First District Health Unit’s (FDHU) primary goal with the onsite sewage treatment system inspection and design program is to ensure public health and the environment.
- FDHU is responsible for planning, designing and inspecting of any and all septic systems (onsite sewage treatment systems) within the FDHU’s region.
- When constructing a building that will have any sewage or wastewater produced, you must first contact FDHU to obtain a septic system permit prior to receiving a building permit.
- FDHU currently requires lots that will have onsite sewage treatment systems to be no less than one acre, except where local laws require more.
FDHU also inspects existing onsite sewage treatment systems (septic systems) for proper functioning and compliance with local regulations.
- Malfunctioning systems that are a menace to public health, are deemed a nuisance and must be repaired or replaced.
- Malfunctioning systems are systems that directly discharge sewage (from any point in their construction) on to the ground, into surface waters or drainages, or that backup into buildings.
- All wastewater (including laundry wastes) must be discharged into an approved septic/holding tank for pumping or disposal into an approved drain field.
- By law, all repairs or replacements of an onsite sewage system must be approved by FDHU.
Septic Tank Pumpers
- All businesses and people engaged in the business of removing and disposing of the solid and liquid contents of onsite sewage treatment systems must be licensed by the State Department of Health.
Mortgage Inspection Services
- FDHU offers inspection and sampling services for mortgage requirements of wells, and onsite sewage treatment systems for a fee of $35/hour, mileage, and cost of a water test.
- Many mortgage companies require an inspection to approve loans on homes that are serviced by onsite sewage treatment systems.
Contractor Licensing and Education
All onsite systems contractors must be licensed by FDHU in order to install, repair, or replace systems within FDHU’s region. They also must obtain continuing education at least once every two years. Contact FDHU for information on upcoming seminars.
Through licensing and permitting, all systems should be installed in a manner that will prolong the lifespan of the systems through higher quality installations. There is also less potential environmental damage to ground and surface waters, as well as public health. It also provides homeowners with a method to compare competitive bids on their system (contractors should be bidding the same size and specifications).
FDHU contact information:
Phone: #701-852-1376
E-mail: click on the contact us link above
For more information regarding onsite sewage treatment, log onto the following websites:
