The Engineered Option Permit (EOP) is an alternative process for wastewater system approvals implemented in North Carolina on November 1, 2016. The Engineered Option Permit allows you to bypass the local health department which provides more control over your septic system needs from the outset of your project.
- (a) An Engineered Option Permit (EOP) on-site wastewater system, as defined by G.S. 130A-334 (1g), is available to an owner that provides an alternative process for the siting, design, construction, approval, and operation of the system without requiring the direct oversight or approval of the local health department.
Which type of septic tank is best?
The best choice is a precast concrete septic tank. Precast septic tanks hold many advantages over plastic, steel, or fiberglass tanks. This is why so many cities and towns actually require the use of concrete septic tanks.
What is the largest residential septic tank?
Most residential septic tanks range in size from 750 gallons to 1,250 gallons. An average 3-bedroom home, less than 2500 square feet will probably require a 1000 gallon tank. Of course, all of this depends on the number of people living in the home and the amount of water and waste that will be put into the system.
What are the three basic parts of a septic tank?
Septic tank – Household waste receives primary treatment in the septic tank, an anaerobic environment, and separates into 3 layers; a sludge layer, a clear zone, and a scum layer.
How much does it cost to empty a septic tank in Ontario?
Ontario average cost for septic tank pumping is $575. A 3000L (800 Gallon) tank would cost between $450 -$500.
What is the cheapest septic tank?
Types of Septic Tank Systems These conventional septic systems are usually the most affordable, with an average cost of around $3,000.
Which septic tank is better concrete or plastic?
Cement Septic tanks are very durable than plastic tanks and, if kept properly, can have extended longevity. With regular draining and proper maintenance, a cement septic tank can last for up to 40 years. Cement septic tanks are resistant to environmental changes such as tree roots or changing soil conditions.
How often does a 1000 gallon septic tank need to be pumped?
For example, a 1,000 gallon septic tank, which is used by two people, should be pumped every 5.9 years. If there are eight people using a 1,000-gallon septic tank, it should be pumped every year.
How long do septic tanks last?
A septic system’s lifespan should be anywhere from 15 to 40 years. How long the system lasts depends on a number of factors, including construction material, soil acidity, water table, maintenance practices, and several others.
Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?
The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.
What size pipe goes into septic tank?
Four-inch pipe is standard, and it should extend far enough under the house to connect with the main soil stack, which is a 3-inch pipe that extends vertically past the main bathroom and through the roof.
What is the standard size of septic tank?
Length of septic tank (L) should be taken as 9feet 9 inches or 9.75 feet. Breadth of septic tank (B) should be taken as 6 feet 3 inches or 6.25 feet. The standard height (D) of septic tank should be taken as 5 feet 9 inches or 5.75 feet.
What are the different types of septic tanks?
Septic Tank Types
- Concrete. Concrete septic tanks. These durable tanks will usually last for several decades.
- Steel. Steel septic tanks.
- Fiberglass. Fiberglass septic tanks.
- Plastic. Plastic septic tanks.
- Aerobic. Aerobic septic tanks.
How do you know your septic tank is full?
Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:
- Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
- Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
- Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
- You Hear Gurgling Water.
- You Have A Sewage Backup.
- How often should you empty your septic tank?
What are the signs that your septic tank needs to be pumped?
Common Signs You Need Septic Tank Pumping Services
- Slow or Frequently Clogged Drains. Since your septic tank is connected to the entire network of drains throughout your home, your sinks, showers, and even toilets can exhibit signs of a problem.
- Sewage Backup.
- Regular Gurgling Noises.
- Strong and Pungent Odors.
Can I install my own septic system in Ontario?
All residential septic systems in Ontario must be built according to the Ontario Building Code, notwithstanding how the home will be used. The septic system is engineered the same, whether the residence is full-time or seasonal, or, whether only one person is occupying the house or four of them.
