Hal Owen & Associates Inc., PO Box 400, Lillington, NC 27546
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN
Our staff is qualified to design many types of septic systems, from conventional to pumps to drip. A laser level is used to establish contours across the usable soil area, and potential drainlines are marked with various colored pin flags. We will attempt to design the most cost effective system that site conditions will allow.
Septic System Permitting
Septic Permits
Persons planning to build, alter, or expand a structure from which sewage will be discharged must apply for a septic permit. Septic permits are required to ensure the wastewater system is located and installed in accordance with state law. Prior to installing the septic system, an application must be made for an Improvement Permit (IP) and Construction Authorization (CA).
An Improvement Permit (IP) is issued after the site has been determined to be suitable or provisionally suitable to install a system that meets the provisions of the Laws and Rules for Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems. The IP verifies that a system can be installed on the property and specifies the type and size of the septic system.
A Construction Authorization (CA), sometimes issued concurrently with an Improvement Permit, includes a site sketch and detailed information regarding the proposed system type, location, and construction requirements. The CA is used by the wastewater system contractor to provide cost estimates and install the system.
An Authorization to Operate (ATO) is issued after the system has been installed and inspected. An ATO verifies that the system has been installed properly and in accordance with the IP and CA. The ATO is required to issue a Certificate of Occupancy.
Permitting Pathways
Previously, NC residents only had one option for permitting a subsurface sewage system: the Local Health Department (LHD). Recent changes to the laws and rules governing sewage waste disposal have added private permitting options which allow a Licensed Soil Scientist (LSS), Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE), or Professional Engineers to provide some or all of the services previously provided by the LHD .
NC residents may choose:
- Traditional Permit
- Hybrid Permit
- AOWE Permit
- Engineered Option Permit (EOP)
Applicants may choose to have the LHD handle all aspects of the permitting process (traditional), or use a licensed professional consultant to handle a portion or all of the permitting process. Professional consulting services are especially useful on sites with difficult soil situations or complex wastewater system designs. In some counties, private permitting may lessen the application processing time.
Traditional Permits
Application is made to the Local Health Department (LHD) who completes the soil and site investigation, designs the septic system, issues the IP and CA, inspects the system at installation, and issues the ATO. Permitting fees and review times vary by county. A consultant may provide investigations and reports to facilitate LHD efforts, but all final determinations and permits are issued by the LHD.
Hybrid Permits
Hybrid permits mix aspects of traditional and private permitting.
In accordance with S.L. 2022-11 (S372), an applicant may submit a Licensed Soil Scientist (LSS) report with documentation of soil conditions and site features pursuant to G.S. 130A-335(a1). The report is reviewed for completeness by the LHD, who will issue the IP within 10 business days of receipt of a complete application.
An Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) or Professional Engineer (PE) may design the septic system and provide plans and a report that the LHD uses to issue the CA. The report is reviewed for completeness by the LHD, who will issue the CA within 10 business days of receipt of a complete application.
The applicant may choose to use a licensed professional for either or both the IP and CA,
The installation inspection is conducted by the LHD who issues the ATO.
AOWE Permit
An Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) can prepare signed and sealed soil and site evaluations, specifications, plans, and reports for the site layout, construction, operation, and maintenance of a wastewater system in accordance with § 130A-336.2. The AOWE is responsible for all site and soil evaluations, system design requirements, and inspections associated with this permitting option. The AOWE inspects the septic installation and issues the ATO.
An application is still required to be filed with the LHD, whose responsibility is to review the application for completeness and provide tracking information. A small application fee is due to the LHD.
Engineered Option Permit (EOP)
A Professional Engineer may prepare signed and sealed drawings, specifications, plans, and reports for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the wastewater system. An LSS is required to provide the soil and site investigation and report. The PE inspects the septic installation and issues the ATO.
An application is still required to be filed with the LHD, whose responsibility is to review the application for completeness and provide tracking information. A small application fee is due to the LHD.