On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems
Households and businesses that are not served by public sewers usually depend on
an onsite wastewater disposal system, or septic system, 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 the
soil, and 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. Instruction and applications
are provided for both
Residential
and Commercial
buildings that generate less than 10,000 gallons of sewage per day. If you have
questions regarding your existing or proposed septic system, contact the
Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306 and the Sanitarian assigned to
your area will be able to assist you.
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 or cared for. 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
- 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