On-Site Septic Systems
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SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM (SSTS) PROGRAM

SSTS classes

Individual sewage treatment systems (SSTS) are commonly known as septic systems. The purpose of a septic system is to treat sewage from your household. Proper treatment of wastewater reduces health risks to humans and animals and prevents surface and groundwater contamination.

The Dodge County Environmental Services Department through Chapter 21 of the Dodge County Zoning Ordinance and MN Rules Chapter 7080, 7081, 7082 and 7083 regulates the design, permitting, installations and inspections of Individual Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS).



SSTS Grant

Dodge County was selected by the MPCA for $500,000 of grant funds through the Minnesota Environmental And Natural Resources Trust Fund to upgrade failing septic systems in order to protect groundwater. Click here to review the application for additional information and qualifications, or call 507-635-6272.

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NOTICE!! GRANT FUNDING - Grant Funding is for low income households with failing septic systems. See Application for eligibility criteria, or for more information please contact Elizabeth Harbaugh at 507-635-6302.

NEW SEPTIC CONSTRUCTION

All new septic systems require a permit from Dodge County, Zoning permits will not be issued until the septic permit is received. Checklist for obtaining a septic system permit:

  1. Hire a Designer to complete a site evaluation and design for your new septic system.
  2. Hire a Septic Installer to install your septic system. Click on the Septic Professionals list to view a Dodge County list of state-licensed persons.
  3. Submit a permit application to Dodge County with the proper fee. Most septic professionals will have the forms and submit them to the county.
  4. The permit will be reviewed and, approved or denied, by the county. Zoning permits will not be issued until the septic permit and proper fee is received by the SSTS department.
  5. The installer may proceed with construction after permit approval is received.
  6. The installer is responsible for notifying the Environmental Services Department 24 hours in advance of construction for an inspection.
  7. Upon completion of the inspection, a Certificate of Compliance will be documented and mailed to the homeowner, installer and kept on file in the Dodge County Environmental Services Office.

WHEN SELLING PROPERTY OR REMODELING A HOME
Chapter 21 of the Dodge County Zoning Ordinance requires a septic system compliance inspection:

  • Prior to adding 120 square feet of living space to an existing dwelling, including 4-season porches.
  • When replacing, in whole or in part, an existing dwelling
  • When adding a bedroom to an existing dwelling (existing system must be properly sized)
  • If a written complaint is received.
  • When a discharge is observed during construction within the road right-of-way.
  • Prior to the sale or transfer of property. 
  • Any time there is a change in use of the property being served by an existing SSTS which may impact the performance of the system. 
  • Any time a permit or variance of any type is required for any improvement on, or use of, the property in the Shoreland Overlay District. 

Please remember that when transferring property you must ALWAYS fill out the Dodge County Disclosure Form that is located on the Septic Forms page.

WHAT IS A COMPLIANCE INSPECTION?
"Compliance Inspection" is any evaluation, investigation, inspection or other such method to determine if the SSTS:

  1. Discharges sewage to a seepage pit, cesspool, drywell, or leaching pit;
  2. Has less than 2 or 3 feet of soil or sand between the bottom of the drainfield and the saturated soil or bedrock; or
  3. Poses an imminent health threat by: discharging to the ground surface or by causing sewage to backup into a dwelling or other establishment.
  4. Transports raw or partially settled sewage directly to: a surface water, lake, stream, drainage system (ditch or tile), or onto the ground surface. 
Who can perform a compliance inspection?

Compliance Inspections must be completed by individuals with a state license as an "Inspector". Compliance inspections cannot be done by the owner of the system. Please arrange for an inspection ahead of closing; professionals are very busy and may not be able to do inspections without sufficient notice.

Results of Compliance Inspection

  1. If the inspection indicates that the SSTS is not in compliance, a "Notice of Noncompliance" must be provided to the property owner and the County (or governing agency) within 15 days from the completion of the inspection.
  2. If the system presents an imminent threat to public health the "Notice of Noncompliance" must include a statement to this effect and the property owner must upgrade, replace or discontinue use of the SSTS within 10 months of receipt of the notice. See specific requirements below if the inspection is for a property transfer.
  3. If a system does not comply with applicable requirements or meet the required 2 or 3 feet soil separation for existing systems, the property owner has two years from the date of the notice to bring the system into compliance. See specific requirements below if the inspection is for a property transfer.

Follow Up of Compliance Inspection During Property Transfer

  1. If the inspection is for the transfer of property, a "Sewage Disclosure Form" must be filled out and attached to the "Certificate of Real Estate Value" at the time of transfer of title and a copy delivered to the Environmental Services Dept. This does not require a fee.
  2. If the septic system in not upgraded before the property is transferred, a "Sewage Responsibility Form" must be filled out at the time of transfer of title and delivered to the Environmental Services Dept. This does not require a filing fee. An escrow account must also be set up according to the Chapter 21 of the Dodge County Zoning Ordinance.  
  3. If the new system is not completed by title transfer the county requires:
     -  125% of an estimate of a new system to be escrowed.  
     -   If you have a firm bid for a new system escrow is 110% of that bid.
  4. In the times of the year when the ground is frozen and a compliance inspection cannot be completed, the seller or buyer must establish an escrow account to be used for completion of a compliance inspection of the existing system and replacement of the system.  The Compliance Inspection of the existing system must be completed by June 1 immediately following the transfer and submitted to the Department by June 15th.  The escrow account shall be established in a financial institution mutually agreed upon and may be jointly controlled by seller and buyer.  The escrow will be released upon Department receipt of a Certificate of Compliance for the sewage treatment system.  
 Fee Schedule for Septic Permits
Tank Only (Including Holding Tank  $200.00 
 In Ground System $400.00
Above Ground System (Mound or At-Grade) $450.00
Greater than 2,500 gpd $0.45/gpd design
Type IV System (includes up to 2 inspections) $670.00
Additional Site Evaluation Fee $150.00
Additional Inspection Fee $150.00
Annual Operating Permit Fee $85.00
Annual Operating Fee - Community Systems and >2500 $135.00
After the Fact Permit Triple the original fee













SOIL VERIFICATION PROCEDURE
 

Dodge County requires soil verification before septic permits can be approved.

  • Professionals that perform soil evaluations must call Dodge County at 507-635-6272, BEFORE completing the soil evaluation to set up an appointment to meet a county employee at the site. The soil will then be evaluated and two separate soil reports generated. Do not call for verification if a permit application is not being applied for. You may give a homeowner a bid without having the soils verified - just be sure verification is completed before permit submittal.
  • Permit applications must be submitted with two soil reports: One report from the professional hired to complete the evaluation and one report verified by Dodge County. 
  • Permit fees reflect the cost of 1 soil verification.
  • If the site is changed, or additional soil verification is needed there will be an additional fee charged to the applicant. See fee schedule for amount.  

 AgBMP Low Interest Loans Available for Septic Upgrades

  • The applicant must qualify financially through a participating lender.
  • Loans are issued at 3 percent interest.
  • Can be used for Septic System repair and replacement.

The County must apply for the loans and issue them within a specified time frame, so the loans may not always be available. If interested, please call the Dodge County Environmental Services Department at the Government Services Building, Toll Free 1-888-600-5169 or direct at 507-635-6272. 
AgBmp Application                           AgBmp Lenders
For more information see Grants and Loans page.