The Environmental Health Division regulates and issues sanitary permits for
all private on-site wastewater treatment systems in La Crosse County.
Sanitarians review and make on-site inspections on all soil tests, and all
septic system installations are inspected for compliance prior to back filling.
The Septic System Maintenance Program, which started in 1983, requires owners of
new systems to have their septic tanks inspected or pumped every three years
following installation. In 2006 Wisconsin Act 347 passed requiring that
all septic systems be pumped or inspected every three years
La Crosse County participates in the WISCONSIN FUND. Wisconsin Fund is a
program where individuals with limited incomes can be reimbursed funds spent to
replace failing septic systems.
www.commerce.state.wi.us/sb/sb%2Dwisconsinfundprogram.html
In 2008, the Sate of Wisconsin awarded 7 homeowners $20,698 for costs
incurred to replace their failing septic systems.
Wisconsin DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Information on POWTS (Private On-site
Wastewater Treatment Systems)
www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-POWTSProgram.html
First determine whether an approved soil evaluation test has been
conducted on the property. Ask the realtor or seller for a copy of the soil
evaluation, and then contact the Health Department to determine if it has been
approved. (Note: Percolation tests were discontinued in 1991, a few properties
may still have a valid "perc test" on file in our office.)
If an approved soil evaluation does not exist, a Certified
Soil Tester (CST) should be contacted to conduct a soil and site evaluation. A
list of local Certified Soil Testers is available from the Health Dept. With
the aid of backhoe pits, the CST looks for factors in the soil and at the
site, which will provide information to assist in the design of a safe and
effective septic system. Factors include slope, soil texture-structure, depth
to seasonal high groundwater and/or bedrock and others.
NOTE: Prior to the soil evaluation being approved a
County On-Site Inspection must be conducted by a County Sanitarian. The
On-Site is to confirm the findings of the CST.
If the site has an approved soil evaluation, the next step
is to contact a plumber to design the septic system. If the site is suitable
for a conventional system, the Health Dept. may approve the design. If the
site requires an In-Ground Pressure, At-grade, Mound System, System In Fill or
Holding Tank design, State Plan Approval is required which can take up to 4
weeks during the busy part of the construction season. State Approvals are
scheduled with the Department of Commerce Office by the plumber or designer.
After State approval, Sanitary Permit Application is made to La Crosse County.
For new construction, a Well Permit will also be required.
Please contact a local Well Driller so that he may make application for the
Well Permit. A list of local Well Drillers is available from the Health Dept.
The Well Driller will need to know the proposed location of the well for
application procedure.
Prior to a Zoning/Occupancy Permit the Sanitary and Well
Permit Applications must be made to the Health Department.
