Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems
Rochester Olmsted County Inspections Division administers the septic system ordinance through the Public Health Regulation #41 and MN Rules Chapter 7080. Olmsted County regulations pertaining to septic systems are coordinated with the requirements of the Minnesota's Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems Program (SSTS) and provides the following program services:
- Design review of new onsite wastewater treatment systems
- Design review of repairs and modifications to existing on-site wastewater treatment systems
- Installation inspections of onsite wastewater treatment systems
- Maintain design records for properties using onsite wastewater treatment systems
- Respond to citizen complaints of failing onsite wastewater treatment systems
- Provide coordinated review with other agencies for projects that require Environmental Quality Reviews
The purpose of regulating the design, installation, and maintenance of septic systems (onsite wastewater treatment systems) is to prevent public health nuisance conditions caused by failing on-site wastewater treatment systems. The program's goals are:
- Ensure that these systems can operate in all weather conditions with minimal maintenance
- Maintain water quality by preventing the contamination of groundwater from improperly designed onsite wastewater treatment systems
- Prevent the contamination of surface water from improperly designed onsite wastewater treatment systems
- Prevent premature failure of onsite wastewater treatment systems