Skip to main content

Eastern Highlands Health District

Septic Systems

Construction

EHHD oversees septic system installations and repairs in the district, from site investigations and soil testing through plan review, permitting, and construction inspections. This ensures systems are properly installed in accordance with the CT Public Health Code to protect homeowners, property users, and the public.

Septic Systems

Although there are some properties that are served by public sewer systems located in a few small communities within our health district, the majority of the homes, businesses and other property uses throughout the district are served by on-site septic systems. Septic systems can last for many years when properly maintained, but existing systems may eventually need to be repaired or replaced, and some systems may need to be altered or expanded to accommodate proposed building projects or use changes.

  • Most septic system projects begin with a site investigation and soil testing.
  • When site and soil conditions are established, a system design plan must be developed.  Certain site and soil restrictions may require an engineered design plan while a non-engineered design plan is acceptable for less restrictive sites.
  • The design plan must be submitted to the health district with an Application for Plan Review and the appropriate fee.
  • In addition to the application for plan review and fee, a Septic System Permit Application and fee must be submitted to EHHD and approved prior to any system construction or repair.
  • The Permit to Construct will indicate the inspections required during the system installation or repair.
  • When the job is completed and approved, the installer must submit a Septic System As-Built Plan and the health district will issue a Permit to Discharge.

New Septic Systems

If you are planning to build a new home or business, or establish a new building use that will require a septic system, please contact your local health district office or our main office in Mansfield to discuss your plans and start the review process with EHHD.

System Repairs & Replacement

If you have questions or concerns about the condition of your existing septic system (or cesspool, or that mysterious hole or pipe in your yard), please contact your local health district office or our main office in Mansfield to discuss the matter.  We may have information on file about your system and property that could help address some of your questions and concerns, or can help when developing a repair plan. 

System Alterations

If you are planning a home renovation, addition or business change that will increase the number of bedrooms in the home or otherwise increase the daily water use at your home or business, your existing septic system may not be capable of receiving the additional flow of wastewater. While many such projects can be approved without the need to alter or expand your septic system, the size and condition of your existing system and the proposed increase in daily water use may necessitate a system alteration. This determination will be made by the health district after reviewing the Public Health Review Application for your proposal. For additional information on CT Public Health Code see 19-13-B100a. See Building Projects for more information.

Other Resources