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Sewage Complaints
Sewage complaints typically involve concerns about the failure of a household sewage treatment system, sewage leaking from a household plumbing system, or a grey water discharge (i.e. laundry water, shower, or kitchen sink). Grey water discharges are not permitted, and must be tied into an existing sewage disposal system. The appearance and odor of sewage (also known as "black water") must usually be present before the sanitarian can take action.
In the case of a septic system, which is a non-discharging type of system, a discharge of sewage to the surface must be usually be found in order for the complaint to be considered as valid. A septic system which is not discharging sewage to the surface does not create a health nuisance. The Health District is not responsible for existing leach lines that cross property lines, with or without an easement, and cannot order removal of leach lines in such cases.
In the case of a discharging type of system, such as a sand filter, or an aerobic treatment unit (ATU), a septic (greyish or black, & odorous) discharge from the system does create a health nuisance, and is an indication of a problem which needs to be corrected. The discharge from a discharging system should be clear, colorless, and odorless. Discharging systems do not usually create odors if they are working properly, and an odor can be a sign of a problem. An ATU will sometimes produce odors due to temperature changes, overloading, or other adverse conditions even if it�s working as designed.
Discharging systems are permitted to discharge onto neighboring properties in Clermont County without an easement, as long as the end of the discharge pipe is at least ten feet from a property line. The sanitarian can take no action regarding improperly located discharge pipes associated with existing systems that have already been approved by the Health District.
The maintenance of private collector lines is the responsibility of the property owner whose line the property crosses. In other words, persons who have a collector line on their property are responsible for maintaining that section of the collector line on their own property. Persons who have a collector line crossing their property may not remove the line, or block the flow of effluent in the line so that a health nuisance is created.
No person may drain or pump the contents of a privy, cesspool, or septic tank to the ground surface, into a ditch, a public sewer, street gutter, or storm sewer. The contents of a privy or cesspool must be disposed of in an approved manner by a registered septic hauler.
The Health District will investigate complaints concerning public sewage treatment plants, and public sewage treatment systems, but has no jurisdiction over these types of systems.