Frequently asked questions from the April 10, 2008  Board of Health Meeting

1.)           Is it the goal of the Fairfield Department of Health to replace all older septic systems with more expensive systems?

Answer:  NO.  The statewide sewage treatment systems rules of 1/07 allowed for local health departments to upgrade existing sewage treatment systems only when they were failing or creating a public health nuisance.  The Fairfield Department of Health adopted Regulation 18 with this policy still in place. 

Existing sewage treatment systems are only upgraded when the home is sold and the tank does not meet size requirements and when a system is creating a public health nuisance. Your sewage treatment system design is based on the type of soil and the limiting conditions of soils (i.e. perched water table, bedrock, etc).

Furthermore, there is a rumor being spread that claims all systems will be replaced by mound systems.  This is also absolutely false.  Mound systems are, and will continue to be, limited to sites in the county that have no other options for the installation of a sewage treatment system.  They will only be required where no other type of conventional system can be installed. 

2.)           What if an older system has never failed?

Answer:  Some homeowners believe that just because they don’t see or smell anything their systems are working properly (“out of sight, out of mind”).  If they have never maintained their systems the systems still may have failed but the effluent is not breaking out yet, or it is breaking out off-lot somewhere and they may not have discovered it yet.  If an older system has never failed, that system may fail in the future because no system can last forever.  In fact, most household sewage treatment systems have a life expectancy of 30 to 40 years.  All sewage treatment systems need regular maintenance.  Even with regular maintenance, systems will eventually fail due to changing conditions that can affect the operation of the system.  Regular inspection by a qualified person, whether it be the homeowner or a knowledgeable installer or a health department technician, may be able to identify problems early before they become more widespread and difficult to remediate. 

3.)           If repairs are needed, how do you expect people to pay for them?

Answer:   The Fairfield Department of Health works with property owners to help them complete these repairs a little at a time within a timeline to eventually get the entire repair completed over a given period of time.  This enables homeowners to better afford any repairs. 

We attempt to refer people to other community resources for low interest loans or other forms of financial aid.  We are also looking into organizing community resources to actually have others donate time, work, and materials into repairing or installing systems of low income homeowners who cannot afford or are otherwise unable to do the repairs themselves. 

4.)           Why do other counties inspect aeration systems and charge no fee?

Answer:  To determine the answer to this question is one reason why we conducted our sewage survey of other health departments.  What we are finding is that those health departments that do not charge fees  are either (1) funded by county-wide levies; (2) have larger district health (general) funds than we do where monies that can be applied to any program that loses money or has no source of income; (3) choose not to fund this program because they have other ones that can cover the costs of their inspection program (shift costs from one program to another, which is increasingly more difficult to do); (4) have decided to simply take the loss to avoid the public outcry; or (5) have the cost built into another cost such as the fee charged for installing systems during new home construction or perhaps a higher licensing fee charged to installers. 

5.)           I’ve paid for 4 years now and never had an inspection – why?

Answer:  There may be several reasons for this.  You may have been lucky.  Or, we may have messed up and missed you because we need to upgrade and improve our record-keeping.  Also, the program was not meant to guarantee every homeowner an annual inspection.  We are finding that given our current resources and staffing we can inspect a maximum of around 3000+/- systems per year.  We are focusing on those areas that we know are having the most problems and doing others as time allows or as nuisance complaints are registered.  

The collective fees that are paid support the program for county-wide services.  Just because a homeowner pays a fee doesn’t mean that they will receive an annual inspection.  It does mean that we can continue to investigate nuisances as they occur…wherever they occur.  It also means that we can concentrate on those areas where sewage problems are more common and more critical.  It also means we are able to continue programs of education on an individual and a group basis so that homeowners, especially new homeowners moving into Fairfield County, know and understand how important their new sewage disposal system is, how it needs to be treated and respected just like any other utility they have (electric, water, gas), and how to make sure it is maintained properly and regularly.  That is why we needed to change the program’s name to an “Operation and Maintenance” program…for the entire county.

And the program has been effective.  Since the start of the program in 1994, the number of nuisances and outbreaks has steadily decreased in those areas where we have been able to focus our attention.  Unfortunately, there are still several areas where older systems exist that need our attention.
 

