The Environmental Health section issues permit for private sewage disposal systems and inspect new construction of private sewage septic disposal systems. The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. They also provide information on health hazards such as improper solid and hazardous waste disposal. They work closely with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the Indiana State Department of Health.
- What steps need to be taken to install a NEW septic system?
MANDATORY STEPS FOR OBTAINING A SEPTIC PERMIT IN WASHINGTON COUNTY INDIANA
- Request and receive a Driveway Permit, from the Washington County Highway Department, located at 600 Anson St, Salem, IN 47167, 812-883-3538, prior to obtaining a Septic Permit.
- Property owner or agent must fill out an application for the Septic Permit and pay the Septic Permit Fee of $100.00, before the permit may be issued. Please also provide a legal description of the real estate and a COPY OF THE CURRENT RECORDED DEED OF RECORD AS FILED WITH THE WASHINGTON COUNTY RECORDER’S OFFICE, AS PROOF OF OWNERSHIP. (Must contain parcel number and address if it has been issued one). A copy of the issued Septic Permit will automatically be sent over to the Washington County Building Department for your convenience.
- Must have a Certified Soil Scientist perform a soil test. (List attached)
- Choose Septic Installer. The Septic Installer must contact WCHD Environmentalist and complete a plan review prior to issuing the septic system construction permit. Washington County’s plan review form or a septic component manufacturer’s form that provides similar clarity and detail must be used for submittal.
- Stake out location of septic system with flags to prevent heavy equipment from driving over site while house is under construction.
- Obtain your building permit by taking your Septic Permit, and proper documentation of land ownership, to the Washington County Building Department, located at 601 Anson St, Salem, IN 47167, 812-883-0139.
- Obtain your911 addressfrom Washington County Addressing, 601 Anson St, Salem, IN 47167, 812-883-4962.
- How can I find a septic system installer?
Please be aware that the Washington County Health Department does not endorse or recommend any of the contractors/installers listed below.
You are not required to use any installer on the provided list.
- How can I find a soil scientist?
The Indiana Department of Health requires soil testing for the installation of a septic system for both repairs and new installations.
- How can I get my existing septic system inspected? (Placing a new structure on site or general inspection)
A homeowner may wish to replace a modular home with a newer home, add onto an existing structure, or replace the existing home due to a catastrophic event that has damaged it beyond repair. It's possible that you won't need to replace or invest in a new septic system if you already have one on the property. An Existing Septic System Verification Form must be filled out and submitted to this office by a homeowner who wishes to replace a structure. Prior to inspection, the septic tank ports or risers must be exposed, and the lids must be removed; please refer to the diagram in the packet for assistance in locating these items. Failure to uncover and have lids easily removable will delay the inspection process.
Once this office has been notified that the lids and tanks are accessible, an environmentalist will inspect them and issue an approval or denial letter based on their findings.
A Septic System Application must be completed and a repair/replacement will be required if the septic system is found to be non-functional. Please contact an environmentalist at 812-883-5603 ext. 4 if the system is determined to be non-functional for assistance and possible solutions.
- How can I get on the Septic System Installer's List?
How to get on the Septic Installer’s List
Contact us at 812-883-5603 Ext. 4
- What steps do I need to take to REPAIR my septic system?
- The Homeowner or agent must fill out an application for a Septic System Repair Permit with the Washington County Health Department. There is no charge for this.
- The Homeowner, Washington County Environmental Specialist, and the Septic Installer must agree on what repairs are to be performed on the system to correct the septic failure. (Installer list attached).
- If no soil report is on file and repairs must be made to absorption field, then a soil test must be performed by a soil scientist.
- A plan design for a repair of the onsite septic system must be submitted to the Health Department for approval. The plan must meet all provisions of the Indiana Septic Code (410 IAC 6-8.3).
- A repair permit will be issued after the design plan is approved. The Washington County Environmental Specialist will then give the final project approval when the repair has been successfully complete.