Health Dept. Urges Homeowners to Act before Sewage Rules Change

Aeration system with required upflow filter

DARKE, COUNTY- On January 1, 2014, new septic regulations may go into effect in the State of Ohio. Within the proposed rule package, the way the Health Dept. may allow the alteration of septic systems will change. Existing homes with aeration systems that lack the required upflow filter that go through a Health Department inspection will no longer be able to add the upflow filter. This is significant for homeowners considering room additions, remodels, land splits or home sales involving Health Department approval of the septic system.

If there is adequate space and soils are approved, the entire septic system will be converted to an on-lot system (i.e. leachfield or mound). If the lot is too small for an on-lot system, or if the soils are not adequate, the system will have to be replaced with a system that meets National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements and must be permitted through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The NPDES system requires a service contract with a registered service provider, annual sampling, and possible upgrades every five years to meet current Ohio EPA NPDES regulations.

The Health Department recommends homeowners with aeration systems that do not have the required upflow filter consider adding it to their system now. If a homeowner is approved to add the upflow filter by December 31, 2013, they have until December 31, 2014 to purchase their septic alteration permit. Once the permit is purchased, the homeowner has one year to install the upflow filter.

Any questions regarding the changes in the sewage regulations or about septic systems can be directed to Liz Farver, RS at the Health Department (937) 548-4196 ext. 233.