On-Site Sewage
On-Site Sewage
WEDCO District Health Department provides inspection and permitting services for on-site sewage disposal systems, including septic systems, for properties not connected to public sewer lines in Harrison, Nicholas, and Scott Counties.
Our Environmental staff assist with site evaluations, system design review, and provide guidance for maintaining a properly functioning septic system. When designed, installed, and maintained correctly, a septic system can safely and effectively treat wastewater for many years. What goes down your drain matters—household habits directly impact your system’s performance and longevity.
For more information or to apply for a site evaluation, contact your local WEDCO Environmental Office.
Permit Fees
Site Evaluation – $300
New Construction – $420
Repair Septic – $220
Existing Septic Functioning Statement – $200
Downloadable applications and payment may be mailed to 364 Oddville Ave, Cynthiana, KY or dropped off during each site’s office hours.
How To Get A Septic System
Apply For A Site Evaluation
Visit the Local Health Department Environmental Office during their normal office hours and complete a site evaluation application. Please have information such as number of bedrooms, acreage of property, and location of the property. Backhoe pits may be required by the inspectors to complete site evaluations at applicants expense.
Contact A Certified Septic System Installer
A list of certified installers can be provided by the Local Health Department. The installer will then use the site evaluation to design and layout the system, including a proposed drawing listing all setbacks and grade shots. A Certified Inspector will issue a permit to the Certified Installer to construct the system.
Final Inspection By The Local Health Department
After the installation of the septic system is complete, a Certified Inspector from the Local Health Department will conduct a final inspection of the system. The inspector will determine if the system has been constructed according to the permit and meets the requirements of the Kentucky Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Regulations.
Septic system records may be on file at the local health department if a septic system was in installed after 1985. In order for the inspector to find the septic system record they will need to know the year the new residence was built/installed or if it was a repair to a septic system we will need to know the year the septic system was installed.
How To Size A Septic System
The size and type of septic system is determined by two main factors:
- The amount of water anticipated to be discharged into the system on a daily basis (number of bedrooms is used to determine this).
- The site evaluation (soil criteria), which is performed by a certified inspector.
Environmental Services
Food Program
Our Food Program oversees the inspection and regulation of food establishments, provides food safety education, and enforces state and federal food codes.
Certified inspectors conduct routine inspections and work closely with businesses to ensure compliance with the Kentucky Food Code and FDA Food Code 2013.
Animal Bites & Rabies
Rabies is a serious disease that is caused by a virus. Each year, it kills more than 50,000 people and millions of animals around the world. Animals that are not mammals such as birds, snakes, and fish do not get rabies.
Nuisance Complaint
Nuisance complaints must be made in person at the local health department during the Environmental Office hours Monday-Friday 8:00am-9:30am. The Record of Complaint and Investigation form must be completed.
Private Water Samples
Private water is not regulated by the EPA, so it is up to the owner to make sure they are using safe drinking water from a private source. For more information: Private Drinking Water Wells | US EPA
Preparedness
The Preparedness Team at the WEDCO District Health Department works in cooperation with local emergency response agencies and the State Department for Public Health to develop plans and procedures.
Swimming Pools
Hotel & Motels
Hotels and motels are inspected once per year. If the hotel or motel has a swimming pool then the swimming pool is inspected 2 times a year.