6.)           I’ve heard that systems in housing developments are failing.  Didn’t the health department approve them?

Answer:  The slide show presented at the March Board of Health meeting referred to several subdivisions that were under orders to connect to sewers.  There were several other subdivisions in the county that could be forced into sewers also due to failing sewage treatment systems.  These subdivisions are older subdivisions created in the 1970’s and 1980’s before subdivision regulations were established.  These subdivisions have high density housing of 100 – 200 homes with small lots of less than an acre which means they have no room for a replacement system when it fails.  The types of discharging sewage systems that these subdivisions contain are coming to the end of their life expectancies and are failing at an increasing rate.  

Today’s subdivisions go through intensive review by five county agencies including the health department.  In order to install an on-lot sewage system today, there are lot size requirements of two acres, and the developer must show a replacement area for when the original system fails.
 

7.)           What makes a system compliant or non-compliant?  Can this information be put on our website?

Answer:  Our inspectors make many different observations depending on the type of system a person has.  With the current program only aerobic systems are inspected.  A few of the items inspectors look include if the motor is operating properly, if they tank needs pumped, if the filter need serviced, or if chlorine tablets need to be added.  The purpose of the inspection is to help determine if the system is operating properly.

Yes, we can put this information on the website and will do so in the future.

8.)           Why did the Fairfield Department of Health create new sewage rules when the state is going to put new rules into place in 2009 – why not wait for those rules?

Answer:  When the statewide sewage treatment system rules of 2008 were rescinded in July of 2007, Amended Substitute House Bill 119 (H.B. 119) made all local health departments return to interim 1977 rules.  H.B. 119 contained a provision that allowed local health departments to adopt more stringent regulations.  The Fairfield Department of Health Regulation 18 is a combination of the health department’s prior Regulation 17 from 2003 to 2006 and the state-wide rules of 2007.  Most local health departments in the state did adopt more stringent rules than those of 1977 because the knowledge and technology have changed a great deal in the past 30+ years.  Today we can install systems that are more effective and efficient at doing their jobs and we can more accurately determine what kind of system has a better chance for long-term successful operation.   

9.)           What is the status with the plumbing fees?

Answer:  Yes, we have plumbing fees and a viable plumbing program with a regular fee structure that has remained unchanged since its inception in 2005.  

10.)         If FDH can’t handle the number of complaints now, why start a new program?

Answer:  This is one reason for the “new” program, which is actually an “expanded” program…to allow for a larger support base that will bring in additional revenue to support increased activities in nuisance remediation as well as education and inspections.  We also do need to be more aggressive and consistent in our nuisance remediation program. 

11.)         What are the results of the survey “of the townships?”

Answer:  There was no survey of townships done…that’s a good idea, however.  Perhaps, in the future, a survey could be done, by township, to determine more precisely the extent of the public’s knowledge of sewage systems and problems.

There is a survey being conducted of other county health departments in Ohio and how they handle their sewage operation and maintenance programs.  All 88 counties have been surveyed, and one reminder has been sent out to those who have not yet responded.  We have 46 responses so far.  An initial report will be given at the May Board meeting, with more responses and analysis to come.  We will try to send one more reminder (or call the departments to get the survey done over the phone) and will have further analysis done later.  We will also put the entire survey on the website. 

12.)         What is the percentage of systems with leach beds that are failing?  Last year’s inspections?

Answer:  FDH currently only inspects aerobic systems and does not have any data regarding the failure rates for conventional septic tanks with leach fields.  FDH only inspections this type of system in response to a nuisance complaint or during a realty inspection.  A recent study published by the Ohio Department of Health estimated failure rates for all sewage treatment systems in Ohio at 21%.
 

The following are frequently asked questions from the Board of Health meeting March 13, 2008 and answers prepared by Health Department staff.   

What are the two proposals?  At the March 13 board meeting, two proposals were discussed which related to the proposed Operation & Maintenance Program.   

Proposal A is the proposal which has been in discussion in past board meetings.  Frequently asked questions regarding Proposal A are answered in the archived Q & A. 

Proposal B  addresses community concerns expressed in prior board meetings, and refers to only billing homeowners with household sewage treatment systems following inspections.   

