Septic System Operating Permits

Operating Permit Assessment Application

Download and fill out the application to submit via email or download and print the application to complete and submit in person or by mail.

Operating Permit Assessment Application

Operating permits are a requirement for all septic systems with a significant risk of pollution to ground water or high strength waste. The Goodhue County Septic Ordinance specifically calls out:

• MSTS systems larger than 5,000 gallons per day
• Type II Systems (Holding Tanks)
• Type IV systems (Advanced Treatment)
• Type V Systems (Engineered)

Operating Permits are also required for "any other system deemed by the department to require additional oversight". Systems that fall under this category consist of but are not limited to: 

• Large Individual Sewage Treatment Systems (LISTS) >2500gpd, <5000gpd
• Time Dosed or Flow Equalization systems
• Event Centers, Weddings, or any facility designed to regularly accommodate a large number of people.
• Facilities with a kitchen for regular customer or public use
• Restaurants
• Funeral homes
• Commercial facilities with potential for toxic chemical discharge
• Commercial facilities with extensive washing or cleaning activities that are designed to discharge to the septic system
• Campgrounds

In addition to the list above there are some systems that also may require an operating permit depending on their design and construction. Other systems would be Type III (modified soil absorption) where the soil is unnatural material or reduced in size due to limiting conditions.