A.
Soil investigations as required by this chapter shall be conducted
by an authorized representative of the Health Department or other
professional persons acceptable to the health authority. Professional
persons shall be acceptable only after they have demonstrated the
ability to perform soil investigations according to this code and
demonstrate the ability to analyze the physical characteristics of
soils. The Health Department reserves the right to have professional
persons submit credentials and other related information as need be
to the Soil and Water Conservation District. If a soil investigation
is performed by and at the expense of the Health Department, the Department
is authorized to charge a reasonable fee.
B.
The soil survey of Stephenson County, prepared by the Natural Resources
Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture,
shall be the official source of information about soils in Stephenson
County. A table based on data supplied by the soil survey and interpreted
by the Health Department is on file in the Health Department and will
be reviewed on an annual basis by representatives of the Health Department
in conjunction with representatives of the Soil and Water Conservation
District. The table establishes the criteria to be used in determining
the suitability of specific soils for constructing and sizing subsurface
sewage systems; the criteria apply as a minimum. Field confirmation
of the soil type by soil investigations is required. Soil borings
performed with hand equipment as part of the site evaluation by persons
authorized by the Health Department will be accepted. The borings
must penetrate to a depth of at least five feet below the finished
grade in the proposed seepage field area to identify soil characteristics
which may influence the operation of a private sewage system. A minimum
of three soil borings shall be performed in the area of the approved
drainfield site. The results of the soil investigation shall be reported
on a form approved by the Health Department.
The application to the Department shall include names of individuals/corporations/etc.
who are proposing the subdivision and a written plan detailing what
the proposed division will entail in regard to lot size and roads.
Upon completion of the evaluation, the Department reserves the right
to determine those areas which appear suitable for development and
those areas where changes or improvements must be made by the developer
before final approval is made. The Department shall reserve the right
to reject the proposed subdivision or to require the developer to
agree in writing to supply centralized water and sewer before final
approval by the Department is made. The Department will supply to
the owners and/or developers all the pertinent reports, etc. the Department
uses to make its final determination. The developers can appeal the
final decision to the Board of Health and can submit additional information
pertinent to the proposed development in the appeal.
Before a soil investigation application is approved and conducted,
a property owner or his/her representative must:
A.
Place flags at the four corners of the specific site for the soil
investigation;
B.
Place one flag at the road frontage;
C.
Fully complete the provided application form;
D.
Submit a map with all required details as stated on the application;
and
E.
Payment in full is due upon acceptance of the application.
It is the property owner's responsibility to maintain the
location and integrity of the approved site by cordoning off the site.
When the representative of the Health Department discovers that the
flags at the approved site have been changed contrary to the plans
previously accepted by the Health Department, he/she shall leave the
site and not return until another permit application has been submitted
to the Health Department. If the approved site has been compromised
by excavation or heavy equipment traffic, a new soil investigation
shall be required.
When an undeveloped property is determined to consist of soils
with severe limitations and does not meet minimum standards for unconventional
systems established by the State of Illinois, a permit to construct
a private sewage system may be denied. An on-site soil investigation
shall be required to determine soil limitations. If the soils meet
established minimal standards for a private sewer system but do not
sufficiently meet standards for the installation of conventional system,
then an unconventional system may be proposed to overcome the soils'
severe limitations. A plan for an unconventional system on an undeveloped
parcel shall be rendered and stamped by an engineer.
[Amended 9-10-2003 by Ord. No. 03-29-277]
The minimum standards promulgated under authority granted in
the current Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act and Code,
225 ILCS 225/1 et seq., along with the provisions of this chapter,
shall be applied equally to the private sewage system contractor,
whether installing or servicing a private sewage system for a commercial
establishment or an individual residence.
A.
An aerobic treatment plant shall not be allowed for new development
unless discharging to an approved drainfield. An aerobic treatment
plant may be used for reconstruction or modification if there is limited
space available for a full-size drainfield or specific soil limitation
exists. Under special circumstances, a variance may be granted for
surface discharge for replacement systems only.
(1)
All private unconventional sewage disposal systems shall require
a consumer notification to be attached as an exhibit to the property
deed or plat of survey (for subdivision lots) alerting the owner or
prospective owner that an unconventional sewage disposal system has
been or will need to be installed on the parcel. Proof of recording
of said consumer notification shall be required prior to permit approval
by SCHD.
B.
An aerobic treatment plant continuing service policy shall, at minimum,
include:
(1)
Duration of the policy, with expiration date.
(2)
Service calls at least once every six months, which include inspection,
adjustment, servicing of the mechanical and the applicable component
parts to ensure proper function, and resupplying the chlorinator.
(3)
An effluent quality inspection consisting of a visual check for color,
turbidity, scum overflow, and an examination for odors.
(4)
Malfunctions of the aerobic treatment plant which cannot be corrected
at the time of inspection are to be reported to the owner immediately
along with a repair time frame. This shall be followed with a report
within 10 days to the Stephenson County Health Department stating
the nature of the problem and the time of correction.
C.
New or replacement systems including septic tanks and/or drainfields
shall be equipped with a filter housed inside or outside of the septic
tank. The outlet access shall be extended to above the surface using
a manhole riser/risers for ease of servicing.
D.
On any
new or extensively remodeled building, a Stephenson County Health
Department permitted, inspected and approved private sewage system
is required. A building is considered new or extensively remodeled
when the cost exceeds 50% or more of its value or replacement value
at that time. With the addition of bedrooms or offices, a properly
sized permitted, inspected and approved private sewer system is required.
[Amended 8-10-2011 by Res. No. 11-08-1821]
Fees shall be set from time to time by the County Board. These
fees are to be paid at the time of filing an application for the private
sewage system. The borings will be honored for a minimum of five years
unless, in the opinion of an authorized representative, soil conditions
have changed.
