An on-site septic system is used when a city sewer connection is not available. A septic system is a wastewater treatment system that collects, treats, and disposes of wastewater. A septic system consists of two main parts, a primary treatment unit, and a soil absorption field.
The primary treatment unit or septic tank operates through the bacterial breakdown of sewage solids. After breakdown has occurred effluent is discharged to the lateral field for disposal and further treatment.
The absorption or lateral field is the final step in the wastewater treatment process. The lateral field treats the wastewater by allowing it to trickle down through the soil.
How to Size a Septic System?
The size and type of septic system are determined by two main factors:
1. The amount of water anticipated to be discharged into the system on a daily basis (number of bedrooms is used to determine this).
2. The site evaluation, which is performed by a certified inspector.
How to get a Septic System / Repair a Septic System?
1. Apply for a site evaluation.
Visit the Local Health Department during normal office hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 am-9:30 am) and complete a site evaluation application (application fee $227.00). Please have information such as number of bedrooms, acreage of property and location of the property. *Backhoe pits are required for inspectors to complete site evaluations. Floor plan is required.
2. Contact a Certified Septic System Installer.
A list of certified installers can be provided by the Local Health Department. The installer will then use the site evaluation to design and layout the system, including a proposed drawing listing all setbacks and grade shots. A Certified Inspector will issue a permit to the Certified Installer to construct the system (permit fee $271.00).
3. Final Inspection by the Local Health Department.
After the installation of the septic system is complete, a Certified Inspector from the Local Health Department will conduct a final inspection of the system. The inspector will determine if the system has been constructed according to the permit and meets the requirements of the Kentucky Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Regulations.