Operation & Maintenace
(O&M) Program
Program Overview
In January 2015, the Ohio Department of Health adopted new rules regarding private sewage treatment systems (STSs) in Ohio (Ohio Revised Code: 3718 and Ohio Administrative Code: Chapter 3701-29). These rules require each health department and/or district across the state to implement a local Operation and Maintenance (O&M) program to monitor and ensure the proper function of STSs in their jurisdictions.
For frequently asked questions (FAQs) about HCPH's O&M Program click here.
Program Effective Date: March 25th, 2019
The O&M program will require every STS in the county to have an O&M permit. Permits will ensure systems are monitored and maintained on a regular basis so that failing systems may be identified and addressed. A STS that is not properly functioning can release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals into the groundwater and local waterways. This poses a risk of spreading various diseases in the community, as well as, polluting drinking water and the environment.
A general overview of the O&M Program can be found below.
Program Entry Points
All Huron County properties with a Sewage Treatment System (STS) will be entered into the state-mandated O&M Program by one of the following ways:
Property Transfer
Properties that transfer ownership after
March 25th, 2019 will be entered into the program.
There are exemptions to this entry point.
Self-Entry
Huron County residents may elect to be entered into the program early by contacting HCPH:
419-668-1652 Ext. 507
Public Health Nuisance
If a STS is found to be causing a public health nuisance according to Ohio Revised Code 3718, the property will be entered into the program.
Risk Priority
HCPH will use risk factors such as the age of the system, potential waterway contamination, and other factors to determine the order in which all other STSs in the county will be entered in the program.
Existing Installation Permits
Once a property is entered into the O&M program, HCPH will determine if an existing installation permit is on file for the property. If no permit is on file, property owners may choose to have a STS component verification completed.
To find out if you have an existing installation permit on file for your property call 567-244-3239.
If a property's STS does not have an existing installation permit, property owners choose not to verify components, or components cannot be verified, a STS will need to be installed on the property.
Evaluation
STSs that have an existing installation permit or whose components are able to be verified will be evaluated to determine if the system is causing a public health nuisance according to Ohio Revised Code 3718.
If no nuisance is found, an O&M permit will be issued. If a nuisance is found to be occurring, the property owner will need to work with HCPH to repair and/or replace their STS to eliminate the public health nuisance.