Review: EOP Septic Permit in Henderson County, NC * Virtual Lab Rats
We’re constructing a modest home and garage on a mountainside that’s rather steep. (There will be more on this in subsequent blogs.) On our tour, we came across North Carolina’s newEOP Septic PermitorEngineered Option Permit for septic systems, which we learned about later.
What is a North Carolina Engineered Option Permit (EOP) for Septic
Until recently, the county building department was the only site where you could obtain a septic system permit. In 2016, the state of North Carolina implemented a private septic permit procedure as an alternative. Engineered Option Permit is the name given to this permit category (EOP). The EOP method fully bypasses the permission of the local county. A licensed North Carolina soil scientist must do the examination and report, and the report must be reviewed by a certified North Carolina civil engineer.
The EOP is a private process, and the cost is around three to four times higher than the cost of obtaining the identical permission from the building department.
Many advantages of using an EOP for septic
There are several benefits of having an EOP: 1) Placement can be more variable in some cases, which is beneficial in unique settings or applications. Rather of having everything stated by the county inspector, a private engineer may discuss current and future demands, as well as customized location, among other things. 2) An EOP can be given in a short period of time. Despite the fact that we did not require a permit immediately, it appears that the full procedure might be finished and the permission provided within a few weeks from beginning to end.
A lower-cost alternative if you have a standard installation and no time limitations would be to go through the county procedure.
NC Septic Permit County Building Department Approval
The local county building department does not require any approvals other than those required by zoning regulations. In addition to checking for completeness, the county building department also looks for content in EOP submissions. It is acceptable and approved by the county as long as the blanks are completed and the Engineer’s stamp is present.
NC EOP Soil Scientist in Henderson County
Steve Melin was the soil scientist on our team. He met with us on the job site and we discussed the project. Steve visited a couple more times and did a few soil tests before putting together his final report. It took a few weeks from the time we first met until we got a completed report in our hands. Steve was well-versed in the specific soil types found in our area and was a pleasure to deal with.
NC EOP Civil Engineer in Henderson County
Tyson Griswold worked as our Civil Engineer on this project. He was a pleasure to deal with, and he promptly answered all of our inquiries and communicated well via email. We met Tyson on-site a couple of times throughout the installation of our septic system to check on the progress and completion of the project. Tyson has a thorough understanding of the EOP process.
NC EOP is a multi-step process
The fact that our Soil Scientist and Civil Engineer were hired and compensated separately is noteworthy. Before being directed to Tyson Griswold, we were originally referred to another Civil Engineer who was referred to us. Despite the fact that the other engineer had years of expertise and was familiar with the location, he appeared to be overwhelmed by the amount of work he was assigned. Change your route mid-stream if necessary. If someone consistently fails to meet deadlines that they set for themselves or does not return phone calls after several days or weeks, it is a good idea to seek elsewhere; they have been blessed with a lot of business.
It was a pleasure to work with specialists such as Tyson Griswold and Steve Melin — we would employ them both again in a heartbeat.
How to start on a NC EOP for your Septic
Make an appointment with Steve Melin and Tyson Griswold now if you want to make the septic permit application process easier in Western North Carolina. We propose that you call the engineer first, and then proceed from there!
NC EOP Contact Information
Tyson Griswold is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of North Carolina. Griswold EngineeringEnvironmental, PLLC (+1-828-393-5820) is an engineering and environmental consulting firm. Website Steve Melin, a Licensed North Carolina Soil Scientist, works independently of the engineer. Steve may be reached through email. Henderson County’s Department of Public Works
On-site Septic Systems
septic tank systems are underground wastewater systems that comprise of a settling tank and a drain field. On-site wastewater is defined as wastewater generated on the premises. This system’s primary function is to confine solid waste and sterilize the wastewater produced by a house, company, or other facility, among other things. When it comes to permitting, inspection, and operation of these systems, the Department of Environmental Health has a number of obligations. These are some examples:
- Determining whether or not a property is appropriate for a septic system by evaluating its physical characteristics
- Depending on the results of the lot examination, a permit may be granted or denied. When septic systems are established, they must be thoroughly inspected to guarantee appropriate installation. Taking criticisms from the public into consideration
- And Septic systems that are not operating properly are evaluated and a suitable strategy to fix the system is determined. Inspection and maintenance of big septic systems, including septic systems with pumps, to verify that they are operating properly
| 1 | An Application for Service is accepted with presentation of a document from the appropriate planning and zoning authority. When an application is made for a septic tank permit(s), a site plan of the property is required. The site plan is a drawing showing the shape and size of the property, the state road number, and the driveway and house (or other buildings) located on the property. This site plan must include setbacks (or distance) from the highway right-of-way and at least one other property line to give a location of where the structure will be placed. |
| 2 | Fees are assessed and based on requested services.View the current fee schedule. Once fees are paid, the applicant is assigned to an Environmental Health Specialist. |
| 3 | The Environmental Health Specialist will contact the applicant to schedule an appointment for the evaluation, or the applicant can contact the Environmental Health Specialist. They are in the office between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. each morning, Monday through Thursday. |
| 4 | Before the Department evaluates the property, the applicant should rough-stake the area that needs to be evaluated and stake the location of the structure (house, mobile home, business, etc.). |
| 5 | An evaluation of the property is made. If the property is found to be suitable for the intended use a permit will be issued. |
| 6 | Once the applicant has a zoning compliance certificate permit and an Environmental Health permit, he or she may apply for permits at the Inspections Department. |
Repairs Specifically, according to 15A NCAC 18A.1938 (c), the person who owns or controls the system is responsible for assuring compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and permit conditions pertaining to the system’s location and installation as well as its operation, maintenance, monitoring, reporting, and repair. If you are experiencing problems with your septic system, please call us and we will happily analyze the situation to see whether a repair permit is required and create a solution that is acceptable for your situation.
- Permits for Engineered Alternatives 15A NCAC 18A.1971 15A NCAC 18A.1971 On-site wastewater systems are eligible for an Engineered Option Permit (EOP), which is defined by G.S.
- G.S.
- EOP systems are subject to all relevant requirements of Article 11 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes and all regulations of this Section, with the exception of those specifically provided for in G.S.
- This Rule shall not be construed as granting permission to any professional to perform services for which he or she does not have the necessary educational background, expertise, or license, or which are outside of his or her scope of work as defined by G.S.
130A-336.1 and the applicable statutes for their particular profession. The fee for this permit is $75.00 USD. To learn more about this option, please select one of the links below:
- EOP Common Form and Directions
- EOP Directions
- EOP Implementation
- G. S. 130A-336.1
- 15A NCAC 18A.1971
- EOP Common Form and Directions
Engineered Option Permits?
As of November 1, 2016, the Engineered Option Permit (EOP) is an alternate method for wastewater system approval that was adopted in North Carolina. Individuals, builders, and developers are becoming increasingly interested in it as they desire speedier permit approvals as well as greater freedom when it comes to pretreatment options and alternatives. An Engineer will design the system once a Licensed Soil Scientist has completed a soil and site study. The Notice of Intent (EOP Common Form) will be submitted to the local health department (LHD) for a “completeness review” after the system has been designed.
Consider the EOP to be a “Design Build” process that will allow you to hire a team of specialists to test, design, and install your system in a turn-key package, rather than a traditional installation procedure.
For additional information, please contact Thompson Environmental Consulting.
Engineered Option Permits — Engineered Septic, Package Plants, and Effluent Sewer Solutions
The engineered option in North Carolina is a relatively new concept. It is being utilized to speed the permission process in places where the local environmental health department has been facing substantial delays in processing applications. If you are a developer or the owner of a property that has been denied a septic permit by the local environmental health authority, it is worthwhile to investigate whether the engineered solution may be a viable choice for you. Onsite wastewater rules appear to be fairly straightforward, but different interpretations of the rules exist at different local environmental health departments, and you may find that working with an engineer who is well-versed in the onsite wastewater rules in conjunction with a good soils scientist can help you overcome your onsite wastewater challenge.
If you are a developer, builder, or land investor, we encourage you to contact us so that we can assist you in envisioning the best possible future for your company.
Engineer Option Permitting and LSS Option Permitting
The Engineered Option Permitting (EOP) process permits a professional engineer certified under Chapter 89C of the General Statutes to design and permit a wastewater system on behalf of a property owner (also known as “engineered option permitting”). Engineers who are licensed to practice in this state are responsible for creating signed and sealed drawings, specifications, plans, and reports for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of wastewater systems in accordance with the provisions of this section and the rules adopted under it.
EOPInstructions EOP Rules and Requirements are outlined below.
Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) Permit Option
Any individual who is licensed as a soil scientist pursuant to Chapter 89F of the General Statutes and further certified under conditions developed and administered by the North Carolina On-Site Wastewater Contractors and Inspectors Certification Board may apply for the designation of Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator. To the extent permitted by 130A-336, the LSS can create signed and sealed soil and site assessments as well as specifications, plans, and reports for the purpose of site planning, building, operation, and maintenance of a wastewater treatment system.
130A-336 shall not execute any of the tasks performed by an Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator for engineered wastewater systems.
A Common Form for AOWE Instructions for AOWE Soil Scientist with a valid license (LSS) COVID 19 Permit Option LSS is a type of permit that allows you to drive on the left side of the road.
(a) The evaluation of soil conditions, site characteristics, or geologic and hydrogeologic conditions meets all of the criteria specified in this Article.
(2) The licensed soil scientist or licensed geologist who is conducting the evaluation maintains an errors and omissions liability insurance policy issued by an insurer licensed under Chapter 58 of the General Statutes in an amount commensurate with the risk, which is maintained by an insurer licensed under Chapter 58.
The following are examples of how this legislation is put into practice: If a full application to the LHD is submitted with an LSS Evaluation, the application will be considered complete.
In line with the provisions of 15A3 NCAC 18A.1940 through.1945, the LSS should analyze any boreholes or pits that are dug.
This determination shall be made on the basis of the applicant’s specification of the system type as stated in and in compliance with Rule.1955,.1956, 1957,.1969, or.1970, and shall be made in conformity with the applicable rule.
It is required that the LSS Evaluation include the results of any special site evaluation, groundwater mounding/hydrologic analysis, and/or nutrient transport modeling investigations that are necessary to support the specific proposal or to justify any proposed site modifications (such as drainage or areal fill) that are required for the particular system type.
Conforming to SL 2018-114, the report is required to provide information on the “soil conditions and site characteristics” in order to “create design and construction features” for the original wastewater system and repair area, in addition to other information.
Using information on soil conditions (documented on the Soil/Situation Evaluation form or equivalent) and site features (documented on the site plan or plat) provided by the LSS, this includes trench (or bed) location, orientation, depth, width, length, and spacing, as well as (if applicable) fill depth, as well as (if applicable) fill depth.
This information must be given, evaluated, and approved prior to the issuing of the IP/CA. This includes artificial drainage, if it is necessary for the specific system type under consideration.
Soil Scientist – Evaluations, Design and Permitting — MARLIN – Septic Tank Cleaning, Inspection, Installation, and Repair
Private wastewater systems can be evaluated, designed, inspected, and permitted using AOWE Permits, which are issued to professional soil scientists. Due to the fact that the county Environmental Health Departments just have to complete administrative chores and retain a record of the systems approved by AOWE Soil Scientists, this turn key alternative expedites the typical permission procedure significantly. In cooperation with a qualified onsite wastewater contractor, an AOWE permit enables the soil scientist and their team to take care of the soils work, design, installation, and final inspection in accordance with the permission.
Once the system has been built and inspected, our team will supply the local health department with the complete permits and design package, which will be submitted with the local environmental health department after the system has been completed and approved.
Session Law 2019-151, House Bill 268 (2019 Session Law)
how it works:
- In the case of a proposed location, a professional soil scientist assesses the soil conditions and site characteristics. In order to design, construct, operate, and maintain a wastewater system, the licensed soil scientist must prepare signed and sealed drawings, specifications, plans, and reports that are then signed and sealed again. Proof of errors and omissions insurance, as well as general liability insurance, are provided by the LSS and Certified Installer. The LSS presents a design package to the local health department for their consideration and approval. If the county does not react within 5 days by signing that they have approved a complete design package, the client may present an unsigned document package to central permitting in order to get a construction permit
- The system is installed on the premises by the licensed installer of record, who is under the supervision of the LSS. Following installation and compliance inspection by the LSS or their agent, a copy of the completed documentation is forwarded to the local health authority, who will maintain a copy of the system permit on file for future reference.
The Engineer Option permit was established by 130A-336.1 in 2016 as a substitute for the traditional approval process for wastewater systems. It was formerly necessary to get a septic system permission from either the state or municipal environmental health agencies, which did not provide the engineer option permit. Local health departments were and continue to be challenged to keep up with the demand for new construction and renovations across the state of California. The passage of 130A-336.1 was intended to accelerate and provide an alternative to local health department permitting procedures.
how it works:
- In the case of a proposed location, a professional soil scientist assesses the soil conditions and site characteristics. Engineers are responsible for the preparation of documents such as signed and sealed drawings and specifications, plans and reports for the design, building, operation and maintenance of sewage systems. The L.S.S., the P.E., and the Certified Installer must present proof of errors and omissions insurance as well as general liability coverage. The engineer sends a design package to the local health department for consideration. if the health agency doesn’t answer within 15 days, the project is considered approved. The system is installed on the premises by a qualified installer of record, who works under the supervision of a professional engineer. An engineer or engineer’s representative inspects the system for compliance once it has been installed and a copy of the completed documentation is sent to the local health department, which will maintain a copy of the system permit on file.
Session Law 2018-114 was passed to allow a Licensed Soil Scientist to produce design and construction features for a new proposed wastewater system or a proposed repair project for an existing wastewater system, as part of the state’s ongoing effort to provide private options for septic system permitting in North Carolina. To get a building permit for new construction or renovation, soil scientists may now analyze your site and submit a design package to the county. The option of submitting a suggested design to the county for approval has always been available to you; however, SL 2018-114 eliminates the obligation for property owners to wait for the health department to conduct another site examination before awarding your license to construct.
How it works:
- The property owner or developer contacts our team in order to have a Licensed Soil Scientist examine the land in order to determine appropriateness for a new septic system or for septic system rehabilitation
- And In order to receive approval from the local health department, the L.S.S. must present proof of insurance and a design package. Local health officials provide authorization to develop without ever seeing the site
- This saves both time and money. Installation will be completed in accordance with the design supplied by the L.S.S., with a follow-up call to the local health authority prior to covering the system. The local health department conducts a final inspection to ensure that the L.S.S. design is being followed and then grants the Operation Permit to the company. The system has been protected, and the permitting procedure has been completed.
Alternative wastewater system approvals for non-engineered systems are covered under Section 130A-336.2 (House Bill 268) Permitting. A new section of the code, 130A-336.2, was added in 2019 to serve as an alternate route for wastewater system approvals. In order to provide an alternate choice for permitting systems that did not usually necessitate the use of a professional engineer, it was established that homeowners, installers, builders, and developers were in need of one.
After becoming aware of the difficulties, our state lawmakers approved 130A-336.2 to expedite and give an alternative to local health department permitting.
how it works:
- The soil conditions and site characteristics of the proposed site are evaluated by a qualified soil scientist who has been accredited as an Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator by the NCOWCICB. The L.S.S. is responsible for the preparation of signed and sealed drawings, specifications, plans, and reports for the design, building, operation, and maintenance of the wastewater system. Liability and general liability insurance certificates are provided by the L.S.S. and the Certified Installer of record respectively. Local health officials review the paperwork to ensure that they are complete and then provide their approval for the L.S.S. to move forward with installation
- The system is installed on the premises by a qualified installer of record, who is under the supervision of the L.S.S. A copy of the completed documentation is sent to the local health department, which will maintain a copy of the system permit on file. At that point, the permitting procedure is complete.
There are several private options for permitting available, but the State of North Carolina has delegated authority to Environmental Health Specialists employed by county health departments to evaluate, design, and issue permits for new construction septic systems as well as repairs to existing septic systems. In order to assist you with the applications and the preparation of the site for review by the local health authority, our staff is available to assist you.
How it Works
- The system may be created and reviewed by either a professional soil scientist or an environmental health specialist from the county, depending on your preferences. Our digital document bundle contains an application for repair as well as the L.S.S. design (if applicable), which we transmit to you. Once the application has been signed, a copy of it will be sent to Central Permitting in your county automatically. Central Permitting will contact you for payment of the permit application fee (if required) and will assign your property to an environmental health specialist from the county’s environmental health department. A R.E.H.S. will visit your property to analyze and design it, or they will verify the L.S.S. design for compliance. Permit prices vary from county to county. Following the site visit, the county will send you an e-mail including your construction permission permit. The amount of time it takes for the first examination and construction authorization to be completed varies from county to county. j
- Once the construction permit has been granted, our staff will work with you to schedule a day and time for the installation. Before covering the system, our team will work with the county R.E.H.S. to organize a final examination of the system. Following the final inspection, you will be issued an Operation Permit by the local health authority, marking the completion of the permitting procedure.
Faster Septic Permitting Process (NC Session Law 2018-114 (HB374) & The Engineered Option Permit (EOP)
Land Resource Management, PLLC (LRM) would like to express our heartfelt condolences to each and every one of our colleagues, friends, and clients during these trying times. Fortunately, our employees are continuing to work on projects throughout the Southeast, which is an important part of the construction industry’s overall success. More and more of our clients are preferring to seek septic permits under North Carolina Session Law 2018-114 (HB374), the Engineered Option Permit, which was passed in 2018.
By imposing more responsibilities and liabilities on the North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist, each of the permitting pathways helps to speed the septic system licensing process (NCLSS).
Nursing homes, residential lots, and a greenhouse facility (with a floor area of more than 100,000 square feet) are among the projects on the list.
In addition, the Henderson County Health Department has granted permission for the remaining 20 percent of the project.
Sincerely, The LRM crew is comprised of LRM employees are hard at work installing a 6,000 gallon per day wastewater system for the new Watauga County Elementary School.
Permits for Licensed Professionals
Under the supervision of the owner of a proposed wastewater system, a professional engineer is authorized to prepare signed and sealed drawings (specifications), plans (plans), and reports for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the wastewater system in accordance with state and local regulations. Environmental Services does not undertake any extra evaluation beyond the initial assessment. In the case of this permit option, the engineer is responsible for any design revisions, adjustments, and inspections related with it.
Licensed Soil Scientist (LSS) COVID-19 Permit Option
According to Session Law 2020-3, An Act To Provide Aid To North Carolinians In Response To The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Crisis, a licensed soil scientist (LSS) may design and submit plans for a septic system that complies with all state and local regulations without the need for additional review from Environmental Services. For this permitting option, the LSS is in charge of all site and soil evaluations, system design requirements, and inspections that are involved with this option.
This permit option will be available until the first day of August in 2020. To obtain further information, including the Alternative Sewage Disposal System Maintenance Schedule (ASDSMS) forms that are necessary, please consult the following links:
