Environmental Health
On-Site Sewage Treatment/Disposal
The purpose of the On-Site Sewage Treatment/Disposal (OSTDS) program is to protect the public from sewage-borne diseases and protect groundwater and surface water from becoming polluted with sewage. Environmental Health evaluates sites to determine if the soil is capable of treating the sewage to kill harmful bacteria and viruses and reduce the amount of nitrate released into groundwater.
In addition, Environmental Health issues permits for construction of On-Site Sewage Treatment/Disposal Systems (also called septic systems) and privies. It also evaluates existing OSTDSs to determine compliance with current codes for property transfers or those property owners seeking to increase sewage flows or connect a new dwelling to an existing OSTDS.
