, contact the Health Department for an inspection of the system. To enable a thorough and accurate inspection of the installation, we request that, at minimum, the following not be covered with soil:
If space constraints make it difficult to leave the distribution field completely uncovered, a partial inspection can be scheduled upon completion of the first half of the field and again for the second half of the field.
The final inspection will be conducted through the use of a checklist. A copy of the checklist will be provided upon completion of the inspection. Approval of the system results when all items on the checklist are marked affirmatively. Any item on the checklist rejected will result in a correction needed and reinspection.
Note: If you are installing a new well, there is a separate permit application that needs to be filled out. The fee for this permit application varies and could cost up to $300, depending on well type. The permit is good for one year.
It is strongly recommended that the well site be determined before the septic system is installed and before the house is constructed.