The Sewage Treatment Systems program at Richland Public Health protects homeowners and home builders throughout the county from potentially problematic residential and small flow onsite sewage systems.
The Sewage Treatment Systems program provides: site reviews, permits, and inspections for new, replacement or altered systems, and investigates complaints/malfunctioning systems.
Public sewage systems are those systems in households connected to a centralized sewerage system. Public systems are not maintained by Richland Public Health. Public sewage systems are regulated by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
Sewage Treatment Systems Program
Private sewage systems are those found in households that are not served by centralized sewerage. Small flow systems are systems other than household systems that treat and dispense not more than 1000 gallons of wastewater per day on the site where it is produced. The Richland Public Health Board of Health, with the help of the Sewage Treatment Systems program, maintains and regulates private sewage systems following the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Administrative Code.
Services
- Approval of lot specifications and system placement as defined by the Ohio Revised Code and the rules of the Richland Public Health District.
- Review of site and soil evaluation to determine sewage treatment system design acceptability.
- Consultation on functioning and malfunctioning systems.
- Maintains records of new, replaced, or altered sewage and septic systems.
- Investigates sewage treatment system complaints
An opportunity for a hearing will be provided upon written request to any landowner affected regarding the denial of an installation, operation, or alteration permit for a sewage treatment system; the imposition of a condition on the installation of a sewage treatment system; the required replacement of a sewage treatment system; or any other final order or decision of a board of health that is made under Chapter 3718. of the Revised Code concerning that which a property owner is claiming to be aggrieved or adversely affected.
Soil and Site Evaluations
A soil/site evaluation conducted by an approved soil professional provides information on soil characteristics and properties to sewage treatment system designers and/or contractors. Sewage treatment system designers use soil reports to prepare design plans unique to a property’s features. The soil reports(s) and the system design plan are provided to the health department for review to ensure compliance with the state rules and regulations. The assigned Environmental Health Specialist then conducts a site review to validate the plan prior to authorizing a permit to install, replace or alter the sewage treatment system.
Inspections
The Environmental Division issues permits for installing new, replacement or alterations on sewage treatment systems. Prior to a new, replacement or alteration on a sewage treatment system, a Health Department Environmental Health Specialist will go onsite to conduct a final compliance inspection of the installation. During the inspection, the Environmental Health Specialist will confirm items such as where the private sewage system is located, the size and kind of system. Records of private sewage system installations, replacements and alterations after 1934 are kept on file at the Health Department. Records are retrievable by address, permit number and/or the original land owner’s name.
Investigations & Consultations
The sewage treatment system division also investigates complaints and provides consultation on failing or malfunctioning systems. In these circumstances, the Environmental Health Specialist will investigate the case in order to identify the problem and provide guidance to the property owner for correction.
Sewage and Septic Rules and Regulations
Site Evaluation / Design Review Application
Payment for site evaluation and design review are due at the time of application.
Sewage and Septic Knowledge
Resources
Soil Scientists/Soil Evaluators
Provided is a list of Ohio’s approved Soil Scientists and Soil Evaluators.
Registered Sewage Treatment Companies
Provided is a list of Ohio’s approved Soil Scientists and Soil Evaluators.
Water Pollution Control Loan Fund
Richland Public Health has received funding from Ohio EPA for Household Sewage Treatment Systems (HSTS).
Homeowners in Richland County can repair or replace their HSTS with funding from the Ohio EPA, which recently awarded a $150,000 loan to the County. This loan is principal forgiveness and does not require repayment.
The program initiative will help low to moderate-income residents by repairing or replacing failing HSTS’s at an affordable cost. In addition to addressing potential health concerns, local water quality will benefit from the improvements. This funding can also be used to assist homeowners that want to connect to an existing sanitary sewer and properly abandon their HSTS.
The following criteria must be met:
- Gross household income must meet the program criteria (see application)
- The sewage system must be failing and verified by RPH
- Applicant must be the homeowner
- Property taxes must be current
- Rental properties, new-build homes, and homes advertised for sale are not eligible
Applications selected will be based on the severity of the HSTS failure followed by financial need and the number of applications. Applications will be accepted through the duration of the grant program or until all grant funding is expended.
Please contact Richland Public Health for questions or to obtain an application for WPCLF funds.
Shelby residents are encouraged to contact the Shelby City Health Department for further information
NOTE: There is no cost to apply for the program.
