ISDH: Commercial Sewage Disposal Plan Review Program

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Program Overview

The Division reviews soil surveys for on-site disposal systems, plans and specifications for water supply and sewage disposal systems to serve all types of public and commercial facilities. Additionally, the Division reviews total facility construction for various types of facilities, as mandated by law or regulation. These include mobile home parks, and organizational and recreational campgrounds. Staff review and approve plans and specifications for onsite sewage disposal systems (i.e., septic systems) serving any type of commercial facility. An onsite sewage disposal system is one that treats only domestic sewage onsite, with final disposal via absorption into the soil. Disposal of petrochemicals and other industrial wastes (in whole or in part) is regulated by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Likewise, sewage treatment systems that discharge to a stream or other surface water body are the purview of IDEM. Examples of commercial facilities are apartments, subdivisions, mobile home parks, churches, schools, factories, gas stations, groceries, convenience stores, post offices, restaurants, taverns, golf course clubhouses, campgrounds, and veterinary, dental, and medical offices. If a sanitary sewer is available within a reasonable distance to the proposed facility (410 IAC 6-10) installation of an onsite sewage disposal systems is prohibited, and a connection must be made to the sewer.

Drafting of plans is not the first step, however. Before plans can be developed, a soil report for the proposed site must be prepared by an Registered Soil Scientist and submitted to the program, in duplicate. The extra copy of the soil report is forwarded to the local health department to solicit input about the project site. The report must specify in detail the kinds of soil encountered at the proposed site, and should include information about the facility operation sufficient for us to estimate the design maximum daily sewage flow that must be treated. The soil survey is entered into the section's log and a summary of that information is available at Plan Review Project Status.

Once the section receives the necessary information, staff will work with the designated engineer or architect to determine the best type of onsite sewage disposal system for those soils; where the system should be constructed and how it should be positioned; establish drainage requirements and minimum system size; and outline other design requirements important to proper functioning of the sewage disposal system. Once the architect or engineer submits plans and specifications they are reviewed for compliance with the design requirements that were agreed upon and state standards (Bulletin SE 13). State law requires each page of the sewage disposal plans and specifications to be stamped by an engineer or architect registered to practice in Indiana. State law prohibits registered land surveyors from preparing sewage disposal system plans, although it is legal for them to design gravity storm and sanitary sewers.

The final permitting for some commercial onsite sewage disposal systems maybe referred to some local health departments if it is determined that they have staff capable of handling certain onsite systems. Most local health departments are approved to handle conventional (gravity) systems. A smaller number of departments are approved to handle more complex systems and in those cases we limit the referral to those systems that are designed to handle 750 gallons per day or less.

Under several rules such as 410 IAC 6-7.1, 410 IAC 6-7.2 and 410 IAC 6-9 the program is required to approve the construction of Recreational Vehicle, Youth and Agricultural Labor camps. An application is required for all types of camps, however only Recreational Vehicle and Youth camps are required to have plans prepared by be a licensed engineer or architect. Agricultural labor camps plans need to be presented in a manner that will allow the reviewer to determine whether or no the proposed camp meets requirements. If there is a need for an onsite sewage system then the plans for the onsite system need to be prepared by a licensed engineer or architect, accompanied by a completed application and fee. This applies for all types of camps.

Announcements / Current News

Learn more about plan review fees for most commercial onsite sewage disposal projects.

Contact the Program

Indiana State Department of Health
Division of Consumer Protection
2 North Meridian Street, 5E
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-1325 (ISDH Main Switchboard)
Map

Division Director
Michael Mettler
mmettler@isdh.in.gov
(317) 233-7183
(317) 233-7173 [Administrative Assistant]
(317) 233-7047 [Fax]

Questions: engineering@isdh.in.gov

Directories

City and County Health Department Roster

Indiana Registered Soil Scientists
This list includes a map showing those counties where the soil scientists are willing to serve.

Pre-approved automatic Hot Watet Temperature Control Valves - or - PDF
Automatic hot water temperature control valves regulate the hot water temperature at the point of use, to preventing accidental scalding. They are required to be installed in the facilities for which this program reviews plans and specifications.

Pre-approved Exterior Drinking Fountains and Yard Hydrants - or - PDF
Many frost-proof hydrants and exterior drinking fountains allow for possible back-siphonage of contaminated water into a water distribution system. Therefore, approved non-freeze, non-polluting sanitary exterior drinking fountains and yard hydrants are required to be installed in the facilities that this Program regulates.

Pre-approved Exterior Water and Sewer Piping - or - PDF

Pre-approved Manufactured Septic Tanks - or - PDF

Bulletin S.E. 11 - or - PDF
A planning guide including minimum requirements for the construction of vault privies.

Bulletin S.E.13.
A guide for architects and engineers in the basic requirements for layout and design of onsite water supply and wastewater disposal systems for commercial establishemtnts.

Commercial Sewage Disposal Project Plans
This page indicates the current status of plans for a commercial sewage disposal project that have been submitted for review. Click on the county link to see the status of any project ongoing in that particular county.

Disease Caused by Sewage or Sewage Contaminated Water - or - PDF

Fee for Application for Permit to Construct
This page shows what fee, if any, that must accompany a permit application to construct many of the facilities for which this Program reviews plans and specifications.

Indiana Registry of Soil Scientists -- State Chemist web page hosted by Purdue University
This web site from the Indiana State Chemist Office explains the credentials needed to become a Registered Soil Scientist, how to obtain the services of a Indiana Registered Soil Scientist (IRRS), and how a soil scientist can become registered, and includes a roster of registered soil scientists along with a map showing those counties they are willing to serve. It also has links to related programs and organizations.

Installation of Trench-type Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Guidelines
Onsite systems require care in site selection, design, and construction. Proper installation should help ensure years of trouble-free operation.

New (to Indiana) Onsite Sewage Disposal Technologies Information.
This web page provides general information on the department's review and approval process, and includes links to web pages containing information on new technologies that have been approved, and the status of those that are currently under review.

Sewage Holding Tanks - or - PDF
In essence, only temporary holding tanks can be approved, and only for a maximum of two years operation.

Soil Survey and Plan Review Submittal Status.
This page indicates the current status of a soil survey submittal that has been submitted for review. Follow the county link to see the status of any project ongoing in that particular county.

Tire Chips and Onsite Sewage Systems
This document provides guidance to local health departments and others on the use of tire chips in onsite sewage systems.