Summit County's Septic Program protects public health by making sure that septic systems work properly. It is important that sewage does not leak onto the ground or into groundwater sources. We make sure that septic systems are designed, installed, and maintained in ways that meet State and local standards.

Information and Education

One of our main goals is to provide information for homeowners about how to keep their septic systems working properly. We do this through offering information on the installation and maintenance of septic systems.

Site Evaluations and Permitting Process

The largest part of our onsite program deals with the septic permit process. This includes evaluating the soils at a site, reviewing and approving permit applications, and checking the installation of systems. Click here for the Septic Permit Application.

Investigating Septic Complaints

The Environmental Health Division also responds to complaints about septic systems and leaking sewage.

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A typical septic system has three main components:

1. A septic tank;
2. An absorption field; and
3. The soil.

Microbes in the soil digest or remove most contaminants from wastewater before it eventually reaches groundwater.

Septic tank

• The septic tank is a buried, watertight container typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene.
• It holds the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out (forming sludge) and oil and grease to float to the surface (as scum).
• It also allows partial decomposition of the solid materials.
• Compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the septic tank prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the absorption field area.
• Newer tanks generally have risers with lids at the ground surface to allow easy location, inspection, and pumping of the tank.
  

Soil

• Septic tank wastewater flows to the absorption field, where it percolates into the soil, which provides final treatment by removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients.
• Suitable soil is necessary for successful wastewater treatment.
• The purified wastewater eventually evaporates from the soil, is taken up by plants or percolates into the groundwater.

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• Shallow Trench System – the trench is dug one foot or less (no deeper than one foot into the soil). Draining is either through a perforated pipe and drain rock or a chambered system.
• Standard Trench System – the trench is dug down four feet or less. Can utilize either type of draining system.
• Deep Trench System – the trench is dug down to seven feet. The draining system is mainly drain rock with the perforated pipe line on top of the rock.
• At Grade with Capping Fill – the bottom of the absorption field is at the ground surface.

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1. Contractor fails to build system to specification.
2. Tank failure.
3. Soil clogging – the pores in the soil clog so no water can flow through.
4. Clay interference in the trenches.
5. What people put down their systems – many items can clog a septic system.
6. Not pumping the tank regularly – needs to be pumped every 3 to 7 years.

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If the test fails, the homeowner can bring it to the Health Department and present it to the Director for review. If it is rejected, the homeowner can then take the test results to the Board of Health for appeal.

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All small subdivisions are required to conduct a percolation test that can cover 3 to 5 housing lots. Large subdivisions can use representative numbers.

Individual lot owners still have to get a percolation test for their property for each septic tank.

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Bob Swensen
Environmental Director
85 North 50 East
Coalville, Utah 84017
Phone: 435-336-3227
Fax: 435-336-3286
bswensen@utah.gov

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