Septic System - Sewage Disposal
Updated Technical Standards 2018
A major responsibility of the Ridgefield Health Department is the enforcement of the Connecticut Public Health Code requirements governing the disposal of sewage through septic systems (Section 19-13-B103). A septic system properly designed, installed, and maintained provides a safe and efficient way of disposing domestic sewage. Improper sewage disposal can result in health hazards and nuisance conditions. Sewage contains pathogens (disease causing organisms); therefore it is essential that it be disposed of properly.
A proposed lot must be investigated by a Town Sanitarian who observes the subsurface soil conditions in deep test pits and measures the ability to transmit water with percolation tests. Once these observations and measurements are made, a Professional Engineer will design a system to overcome any limiting factors and comply with the health code. Once the Engineer's plan has been approved by the Sanitarian, a permit is issued to a Licensed Septic Installer to do the work. Upon completion of the work, the system is inspected by a Sanitarian.
Operation and Maintenance of Septic Systems
Home Buyer's Guide to Septic Systems
Design Manual - Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems for Households and Small Commercial Buildings:
Another section of the Connecticut Public Health Code (19-13-B100a) requires that a code-complying septic area be found and reserved on any property where building conversions, changes in use, or additions are being proposed. The property owner's first step in achieving this is hiring either a professional engineer or licensed septic installer to conduct soil testing on the property. After the soil characteristics are determined, the engineer or installer will draw a proposal for a septic system and submit it to the Health Department. Once the proposal is approved, building plans for any conversion, change in use, or additions may be approved.
Permits
We are on an online permit system (Viewpermit Cloud). To begin the online permit, click here. Scroll to the end and select Septic permit after you see 'Apply Online. Directions are on each page. If you have any other questions, call 203-431-2745.
Click here to access the State Sewage Disposal Program website
