Septic Tank System Code Requirements
I think that we can all agree that contaminated drinking water is a very bad thing. Since Untreated Raw Sewage and household wastewater is sometimes the source of contamination, the State of Minnesota regulates Private Septic Systems. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is in charge of Septic Tank System Code Requirements. MPCA Certified Septic Inspectors like Brad Krotzer of CSI Custom Septic, Inc. are approved for providing MN Septic Compliance Inspections as a way of protecting human health, safe drinking water and a healthy environment.
Inspections for Existing Septic System
A septic system that has been in existence for a number of years should have a Septic Compliance Inspection periodically. Many communities require a septic inspection once every 3 years to determine whether the existing septic system is performing effectively. You may also need to have a current Certificate of Compliance (COC) in order to transfer ownership of a property. Criteria for Existing Septic System Compliance Inspections are shown below:
- Protecting of Human Health
- Impact on Ground Water
NOTE: It is important to note that a Certificate of Compliance is not a predictor of the septic system’s future performance. The inspector will only be determining if the private septic system currently meets code requirements.
Triggers for Existing Septic Compliance Inspection
Each local government in Minnesota may have a different set of rules for when a Septic Compliance Inspection is required for Existing Systems. The age of the system may be a factor in determining when and if the septic system needs an updated Septic Compliance Certificate on record. Here is a list of common triggers for needing an Existing Septic System Compliance Inspection:
- Building Permit for adding a bedroom
- Property Transfer when a lender, realtor, buyer or local government asked for a existing system compliance inspection
- Complaint filed for suspected malfunction or resulting contamination of water or soil
Septic System Certificate Of Compliance (COC)
Passing a Existing System Septic Compliance Inspection will get you a Certificate of Compliance (COC) that is good for 3 Years from completion of inspection. COC for New Septic Systems are valid for 5 Years. The MPCA certified septic inspector can provide you with the COC for your records and for the local regulating government office.
Septic System Notice Of Non Compliance (NON)
Failing a Septic Compliance Inspection will result in a Notice of Noncompliance (NON). The NON will state whether the existing onsite septic system is flagged as being an Imminent Threat to Public Health or if it Fails to Protect Groundwater. You would be given a specified amount of time to Repair or Upgrade the system in order to meet septic tank system code requirements and be brought into MPCA Code Compliance.
MPCA Certified Septic Inspections
CSI Custom Septic, Inc. is authorized to provide MPCA Certified Septic Inspections for private septic systems. Our expertise in Septic System Repairs and Upgrades are also approved for several Minnesota communities. MN Septic Compliance Inspectors go a lot more in depth than a routine maintenance visit or home inspector. If you need to get your Certificate of Compliance up to date or improve the performance of a failing system, give CSI a call today!
In Anoka County, Hennepin, Wright and Sherburne County, call CSI Custom Septic, Inc. to schedule and appointment for a Certified Septic Compliance Inspection at: (763) 218-4769
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