Septic

The purpose of the Waste Water Treatment and Disposal Program is to protect the public from infectious disease and prevent contamination of the environment especially ground water by ensuring the proper treatment and disposal of waste water. Onsite sewage systems serve about 25% of homes in the United States.

Large numbers of disease causing organisms are found in the fecal discharges of both ill and apparently healthy individuals. The improper disposal of human excreta is a major factor threatening our environment and our health.

To achieve the Health District’s objectives in this program we:

• Review applications for disposing of waste water,
• Perform onsite evaluations,
• Issue waste water permits,
• Conduct inspections,
• Provide technical assistance and education to the public and those that install septic systems.

The Idaho Administrative Procedures Act (IDAPA) 58 Title 01, Chapter 3 also known as “Rules Governing Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems” states:

“It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or to perform the modifications, repair or construction of any individual or subsurface sewage disposal system within the State of Idaho unless there is a valid installation permit authorizing that activity.”

The only exceptions to this rule are: 1) Portable non-discharging systems may be used on a temporary basis, and 2) individual subsurface sewage disposal systems may be repaired when needed as the result of broken or clogged solid piping or malfunctions in an electrical or mechanical system. Such repair may not expand the system unless authorized.

A Technical Guidance Committee has been appointed to give specific guidelines to assist in the interpretation of the above mentioned rules and have published the Technical Guidance Manual and updates.