With the pending USEPA requirements of a general use NPDES permit for surface discharging onsite wastewater treatment systems and concerns about the lasting impact that improperly treated wastewater has on the environment, the Peoria County Board of Health is taking a proactive approach and recommending the first comprehensive overhaul of the Chapter 19 Sewers and Sewage Disposal Systems of the Peoria County Code in many years. If adopted the proposed changes not only change how onsite wastewater treatment systems are designed and installed in Peoria County, but it also helps to educate property owners and hold them responsible for how the wastewater on their property is treated after a new or replacement system is installed.

Summary of Changes

1/29/13 (NEW DRAFT) Revisions for Chapter 19, Onsite Wastewater Treatment, of Peoria County Code

Public Meetings and other Important Dates

Ask Questions or Make Comments on Process or Proposed Changes

Update Presentation

FAQs

Press Releases

• September 26, 2012
  

Onsite Wastewater Workgroup Meetings

This committee meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act and Code 2003

CURRENT Sewers and Sewage Disposal Systems (Code of Peoria County, Chapter 19)

Variance Request Form for Proposed Private Sewage Disposal System Installation

Application for Private Sewage Disposal System Permit

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit (DRAFT)

The environmental health department's goal is to prevent disease, nuisances, and eliminate improperly treated sewage by:

• Reviewing applications and plans and issue permits
• Inspecting disposal systems for proper installation or repair
• Requiring anyone constructing, altering, or extending private sewage disposal systems to have a valid permit issued by the health department
• Providing information about construction, operation, and maintenance to citizens and contractors

Tips for taking care of your septic system:

• Know where your septic and drain field are located. Keep a sketch with your maintenance records
• Inspect your septic tank every year
• have your system inspected/ repaired if you have any problems
• conserve water to avoid overloading the system
• Have your tank pumped every 2 to 3 years by a licensed septic pumper
• divert other water sources like gutters, footing drains, and sump pumps away from the septic system
• do not park or drive cars over your drain field
• don't dig in your septic system
• don't use septic tank additives (these do not help and sometimes can be harmful to your system
• be careful what you flush into your septic tank. Harsh chemicals/cleansers can kill the beneficial can kill the beneficial bacteria that help treat waste water.
• Maintain chlorinator (if applicable)

Click here to see which items are unacceptable to flush down the drains.