Renewal of Sewage Treatment Operation Permits
Under requirements set forth in Ohio Administrative Code 3701-29 (Rule 3701-29-09, Section I,4), “an operation permit shall expire at the frequency determined by the board of health, not to exceed ten years”. The Union County Board of Health has established renewal of operation permits every five years (Union County Local Supplement to Sewage Treatment Rules). Renewal permits are mailed to residents in the fall of years ending in 0 and 5.
Renewing Operation Permits for Sewage Treatment Systems
Property owners can renew their operation permit by clicking on the blue “Renew Permit” button at the top of this page. This button will direct you to an online portal where you can pay for your renewal permit.
Prefer Not to Pay Online?
Please cut off the top portion of your renewal bill and return it along with a check made out to the Union County Health Department by Dec. 31, 2024.
- Checks Payable To: Union County Health Department
- Mail/Drop Off Checks To: Union County Health Department, 940 London Ave, Suite 1100, Marysville, OH 43040
- Payment Due By Dec. 31, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions:
Sewage Treatment System Operation Permits
Who must renew their sewage treatment system operation permit?
- All homeowners (and some businesses) in Union County who have a sewage treatment system.
- If you are connected to a public sanitary sewer, you received this notice in error. Please contact our office and ask to be removed from our billing list.
Why have you received this permit fee?
- The state of Ohio passed new laws and rules effective Jan. 1, 2015 that require all household sewage treatment systems to be added to an operation and maintenance program (OAC 3701-29).
- The state law requires regular permit renewals and inspections as part of the operation and maintenance (O&M) program.
- The law mandates local health departments create a process for renewal and inspection.
Why did the state law change?
- In 2012, the state conducted a survey and found nearly one-third of all private septic systems in Ohio were failing – meaning the system was discharging raw sewage onto the ground or into surface water.
- In an effort to protect the quality of water in Ohio, the Ohio legislature adopted new laws requiring Ohio sewage rules to be updated. The new rules set minimum standards for septic system installation and a process to monitor all systems. By monitoring all systems, failing systems can be identified, and in many cases, incremental changes can be made to lengthen the life of the system.
What is the permit cycle?
- In Union County, permits are renewed every five years. This permit is valid for years 2020-2024. The next permit will be renewed at the end of 2024 for years 2025 through 2029.
- More information regarding the O&M program can be viewed on our website:
http://www.uchd.net/septic-systems/operation-and-maintenance-o-m-program
I rent my home. Do I still need to pay this permit?
- It is the responsibility of the homeowner to pay the fee. Please give this notice to your landlord or contact our office and provide contact information for the homeowner.
How can I pay for my permit fee?
- Pay online using the blue button at the top of this webpage. You will create a free account in our online portal and then follow the prompts to submit payment.
- Mail a check made payable to the Union County Health Department to Union County Health Department, Attn: O&M Program, 940 London Ave, Suite 1100, Marysville, OH 43040.
- Stop by our office Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to pay by cash, credit card or check.
What happens if I don’t pay my permit fee (and inspection fee if I have an aerator)?
- Ohio Revised Code 3709.09 states the board of health shall assess a penalty if payment is not made by the due date. The amount of the penalty shall be 25% of the fees.
- Ohio Revised Code 3709.091 states the health commissioner may certify the unpaid permit fee and any associated late fees to the county auditor to be assessed to the property tax.
Do I need an inspection?
- Inspections are only currently required for aerator systems and drip systems.
- For aerator systems, maintaining a contract with a registered service provider fulfills the inspection requirement.
- For drip systems and NPDES aerator systems, maintaining a service contract is required per Ohio Administrative Code and fulfills the inspection requirement.
