Septic Systems
Environmentalists issue permits and conduct inspections of septic systems for public buildings and private homes. Per KRS 211.350, “no person, firm, or corporation shall construct, install, alter, or cause to be constructed, installed, or altered, any on-site sewage disposal system subject to regulation by the Cabinet without having first obtained an on-site sewage disposal permit from the local health department.”
The application process for approved wastewater disposal on private property by means of a septic systems involves regulations adopted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in order to protect ground and surface water supplies and avoid public health nuisances.
The following steps must be initiated prior to any construction beginning on the property. This will allow the owner to find out site limitations, get prices on possible systems, and allow the property owner to meet the requirements of the Cabinet for Health Services.
A building site is chosen for a house, mobile home, or commercial establishment.
An Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Application for Site Evaluation (form DFS-319) must be acquired from the Local Health Department.
For residences: complete number of bedrooms, if a garbage disposal will be installed, and if the house will have a basement.
For commercial: information regarding type of business, number of employees, number of shifts, type of plumbing fixtures proposed, and related information must be included.
The evaluation is conducted in coordination with a backhoe or other type pits.
If the site evaluation results reveal that there is a “usable” area for possible septic system installation, then the designated area is not be disturbed by such actions as grading, heavy equipment traffic, placement of building materials, or any related action. This requirement is to prevent compacting and soil structure damage that could negatively affect the system’s ability to function. Any disturbance of the approved area in the manner described could void the site evaluation. Normal mowing or bush hogging of the are would be allowed, unless otherwise stated in writing by the Certified Inspector.
If the site receives a suitable or provisionally suitable rating, as listed on the Site Evaluation Report (form DFS-321), then an Onsite Sewage Disposal System may be installed.
For Final Approval:
The installed must request an inspection by the Certified Inspector from the Health Department before any of the work is covered.
The system must be installed in accordance with the approved permit specifications in order for final approval to be granted.
Kentucky State Law and local electrical ordinance requires final approval from the Local Health Department before permanent electric hook up can be made.
For more information, please visit:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: A Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems