Environmental Health

On-Site Sewage Management

Environmental Health regulates on-site sewage management systems to ensure their correct installation and proper repair.  New on-site systems must be permitted and inspected prior to use.  Site reviews of individual and subdivision lots are conducted prior to permitting.  A plan review may also be carried out.  Not all lots are suitable for on-site sewage management.  These reviews are conducted to ensure that the lots are suitable for on-site sewage management, and that installation of an appropriate system is planned.  Records of all approved on-site sewage management systems are kept in the County Environmental Health Office.  Environmental Health regulation of these systems is designed to minimize health problems related to untreated human sewage, and helps protect groundwater, drinking water, and surface water from harmful organisms and chemicals that may cause people to become ill.

Understanding Your Septic System (video)

Environmental Health is responsible for regulating individual residential and smaller commercial septic systems (<10,000 gal of water per day). Large systems (>10,000 gpd) are regulated by the GA Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Environmental Health is also responsible for regulating the pumpers and haulers who remove on-site septage and portable toilet waste.

Environmental Health also permits and inspects septic systems that need to be modified or expanded. When an on-site system fails or malfunctions, such as when raw sewage appears on top of the ground, Environmental Health works with property owners to resolve the issue.  The Environmental Health Specialist investigates any related septic failure complaints and recommends enforcement and corrective action in conjunction with environmental laws.

Chapter 511-3-1 – Rules and Regulations governing Georgia On-Site Sewage Management

For information on the septic permit application process and applicable fees, please contact the local Environmental Health Office.  Office Contact Page for selection of appropriate county information.

You may additionally refer to the checklist below:
On-Site Checklist

For more information about On-Site Sewage Management, please visit the State Environmental Health website.

Certified Lists
Septic Tank Installers
Septic Tank Pumpers
Portable Sanitation Providers
Soil Classifiers