KNOW THE FACTS!

Ohio EPA Semi-Public Sewage Disposal System Inspection Program

Local health departments conduct, on behalf of Ohio EPA, inspection and enforcement services for commercial sanitary waste treatment/disposal systems discharging between zero and 25,000 gallons per day (Semi-Publics).

By implementing House Bill 110 (HB110) in 1984, the Ohio General Assembly created Ohio EPA’s HB110 program. The program is a contractual partnership between Local Health Districts (LHDs) and Ohio EPA, whereby LHDs conduct, on behalf of Ohio EPA, inspection and enforcement services for commercial sanitary waste treatment/disposal systems discharging between zero and 25,000 gallons per day (Semi-Publics).

Ohio EPA operates the HB110 program to better the public health and welfare, and to protect the environment. Ohio EPA believes that due to the proximity, the multitude of facilities, and the availability of resources, local oversight results in improved sanitary wast disposal operations at Semi-Publics.

To offset costs of local oversight, State law (Revised Code 3709.085) authorizes LHDs to charge fees for inspection services to be paid by Semi-Publics.

 

Inspection Program

In accordance with Ohio EPA’s HB110 contracts, LHDs regularly inspect sanitary facilities at Semi-Publics for compliance with Ohio’s water pollution control laws and regulations. Investigations of complaints regarding waste disposal by Semi-Publics are also accomplished locally. Ohio EPA also consults with LHDs on the approval of plans and issuance of permits-toinstall (PTIs) for Semi-Publics. Installation inspections may be performed locally to ensure compliance with Ohio EPA’s PTI conditions.

 

Enforcement Activities

In coordination with Ohio EPA, LHDs may notify entities of non-compliance with Ohio’s water pollution control regulations. LHDs are also instrumental in identifying Semi-Publics installed without PTIs, of which Ohio EPA may not be aware.

Where non-compliance notification and informal requests fail to correct violations, entities may be referred to Ohio EPA for enforcement or the County Prosecutor may bring an action under local nuisance ordinances. All discharges of pollutants which are unpermitted or in excess of permitted amounts are statutory nuisances under Revised Code 6111.04.

 

Questions

For more information, contact the Water Quality Division at 513.946.7966, or hcph.org.

 

Download a printable version of this fact sheet here.

 

250 William Howard Taft Road
2nd Floor, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Phone 513.946.7800 Fax 513.946.7890
hamiltoncountyhealth.org