How many failed systems did you document last year?  Can you document that they were health hazards?  What percentage of the systems inspected were actually failed or not in compliance?   

Since the current program only inspects aerobic treatment systems, the health department only has statistics for them.   Any household sewage treatment system that is not operating properly is a public health nuisance and therefore a health hazard.  In 2007, there were 1,485 homes inspected.  Of those, 136 were considered marginal and 436 unsatisfactory.  670 were considered satisfactory.  There were 223 re-inspections. 

A marginal inspection can be anything from 1)  Motor shaft needs cleaned;  2) Motor running with no suction 3) Cement fatigue on the lids or riser damage  4) filter needs to be cleaned  5) No chlorine tabs 6) Motor cold but not seized i.e. could be on a timer.  Unsatisfactory inspections mean: 1) Motor burned up or seized 2) leaching failure 3) major cement breakdown  4) motor parts missing 5) system needs pumped. 

From 1989 to now, the health department averaged around 75 household sewage nuisances investigated per year.  A nuisance, however, could be as big as an entire subdivision such as Liberty Township’s subdivision that involved literally hundreds of inspections and re-inspections.  Because the health department inspects starting with areas known to have high failure rates, there have been failures as high as 60 to70 percent in an area. 

When homeowners work with the health department and understand their systems, the failure rates are much lower. That is why most people don't mind the technicians and sanitarians coming out and working with them to ensure their systems are working properly.

If I don’t have access to the Internet, where else can I get information from you about this program?  Answer – all frequently asked questions from the most recent board meeting are answered in one week of the meeting.  The week allows staff adequate time to thoughtfully respond to residents’ concerns.  In this case, the answers are posted by 3/21.   

The answers are posted on the website,  www.myfdh.org, sent to local media in the county, and several copies of this information are made available at both the health department locations( 1587 Granville Pike and the Community Health Center located at 1155 East Main Street).  Both locations are open from 8 to 4 Monday through Friday. 

Why don't people in town have to pay for clean groundwater in our county?

Those who reside in a town with centralized sewers pay a sewer bill, between $42 - $92 each month, to ensure that their sewage is adequately treated.   

If my system was installed years ago, will the health department require the homeowners to up-grade to today’s standards?

Answer:  The health department is charged with safeguarding your health by looking for public health problems.  If your household sewage system motor is not working, or the filter/tank needs cleaned, the homeowner will need to ensure that their system is operating.  As long as the system is operating as intended and not creating a public health nuisance there will be no need to upgrade. 

If my system is fairly new, do I have to have an inspection?

Answer: The most crucial time of a system is when it is new! Sanitarians working for your health department have found many new systems where the contractor failed to finish grading, or forgot to put the new motor in, failed to put grass seed down, etc.  Even though a system has not been installed for long, it can fail for a number of reasons such as, water usage, lack of maintenance, or mechanical failure. Also, if homeowners learn how to take care of their system when it is new, that maintenance will save them money and potential health problems later.    

If we want to be there when the health department inspects-how can we do that?

 Answer: Call 653-4489 ex.168 ask for Steve from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. He can let you know when your Township is scheduled, and from there, you can make an appointment. 

Is it true that the health department can’t keep up with sewage nuisance complaints now?

Answer   We do investigate all signed complaints.  Currently, the health department is operating with two less sanitarians in this program, which makes it more difficult to respond quickly to all nuisance complaints.  

What do health department inspectors do during the bad weather or the winter months?

Answer: Just another day! Only under severe weather conditions do we not inspect. During these periods there is always paperwork related to filing, databases, and responses to our residents.  

Why should anyone care about what happened a few years ago in Put-in-Bay?

 Answer: It was considered one of the largest disease outbreaks associated with sewage in the nation!  Just because we have not seen a large outbreak such as this in Fairfield County does not mean we are immune to it here!  All sewage has the potential to make people ill even the sewage that comes from a home of healthy family members. Sewage consists of bacteria, viruses, parasites, nitrogen, phosphates, nitrates, heavy metals and suspended solids that can cause disease. 

How many counties have similar programs?

