On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems

Households and businesses that are not served by public sewers usually depend on onsite wastewater disposal systems, or septic systems, to treat and dispose of their wastewater. Proper design, installation, and maintenance are critical for the prevention of pollution and disease caused by human waste.

St. Clair County has approximately 30,000 homes with septic systems. If left unattended a failing system can become a major source of fecal coliforms in soil, ground and surface water. Management is the key to a lasting septic system.

Permit Instructions
Prior to installing or repairing a septic system, you must obtain a sewage permit from the St. Clair County Health Department. If you have questions regarding your existing or proposed septic system, contact Environmental Health at (810) 987-5306 and the Sanitarian assigned to your area will be able to assist you.

Instruction and applications are provided for both Residential and Commercial buildings that generate less than 10,000 gallons of sewage per day. Sites that generate between 10,000 and 20,000 gallons

Care and Maintenance
Your system is not the same as a municipal sewer; it has a limited life expectancy, and its life expectancy can be drastically reduced if the system is improperly used. Your septic system should give you many years of trouble-free service if properly used and maintained. Maintenance is much less costly than replacement!

How to Avoid a Problem The following pointers can help you prevent problems with your sewage system.

Have your tank pumped once every 3 – 5 years Use water efficiently Manage what goes down drains. Garbage disposals are not recommended. Protect your drainfield. Do not drive on, park, or plant trees on your drainfield,

Do you have a problem? If a sewage system fails, obvious signs appear. Be aware of them! Toilets back up Drains won't drain Excessive moisture or waste water surfaces over the drainfield Foul odors emanate from the drainfield or septic tank Additional Resoutces Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency