Commercial On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems
District Health Department No. 4 is responsible for issuing construction permits for the construction or repair of any commercial onsite sewage disposal system.
Commercial systems generating over 1000 gallons of wastewater per day are designed in accordance with the Michigan Criteria for Subsurface Sewage Disposal.” On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems for commercial locations that generate less than 10,000 gallons of waste water per day are regulated and designed by District Health Department No. 4. While Commercial systems generating more than 10,000 gallons of wastewater per day are regulated and designed by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Commercial systems that generate over 1000 gallons of wastewater per day are required to have plans submitted by an engineer registered in the state of Michigan, however, systems generating less than 2000 gallons per day may have the engineered plan requirement waived at the discretion of the Health Department.
Commercial systems generating less than 1000 gallons of wastewater per day are designed and requlated in accordance with the District Health Department No. 4 Sanitary Code.
Application
An application for a Commercial sewage disposal system permit can be obtained by clicking the “Application” link on this site or by visiting a District Health Department No. 4 office. A completed application is valid for 2 years.
Once the application and the associated fee are submitted to the Health Department, Environmental Health staff will conduct a site evaluation. A backhoe or excavator cut must be provided by the applicant in order to evaluate soil conditions in the area of the proposed disposal system and reserve area. Soil horizons and texture, soil permeability, seasonal high water table, and site suitability will be determined during the site visit.
Should the site be approved, District Health Department No. 4 will then utilize the proposed application/plan review information in order to determine the volume of wastewater generated during peak use periods, the wastewater strength and composition (i.e., fats, oils, greases, solids, etc.) and the waste water soil application rates in issuing a permit to construct an on-site sewage disposal and treatment system
Permits
A Commercial system permit is valid for 2 years.
Final Inspection
A final inspection of the completed system is required prior to covering any portion of the system.
Final inspections are arranged with the Health Department by the installer or property owner.