Author: Kailee Curtis

Sewage Management Activities

Proper sewage system design, installation, and maintenance can prevent premature failures and contamination problems from occurring. This helps keep the community and our water resources healthy. It will also help ensure that sewage systems operate effectively throughout their expected lifetime. Replacing a sewage system is costly, so proper maintenance makes good economic sense. BEDHD's On-Site Sewage (Septic) System Program is meant to help residents in the district avoid exposure to untreated sewage and to reduce contamination of groundwater and surface water resources.

Key Positions
Environmental Health Sanitarians
Environmental Health Secretaries
Environmental Health Supervisors

Combined FTE: 5.28

In FY17, 505 new sewage permits were issued to Barry and Eaton County property owners.

Meets Public Health Standards:

ü	Michigan Public Health Code
ü	Michigan Local Public Health Accreditation
ü	Public Health Accreditation Board

Health Improvement Efforts:

	Barry Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan
	Eaton Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan

Services:
BEDHD Environmental Health (EH) sanitarians provide inspection and regulation services for all on-site sewage (septic) systems. Sanitarians first evaluate the soil to see if it is suitable for an on-site wastewater (septic) system. If it is not, sanitarians can offer guidance on alternative systems. After adequate conditions are determined, BEDHD will issue a permit to the land owner for construction of the system. After installation, sanitarians ensure that it was installed according to the permit requirements and the sanitary code.
Goals:
Regulation and inspection activities around on-site sewage systems are meant to:
Help residents in the district avoid exposure to untreated sewage
Reduce backups and contamination of groundwater and surface water resources
Educate land owners on how improper sewage (septic) system maintenance could negatively impact the health and safety of the public.

Aligns with BEDHD Strategic Priorities:

Safe and healthy food, water, and air
Protect the community from potential health hazards

FY Funding Sources for BEDHD Sewage System Management Services:

State Grants

Local Funding

Fees

Impact:
Proper sewage management activities help to improve the quality of the ground and surface water in Barry and Eaton counties, and help to protect rivers, streams, and lakes.