Sewage System

• Types of Services
  • Site Evaluation for Suitability
  • Evaluation – Consultation
• Description
  • Preliminary Site Evaluation
  • Construction Permit
  • Final Inspection
  • Evaluation (Loan or Hook to Existing)
  • EGLE Groundwater Discharge 
• Online Septic System Construction Permit: Use this application for a permit to install an onsite sewage disposal system and/or a well for new construction or repairs. Print the PDF form or submit it online. Septic System Construction Permit
• PERC Test (Preliminary Plat) Application Raw Land and Preliminary Plat Application: Use this form to evaluate an undeveloped land plot based on soil conditions. This helps determine if a septic system can be installed.
• Evaluation of Onsite Systems
  • Note: PLEASE OBSERVE OUR GOAL FOR TURN AROUND TIME IS 14 BUSINESS DAYS. YOU MAY CONSIDER THE USE OF A PRIVATE INSPECTOR. Use this form for evaluations requested by mortgage lenders or for change of use to existing systems.
• Variance Deviation Request: Use this form to request a variance to an isolation distance. 

Site evaluations determine the soil's ability to accept sewage effluent by determining soil type, seasonal high water table, lot size, and topography.

A construction permit is issued based on soil type, other limiting factors, the size of the structure, and potential water usage. It includes the size of the septic tank(s), secondary disposal system(s), specific location if necessary, and any fill required to overcome soil limitations. Once a sewage system is installed but before it is covered, a final inspection is conducted to ensure the system is installed in compliance with the permit. A diagram of the system size and location is provided.

Evaluations of existing systems are conducted to determine the condition of the sewage system, usually at the request of a lending institution or home buyer. Consultations are provided for on-site sewage disposal systems during all phases of the process.

The Allegan County Water and Sewage Regulations govern sewage disposal systems for one and two-family residential dwellings. Sewage systems for commercial establishments with flows up to 10,000 gallons per day are covered by the Michigan Criteria for Subsurface Sewage Disposal. Sizing is covered by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Construction permits issued for commercial systems are issued based on the requirements of the Michigan Criteria for Subsurface Sewage Disposal.

Wells

• Types of Services
  • Commercial/ Private Well Permits
  • Water Analysis
  • Evaluation/Consultation
  • Septic Tank Pumper and Septic Disposal Sites
• Description
  • Site Evaluation
  • Construction Permit
  • Final Inspection
  • Evaluation
• Variance Deviation Request: Use this form to request a variance to an isolation distance. 
• Applications and Permits: Use this application for a permit to install an onsite sewage disposal system and/or a well for new construction or repairs. Print the PDF form or submit it online. Online Form Submission
  • • Site Plan Example: This document shows the expectations for submitting the site plan required with your application.
  • EGLE Type II Well Application (Permit in front of application.)
    State of Michigan Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Application for Type II Water Supply with public access.
  • Evaluation of Onsite Systems Note: PLEASE OBSERVE OUR GOAL FOR TURN AROUND TIME IS 14 BUSINESS DAYS. YOU MAY CONSIDER THE USE OF A PRIVATE INSPECTOR. Use this form for evaluations requested by mortgage lenders or for change of use to existing systems.

All water wells are governed by Allegan County Water and Sewage Regulations and State Law, Part 127 of Act 368 of the Public Acts of 1978. Act 368, Part 127 governs construction materials, construction standards, and water quality. Construction permits govern the location of the well, construction standards, depth, and isolation distances. Final inspections ensure the well is constructed according to the permit. Sampling requirements assure compliance with water quality standards. Evaluation of existing water wells is conducted at the request of lending institutions or home buyers to determine the construction of the well and water quality before issuing a mortgage for the property. Consultation on construction and water quality is provided at any time. The program covers all residential and non-community water supplies.

Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control

Different Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Resources, Permits, and Applications are available.

• SESC Application: This application is required if you are disturbing earth within 500ft of a stream, drain, wetland, catch basin, and/or body of water. Or disturbing soil on greater than (1) acre of earth in any location.
• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Controls Ordinance: CHECK THE LINK BELOW TO SEE IF YOUR SITE MAY REQUIRE AN SESC PERMIT. FOR VERIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS CALL 269-673-5415.
• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program (SESC) (michigan.gov)
• SESC Packet: Basic information to help with submitting an SESC permit application.
• Soil Erosion FAQs
• Part 91: EGLE SESC Rules and Regulations. 
• If your project involves disturbing soils over an area of one (1) or more acres. An SESC permit from the Allegan County Health Department will be required as part of your zoning/building permit application submittal packet.
• If your project is within 500 feet of a lake, stream, river, storm drain inlet, wetland, or other water body. A SESC permit from the Allegan County Health Department will be needed for your zoning/building permit application submittal packet. View a map of your area to check if your project may fall within the 500-foot limit.
• If you are building an agricultural/accessory building. An SESC permit from the Allegan County Health Department may be required as part of your zoning/building permit application submittal packet. While plowing and tilling of land for crop production or the harvesting of crops are exempt, any other agricultural activity such as construction or clearing which will disturb more than one (1) acre or is within 500 feet of a lake, river, stream, or storm drain inlet requires a permit.
• If your construction project is for permanent dwelling and/or large-scale additions to an existing home. An SESC permit from the Allegan County Health Department may be required as part of your zoning/building permit application submittal packet.
• Zoning/building applications for items such as decks, porches, swimming pools, small additions, and small accessory buildings generally do not require an SESC permit; however, they may require a waiver. 
• Regardless of the project, The ACHD may still require an onsite visit to determine if the permit is necessary. This does not prevent the fact that a site visit may be necessary to determine if the Allegan County Health Department may require a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control permit.