On-Site Sewage Services

Procedures for Site Evaluations

When applying for a site evaluation you will need:

Complete an application (applications are available at the Bullitt County Health Department or click here for Application for Site Evaluation).
A copy of the plat with the dimensions of the property.
Cash, check, credit card, online pay, or money order for $250 (farm evaluation $350) made payable to Bullitt County Health Department.
Written directions or map to the property.

An appointment will be set up at this time. You are responsible for having a full-size backhoe and an experienced operator at the site on the day of the appointment. This appointment may be canceled due to inclement weather, such as snow or rain. If these conditions exist, you should verify your appointment by calling 502-955-7867. You will need to make sure that your lot is clearly marked. All property lines must be marked.

When the site evaluation has been completed and you receive the system requirements, a homeowner may apply for the onsite sewage permit if the system will be installed by the homeowner. A Certified Installer must apply for the permit if the homeowner does not install it.

Procedures for Sewage Permit

When applying for a sewage permit you will need:

A certified installer to submit a drawing of the site which should include the proposed structure and the location and size of the system to be installed.
Blueprint (house plans) with the square footage, shape, and dimensions of the structure.
Surveyed footprint that includes the structure location on the lot, all setbacks from the property lines, and any additions to the lot (unattached garages, decks, sheds, etc.).
Cash, check, credit card, online pay, or money order for $275 made payable to Bullitt County Health Department.

A sewage permit will be issued after all of the above have been approved by the environmentalist. The installer will call for an inspection when the system has been installed.

Permits issued during environmentalist hours only, 7:30AM-9:30AM Monday through Friday.

Procedures for Established Sewage Inspection

Fill out existing system form at the health department. You will need to know the type of septic system that has been installed (Tank size and the total length of the lateral lines).
The fee is $75.00 and will be paid to the health department with the form is submitted. An appointment will be made at that time.
You will have to locate the system and the lateral field before the date of the inspection. The septic tank and the lateral lines have to be staked. You can find the tank by probing the ground. If the system is too deep for a probe the ends of the lateral field can be found using a post hole differ. Do not dig up the whole line. A small area with rock exposed will be adequate.
Make a detailed drawing on the back of the existing system form with your signature and date.
An inspector will come out and verify that there is a tank and lateral field on the property and there is no leakage at the time of the inspection. If there is any leakage, the system will be not approved.
If the system is approved, the inspector will give the applicant a copy of the existing system form and the permit approval form to take to planning and zoning.

Do's and Don'ts of Septic Tanks

DO learn the location of your septic tank and drainfield. Keep a sketch of it handy with your maintenance record for service visits.
DO have your septic system inspected annually.
DO have your septic tank pumped out regularly by a licensed contractor.
DO keep your septic tank cover accessible for inspections and pumpings. Install risers if necessary.
DO call a professional whenever you experience problems with your system, or if there are any signs of system failure.
DO keep a detailed record of repairs, pumpings, inspections, permits issued, and other maintenance activities.
DO conserve water to avoid overloading the system. Be sure to repair any leaky faucets or toilets.
DO divert other sources of water, like roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps away from the septic system. Excessive water keeps the soil in the drain field from naturally cleansing the wastewater.

DON'T go down into a septic tank. Toxic gases are produced by the natural treatment processes in septic tanks and can kill in minutes. Extreme care should be taken when inspecting a septic tank, even when just looking at it.
DON'T allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system.
DON'T plant anything over or near the drainfield except grass. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage the drainlines.
DON'T dig in your drainfield or build anything with a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt. The area over the drainfield should have only a grass cover. The grass will not only prevent erosion, but will help remove excess water.
DON'T make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required health department permit. Use professional licensed septic contractors when needed.
DON'T use septic tank additives. These products usually do not help and some may even be harmful to your system.
DON'T use your toilet as a trash can or poison your septic system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals and cleaners down the drain. Harsh chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater.
DON'T use a garbage disposal without checking with your local regulatory agency to make sure that your septic system can accommodate this additional waste.
DON'T allow backwash from home water softeners to enter the septic system.

DO NOT FLUSH

Coffee grinds
Dental floss
Disposable diapers
Kitty Litter
Sanitary napkins
Tampons
Cigarette butts
Condoms
Fat, grease or oil
Paper
Towels

And hazardous chemicals such as:

Paints
Varnishes
Thinners
Waste oils
Photographic solutions
Pesticides

These items can overtax or destroy the biological digestion taking place within your system.

WARNING

Be sure to exercise appropriate caution when inspecting a septic tank. Never allow anyone to inspect a septic tank alone or go down into a septic tank. Toxic gases are produced by the natural treatment processes in septic tanks and can kill in minutes - even just looking in the tank can be dangerous.