Health Department Ready to Help w/Waste Water Discharge Concerns

New rules are in place in the Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Code.  In addition, the US EPA implemented a "general permit for new and replacement discharging waste water treatment systems."

What does this mean for residents of Effingham County?

A permit is still required from Effingham County Health Department to install a new or replacement sewage system.  This is the responsibility of the property owner, but may be obtained by a licensed sewage installation contractor.

A "National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System" (NPDES) permit is required by US EPA if the water from a surface discharging system can even conceivably enter the "Waters of the United States."  It is the sole responsibility of the property owner to determine if this applies to them; and it is their sole responsibility to apply for that permit.

Property owners of all new and replacement systems after January 1, 2014 must document and retain maintenance records for the life of the system.  These records must be available upon request to the Effingham County Health Department.

Others changes are now in force including (but not limited to) a minimum 25-foot separation from a surface discharge to a property line.  In addition, the Effingham County Sewage Ordinance prohibits the water from a surface discharging system onto any neighboring property.

The Effingham County Health Department will assist with any questions you may have regarding these changes.  For more information, contact Donna or Cindy at the Department at 217-342-9237.