Liquid Waste

Liquid Waste Program protects the public from direct exposure to contaminated wastewater, promotes the proper treatment and disposal of all sewage, and prevents the pollution of surface and groundwater. 

The Department of Environmental Health oversees the design, construction, and installation of all on-site wastewater treatment systems and wastewater holding tanks. It is responsible for the businesses and vehicles contracted to clean septic tanks, portable toilets, and wastewater holding tanks, and ensures that all on-site wastewater processing and/or treatment facilities are following proper steps and procedures. 

Installing an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS)tank diagram

There are approximately 25 million American homes that rely on septic systems, as well as many commercial establishments in suburban and rural areas. Septic systems are a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to treat wastewater from your household or business. The most frequently installed system is the standard pit system. This type of system is used in areas where it has been determined that the systems would be less likely to degrade groundwater quality, and the soil conditions are such that effluent will be more readily absorbed into the pit area. If your parcel is in an area where the water table is high, or soil conditions are poor, a shallow leach field (preferred in Plumas County) or deep trench-type disposal field may be required. Some situations prevent the installation of the standard system. If a standard system cannot be installed, there is an engineered or alternative system, which is designed and (in addition to the Environmental Health Specialist) inspected by a registered professional. Registered professionals include Registered Environmental Health Specialists, Civil Engineers, and professional Geologists. For a current listing of local specialists and professionals please view the listing document (PDF).

Regardless of the type of system, you must follow the step-by-step procedure to complete the installation in the time frame that is allotted to the sewage disposal permit. Each application (PDF) is given one (1) year from the date that the permit is issued to complete the installation process. If you cannot complete the project, there is a one (1) time-only extension. If the system is not inspected and completed at the end of the extension, you will have to begin the application process over again and pay new fees (PDF). 

OWTS Basics

The two major parts of a septic system are the septic tank and the leach field. 

Septic Tank: Wastewater flows from the house into the septic tank where settling occurs. The leach field diagramwaste is divided into three (3) layers. The heavier solids sink to the bottom of the tank to form the sludge layers, while the lighter solids (like grease or soapsuds) float to the top to form the scum layer. The primarily clear liquid or wastewater in the middle layer is effluent. The effluent is discharged out of a septic system.

Leach field: The septic drain field or leach field is used to remove contaminants and impurities from the liquid that emerges from the septic tank. It is where the effluent enters a distribution box, which evenly distributes the flow to perforated pipes known as leach lines, in the absorption field. The soil then acts to filter and purify the effluent.

Maintenance and Care

It is essential to maintain and care for your septic system. A failed system is a big deal and poses serious health risks, as well as environmental hazards. Not to mention that it is extremely expensive to replace. 

Owners can protect themselves from premature failure by following simple daily care, routine maintenance, and knowing what to look for when there are signs of trouble. 

Applications & Forms

Useful Tools, Guides, and Manuals

County Code Sections Regarding OWTS