First District Health Unit (FDHU) requires a permit for the installation and/or repair of any part of an onsite sewage treatment system in Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Renville, Sheridan, or Ward Counties. A permit must be received prior to any work done on the system. All work must be completed by a NDDEQ- licensed septic contractor or certified property owner.
The Septic System Permitting Process
A septic permit must be obtained from First District Health Unit when constructing a building that will produce sewage or wastewater, and no existing community septic system is available.
To apply for a septic system permit, fill out the Septic System Permit Application. Provide as much detail as possible when filling out the application and make sure the site has been flagged for utilities and marked for proposed building corners, stub out location, well site(s), and property lines or corners BEFORE submitting your application. Failure to do any of these items may delay the permitting process.
There are three ways to submit your completed application and application fees:
- Via email – click here
- Hand deliver or mail to our Minot office: 801 11th Ave SW, Minot ND 58701
To make a credit card payment over the phone call 701-837-5121.
After the application is processed an Environmental Health Practitioner will conduct a site evaluation of the property, take soil samples, and determine a location and design for your septic system. All septic system designs need to be done or approved by FDHU.
Once the permit and design are complete, you can choose to install your own system or hire a septic contractor licensed by the North Dakota Division of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ). For a list of licensed septic contractors, see the link at the top of the page.
A final inspection must be scheduled prior to backfilling or covering the new system. Either the property owner or contractor must contact First District to schedule the inspection. Without final inspection and approval, the septic system will be considered unapproved and illegal. After the system is installed, the installer must submit an As-Built Form to First District. This form should detail the location and size of the system installed. The form was mailed with the permit and can also be found here.
Installer Requirements
Septic system installers must be 1) licensed as a septic installer by the NDDEQ; or 2) a certified property owner. Requirements for installers can be found on the page Onsite Waste Water Treatment Systems.
Education opportunities
- North Dakota Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NDOWRA) conference
- The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offers a variety of online courses, in-person courses, and a national conference
- University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program Education
Property Owners: Homeowners installing their own septic system
All homeowners installing or repairing their own septic system must obtain a permit as specified above under “The Septic System Permitting Process”.
Prior to installing or repairing their own septic system, a homeowner must be certified through the NOWRA online education system. To access the online training course click here.
Once the course is completed, the course completion certificates must be submitted to the FDHU prior to installing the septic system.
Septic System Owners
For information on understanding how your septic system works and on proper system maintenance, see the First District Health Unit Septic System Owner’s Guide. A copy of this guide is included with every permit. First District recommends that every septic system owner learn about their system and proper maintenance procedures in order to keep the system functioning properly. For additional resources on maintenance and care please visit EPA’s Septic System Care and Maintenance.
Homeowner Resources
Septic Tank Pumpers
All businesses and people engaged in the business of removing and disposing of the solid and liquid contents of septic systems must be licensed by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. Additional septic pumper information and the list of North Dakota permitted septic pumpers is found here.
Mortgage Inspection Services
FDHU no longer offers inspection of septic systems to meet mortgage requirements. Many mortgage companies require an inspection to approve loans on homes that are serviced by septic systems. A list of septic system inspectors can be found here.
Additional Resources:
Additional information about septic pumping can be found at:
For additional questions contact:
Jake Windsor, REHS/RS
Mobile: 701-721-1709
Sarah Meyer, Environmental Health Administrative Assistant II
Office: 701-837-5121
or
Lisa Otto-Westman, Director of Environmental Health
Office: 701-837-5124