Permit Fees for Septic Systems
Permit for installation of new construction septic system = $60.00
Permit for installation of repair/replacement/addition/renovation of an existing site = $30.00
Renewable Operating permit (2011 rule 410 IAC 6-8.2) will be required on systems not described in the 2011 rule 410 IAC 6-8.2 which authorized these permits = $0.00
To obtain a permit, you need to make an appointment with the Marshall County Health Department Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Please call 574-935-8565. (Site plan must already be approved to do so.)
Permitting Requirements:
The first step in getting a septic permit for any location in Marshall County is to have the site evaluated to see if it has suitable soil for a septic system. The regulations that we follow, enacted in January 2001, require that an on-site soils analysis (site survey) be done. This site survey may have been done already and we will have a record of this. To locate the survey we will need information on the site, the applicants name, subdivision and lot, or adequate directions (township, section, parcel number, etc.) that can be used to locate a soil survey. Even if an evaluation has been done in the past, the department may require a new soil evaluation if the site has been changed in any way or a number of years have passed.
New Construction – If the site is for new construction site or a commercial system, a soil scientist must evaluate the site. A list of soil scientists that work in this area on a regular basis can be provided by the department or the full state list can be obtained at http://www.isco.purdue.edu/irss/roster.html A copy of the soil scientist report is to be sent to our department so we can review it and determine whether the parcel is suitable for a septic system. If a preliminary approval is given, the department will send you a letter stating the requirements/recommendations to design a proper system. If disapproved, a letter will be sent stating the reasons why an approval can’t be given and what steps you can take to the appeal the decision.
Repair Systems – If a repair or replacement system is being applied for and a site survey has not been done, our office or a soil scientist may do this for you. An appointment can be made with the environmentalist to meet you at the site to perform the evaluation. A preliminary approval letter will be sent. The system recommended in the letter will be a system that treats the sewage and not just allows the drains to work; the goal is a “to code” system.
If a repair site is turned down for a conventional system, we will tell you why it was rejected and what the possible options are. One option is having a certified soil scientist make an evaluation (as described in the previous paragraph) to see if an alternative septic system may be possible.
If your site is preliminarily approved, your recommendation letter will have the type of system that can be approved for the soil conditions; it does not guarantee it will fit on the lot. The letter will give a contractor enough information for a bid and to proceed with designing a system for your lot. The permitting process will require a site plan of development to be drawn detailing the number of bedrooms, dimensions, and locations of lot lines, house, well, and other details to show how the system can meet code requirements. It is best that a septic contractor or someone with an understanding of the septic regulations draw this site plan in order to get it done correctly the first time. The site should also be fenced to protect it from damage that could void the approval. If you have any questions, please contact us at (574)935-8565. On-site meetings with you and/or your contractor can be arranged, if necessary.
These requirements may be confusing or seem stringent; however, this is the only way we can ensure that septic systems are installed properly. In reality, the 2011 regulations open up new areas for development that were unsuitable before. This is possible through the use of new treatment technologies. (I.e. drip irrigation, aeration treatment units, etc.) Because of the complexity of these systems, a certified soil scientist is required to do the on site soils analysis when any new technologies are to be used; operating permits may also be required. We will then send you the recommendation letter after receiving an original copy of their report.
The site plan of development must be submitted to our office for approval. Upon approval of this site plan, an appointment must be made to get your septic permit. At that time, the approved site plan or blueprints, the permit application fee, recorded easements (if required) and a copy of the recorded deed to the property is needed.
If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact our office. A meeting with you and/or your contractor at the building site can also be set up to answer any of your questions, if that is necessary.
Sign-off existing requirements;
To utilize an existing septic system for the replacement of a dwelling, a one bedroom addition to the existing dwelling, or for any renovation of the house, regardless of whether it changes the number of bedrooms, the following requirements apply:
1. The septic tank shall be pumped by a state licensed pumper. The amount of effluent pumped shall be noted. The septic pumper or a system inspector
2. The tank shall be in good working order and shall be concrete or ISHD approved, and approved for the size of the dwelling.
3. The field system shall be in good working order, and if no record of a past permit is available, proof of an adequate system may be required.
4. Attention! Septic systems are sized by bedrooms and a one bedroom increase, while allowed, will actually make your system undersized for the house; this must be disclosed as a deficiency to future buyers and realtors. (Any addition to the home that doesn’t include a proper septic upgrade is done so at the owner’s risk)
All the above information shall be put in writing by the septic tank pumper or inspector. The property owner’s name and the location of the property where the inspection was done shall also be stated. If the release criteria can’t be met, a repair/replacement system must be installed after obtaining a septic permit from the Marshall County Health Department.
If the number of bedrooms or bedroom equivalents is increasing by more than one, the septic system will have to be upgraded to accommodate and treat the increased amount of effluent.
After the above requirements are completed, please contact the department at 574-935-8565 to schedule an appointment to sign-off existing septic systems. Also, feel free to call us if you have any questions concerning this matter.
Homeowner septic system information Homeowner’s Guide to SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Register of approved soil scientists go to http://www.isco.purdue.edu/irss/roster.html
Publications about septic systems are found at Purdue at http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/ageng.htm#13a.
For commercial applications go to http://www.in.gov/isdh/files/general_construction.pdf
To obtain a permit, you need to make an appointment with the Marshall County Health Department by calling 574-935-8545 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays).
