What is a Failing System?
A failing system is any private sewage treatment system which, for any reason, does not
function as designed or as prescribed by the Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code.
Repairs and Corrections
Any private sewage system that is being repaired or replaced shall have plans and
specifications submitted to and reviewed by the Johnson County Environmental Department (JCED).
No repairs or corrections shall be performed without a permit and inspection as required by the
code. All repairs/replacements must be performed by an installer who has a current license with
JCED. A list of licensed installers is available upon request.
What's Involved
- The county becomes aware of private systems in need of repair in one of two ways:
- The homeowner has concerns with their private treatment systems and calls; or
- A concerned citizen calls and reports the problem. The caller's identity is
kept confidential.
- Once the call is received by JCED, an initial visit is made to assess the situation
and to gather all pertinent information.
- Once a repair to or replacement of the private system is determined to be necessary,
a soil profile will need to be performed. The homeowner
will need to apply and pay for this. A letter will follow with recommendations regarding
the repair/replacement.
- Before the repair or the replacement begins, a permit will need to be issued. There
are two steps to this process:
- The homeowner must apply for the permit; and
- The licensed installer must submit a drawing of the proposed system. The
permit is then written and the homeowner is notified that the permit is ready
to be issued. There is a permit fee (see fee
schedule).
- Both a final construction and final grade inspection will need to be done by JCED.
Why All The Fuss?
The mission of the Environmental Department is to assist in the protection of the health,
welfare and environment of the community through programs and activities that monitor,
control, and/or eliminate harmful and potentially harmful environmental factors. Sewage is
potentially very harmful if it is not treated correctly.
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