Septic Systems Continued

Program Management

Management of the program entails many responsibilities. Some of these responsibilities are: to regulate the proper siting, design, installation, alteration, use, permitting, enforcement of failed systems and maintenance tracking of all private sewage systems in Kenosha County.

The purpose for POWTS regulation is to try to ensure that all POWTS installed can meet the minimum required vertical separation distance from the seasonal/permanent groundwater table and other required setbacks stipulated in administrative code. The setback requirements can be verified by a soil and site evaluation in conjunction with the sanitary permit issuance and inspection process.

The Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development has administered the POWTS program since July 1, 1980. Any POWTS installed within Kenosha County that has been permitted by this department will be on file with this department. This department also maintains files of some pre-existing POWTS installed prior to above mentioned date. Having this information available for review is especially important for people who desire a zoning permit for pools, building additions, and other desired structures. They can use this information to help locate components of their existing POWTS so that the proposed project will comply with existing setback requirements.

Recently, the State of Wisconsin facilitated a plumbing POWTS code revision that provides greater flexibility in siting a POWTS on properties where public sanitary sewer is not available. In addition with this State POWTS code revision, the Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development also revised its Sanitary Ordinance (Chapter 15) to reflect the changes made to the State POWTS code. Along with this code change the Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development has also become a designated agent for holding tank plan review where the calculated daily wastewater flow is less than or equal to 3,000 gallons per day for public and private facilities.

As part of the POWTS program, the Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development also administers the Wisconsin Fund replacement and rehabilitation grant program. This program is a funding mechanism for individuals having to replace their existing failed POWTS. Kenosha County, as a participant of this grant program, also manages a POWTS maintenance and tracking program for all POWTS permitted and installed. The primary purpose of this maintenance program is to extend the duration for which a POWTS will perform and operate.