Septic tanks provide a small-scale alternative to municipal water treatment facilities.
On-site septic systems treat sewage from a home or business not connected to a municipal sewer. Septic systems have existed for decades in rural Michigan and are safe and inexpensive when used properly. Michigan laws cover the creation, use, maintenance and closing of septic tanks.
Installing a New Septic System
Homeowners wishing to install a new septic system must first contact their county's Department of Public Health for testing and a permit. The Department of Public Health will measure the area planned for the new septic system and take soil samples to determine whether it can operate safely without endangering groundwater or local wildlife.
Most counties have specific rules regarding how close a septic tank can be to buildings, buried utility lines, and property lines. Your county Department of Health can advise you on the rules that apply to your property.
Maintaining a Septic System
All septic tanks eventually require maintenance that only a septage waste service person licensed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) can provide. Law requires the service person to follow the licensing and practice laws in Part 117 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, as well as federal regulations in Title 40, Part 503 of the Code of Federal Regulation.
To be eligible for a license, the applicant must have completed at least 10 hours of training within the two years before applying for the license. Licenses for septic system service people and their trucks are good for five years and are non-transferable.
When a Septic System Fails
If your septic system appears to be overflowing, slowing down, or backing up, Michigan law requires you to report the problem to the county Department of Public Health immediately. Health officials will examine the problem and tell you if you need to hire a service person or perform other work on the septic system.
Tags: septic system, county Department, Department Public, Department Public Health, Public Health, Septic System
