The LMAS District Health Department is committed to ensuring the proper treatment and disposal of wastewater through our On-Site Sewage Disposal Program. This program regulates the design, location, construction, and maintenance of individual sewage systems to protect public health, prevent contamination, and support environmental sustainability.

On-Site Sewage Disposal Program

Proper sewage disposal is crucial to safeguarding drinking water sources, maintaining public sanitation, and preventing groundwater and surface water pollution. The LMAS District Health Department provides oversight and enforcement to ensure compliance with state and local health regulations.

Our program establishes requirements for construction permits, ensuring that all new, modified, or replacement sewage disposal systems are installed safely and effectively. Before any system is installed, a thorough site evaluation is conducted to assess soil suitability, system placement, and environmental impact. These evaluations help prevent system failures that could lead to sewage backups, groundwater contamination, and other public health hazards.

By enforcing proper system design and installation, we work to:

• Protect local drinking water sources from contamination.
• Reduce the risk of sewage-related illnesses.
• Support sustainable wastewater management practices.
• Preserve local ecosystems by preventing pollution.

If you are planning to install or modify a septic system, contact us for guidance on permit applications, system requirements, and best practices for long-term maintenance.

Types of Sewage Systems

Different properties and environmental conditions require various sewage treatment methods. LMAS provides oversight for the following types of sewage systems:

Conventional Systems

A conventional septic system consists of a septic tank and a drainfield. Wastewater from a home or building flows into the septic tank, where solids settle to the bottom, and lighter materials like grease and oils float to the top. The remaining liquid effluent is then distributed through the drainfield, where it is naturally filtered through soil, removing contaminants before reaching groundwater.

Privies

Privies (or outhouses) are enclosed non-portable toilets into which non-water-carried human wastes are disposed. They are categorized into earth pit privies and vaulted privies. Earth pit privies discharge directly into natural soils, while vaulted privies collect waste in a watertight receptacle. Privies may be subject to local township ordinances regarding type and location and are intended for remote sites with no available public utilities or plumbing.

Alternative Treatment Systems

In cases where traditional septic systems are not suitable, alternative treatment systems provide effective wastewater management solutions. These systems often use specially designed mound systems to ensure proper treatment and dispersal of effluent.

Elevated Mound (Pump to Gravity) System

An elevated mound system is used in areas with poor soil conditions, high groundwater levels, or shallow bedrock. Sand fill media is placed on a prepared soil surface to provide necessary filtration. Wastewater is pumped from the septic tank to a dosing chamber and then distributed evenly through the system on top of the sand fill. Effluent then flows by gravity for treatment.

Gravity Mound System

A gravity mound system uses a sand fill but does not require a pump. Wastewater flows by gravity from the septic tank directly to the absorption system on the sand fill, where filtration and treatment occur naturally.

Pressure Mound System

A pressure mound system incorporates a pressure distribution system to evenly disperse wastewater within the sand fill. This method ensures controlled effluent distribution, preventing oversaturation and improving filtration.

Advanced Treatment Systems

Advanced Treatment Systems provide an additional level of wastewater treatment beyond conventional methods. These manufactured systems may use passive media or mechanical treatment, introducing air to promote biological processes. LMAS currently permits the following:

• Geotextile Sand Filter (GSF) – Passive treatment using proprietary GSF modules with a biomat fabric and plastic core, placed on a sand base for supplemental treatment.
• Advanced Enviro-Septic® (AES) – Passive treatment using patented perforated plastic pipes with specialized fabrics that encourage bacterial growth and effluent treatment.
• Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) – Mechanical treatment units categorized as:
  • Suspended Growth Systems – Microorganisms are freely suspended in the aeration chamber.
  • Attached Growth Systems – Microorganisms grow on submerged media.
  • Hybrid Systems – Combine both methods for enhanced efficiency.

Sewage Applications & Forms

To assist property owners and contractors, LMAS provides various forms and applications required for compliance with sewage regulations. These include variance requests, septic tank pump records, and replacement system applications for residential and commercial properties.

Codes & Manuals

LMAS follows the Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Code and its technical manuals. These resources offer detailed guidance on system installation, design standards, maintenance best practices, and certification requirements for septic system professionals.

Septic Installer Information

LMAS maintains an up-to-date Septic Installer List featuring certified professionals authorized to perform septic system installations within the district.

Alternative Systems

In areas where traditional septic systems are not viable, LMAS provides guidance on alternative treatment systems, including passive and advanced methods. Resources include minimum requirements, submission instructions, contracts, watertight tank testing procedures, and designer certification guidelines.

Existing Facilities

LMAS offers facility evaluation services for existing residential and commercial sewage systems to determine compliance with health regulations and identify maintenance needs. Property owners can also access septic tank pumping records and system assessment applications.

Unapproved Systems

There are certain systems that LMAS DOES NOT permit, including:

• Cesspools
• Lagoons
• Constructed Wetlands
• Pump & Haul or septic tank only systems
• Waterless Toilets such as Composting, Incinerating, and Dry-flush systems