What are the steps and permitting fees to install a new septic system?

The first step in beginning a septic repair is to hire an engineer to evaluate your land and to design a system that would be appropriate for your property. Once the engineer is hired, a “perc” test is scheduled. The homeowner must submit a check for $200.00, payable to the Town of Pembroke, to pay for the Health Agent to go out and observe the perc test. The purpose of the test is to determine what type of soil is on the property. The word “perc” is an abbreviation for percolation, which measures the rate at which water is absorbed into the ground. Based on the results of the perc test, the size of your lot and the number of bedrooms in your home, the engineer designs a septic system to serve the property. Once the plans have been drawn, four copies of the engineered stamped plans, two copies of the soil analysis, a completed engineer stamped Application for Disposal System Construction Permit and a check for $200.00 must be submitted to the Board of Health office. The BOH has 45 days to review the plans and to either approve or reject them. If the plans are approved, the plans can be picked up by a Town licensed septic installer and the installation of the system can begin. If the plans are rejected, the plans must be revised by the design engineer and resubmitted to the Board of Health for approval. If any variances are requested by the engineer, the plans must be presented to the Board of Health at its meeting for approval. In the less common situation where the designed system requires state variances (done by the Department of Environmental Protection), an additional 90 days must be allotted for the review process.