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.
Traditional Permits
Traditional Permitting Process
Application is made to the Local Health Department (LHD) who completes the soil and site investigation, designs the septic system, and inspects the system at installation. 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.
There are 3 different permits in the traditional septic permitting process:
- 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 Operation Permit (OP) is issued after the system has been installed and inspected. An OP verifies that the system has been installed properly and in accordance with the IP and CA. The OP is required to issue a Certificate of Occupancy.
Private Permits
AOWE Permit
An Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) will prepare signed and sealed soil and site evaluations, specifications, plans, and reports for the site layout, construction, operation, and maintenance of a wastewater system. 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 provides an inspection report and operations and management program to the owner.
The applicant files a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the LHD that they intend to use a private AOWE permit by filling out the LHD application and providing them with the AOWE permit package. A small application fee is due to the LHD. The LHD will assign a tracking number and has 5 days to review the application for completeness.
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 provides an inspection report and operations and management program to the owner.
The applicant files a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the LHD that they intend to use a private EOP by filling out the LHD application and providing them with the EOP permit package. A small application fee is due to the LHD. The LHD will assign a tracking number and has 5 days to review the application for completeness.
Hybrid Permits
Hybrid Permits (A2 Permits)
Hybrid permits mix aspects of traditional and private permitting. N.C.G.S. 130A-335(a2) allows the LHD to issue Improvement Permits (IP) and Construction Authorizations (CA) based upon detailed reports prepared by a licensed professional (e.g. Licensed Soil Scientist (LSS), Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE), or Professional Engineer (PE)). 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 Operation Permit (OP).
An application should be filed with the LHD for a Hybrid (A2) Permit, and the LSS/AOWE reports attached to the application. An application fee is due to the LHD. The LHD will issue the IP and/or the CA within 10 business days of receipt of a complete application.