In a 2002 survey conducted by the Ohio Department of Health (Please visit the ODH website at http://www.odh.state.oh.us) there were approximately 42 local health departments that conduct an  'Operation and Maintenance Program" in Ohio.  We are in the process of sending out a survey to all health departments in Ohio to obtain more information. 

I heard that elevated “mound” systems aren’t allowed in Indiana. Are they allowed in Ohio?

On the Indiana State Health Department website, Rule 410 IAC 6 - 8.1 Section 5.1 specifies the criteria necessary for the installation of an elevated system in Indiana.  Yes elevated systems are permitted in Fairfield County.  They are the only viable solution on some sites in Fairfield County based on the type(s) of soil present and other factors.   

How will you know the new program is working?

Answer: Once the program has been in operation for a while there will be valuable data available on non-aerobic system failure percentages, as well as aerobic systems and numbers of failed systems that were repaired or replaced. 

Would you please share your budgets for both proposals?

The budgets for both proposed programs are on the website, www.myfdh.org.  If you would like details or have questions about specific budget items, please call the health department, Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm at 740-653-4489 extension 184. 

Would you post minutes on agendas on the website?

Yes, approved minutes will be posted on the website.  An agenda is already posted on the website.
 

 Frequently asked questions regarding the Operation & Maintenance Program from prior Board of Health meetings

     Why don’t our property taxes already pay for inspecting and enforcing clean wells and septic systems if this impacts everyone? 

The Health Department is a separate agency from the other local city and county agencies.  The Health department receives some tax money from the District Advisory Council from property appraisals but nothing from the state or the local governments to assure that all wells are clean and that all sewage treatment systems are installed and operating properly.  Since we operate these programs on our own and with no other source of funding, we need to ensure that the costs are as equitable to everyone as possible.

   How do you protect the water now?

Your health department responds to nuisance complaints regarding malfunctioning systems with the limited staff we have now.  We also have a system in place for regular aerator inspections. 

 We plan to continue these inspections and may even increase them, especially in areas of the county that we target because of high numbers of nuisances and high levels of pollution in streams. 

 We also provide public education through one on one homeowner visits, and through public forums on home systems and pollution control.

 Why do we have inspections every five years but have to pay annually?  Why can’t we pay a fee “per inspection”?

The thought behind the “one charge fits all” concept is that the fee is for an operating permit.  It is not an inspection fee even though an inspection is included as part of the benefits of the program.  Also, operating permits are meant to raise money to support the program so everyone benefits from it.  This way, the fee is spread out over many more people (everyone with a potentially fallible system) and more evenly. 

However, if we charge per actual inspection done to cover annual costs (and potentially, therefore, doing fewer inspections each year) the cost per inspection will go up.  We are working on a revised fee using this scenario. 

What exactly will you do when you inspect a non-aerobic system?   

An evaluation of a household septic system will include a visual inspection of the area where the system is located, identification of any discharge points, possibly use GIS to document system locations, lifting the lid of the septic tank (if accessible) for a visual internal inspection, and, if requested, a review of results and educational tips for maintaining the system. 

If we have our system pumped every three to five years, it seems like this should be sufficient to prevent pollution.  Couldn’t you design a program to incorporate that?

This is not true, but we still recommend pumping the system every 3-5 years.  Often homeowners with failed systems pump the tank frequently to mask problems! 

How does the Health Department work with EPA at enforcing and monitoring clean water?

We work closely with the EPA on a daily basis.  Generally, EPA is concerned with larger (commercial and public) clean water issues and not so much on individual issues.  However, that may be changing.  EPA is concerned about off-lot discharges on an individual basis and we work with them to administer the NPDES permit process.  And if pollution continues to go unabated with little or no local control, the EPA or other state or federal governmental entities may become involved in the future. 

How will the health department be accountable for the dollars collected to ensure they are used in the operation of this program?

We already are accountable and will continue to be so in several ways.  An annual audit is required of the Department by the State of Ohio.  It is reviewed by the Ohio Department of Health which also asks more specific questions about our programs on their own forms.  In addition, we do not keep our own books; the Fairfield County Auditor’s Office is our fiscal agent, by law.   

In order to set our annual budget, it is first prepared internally, reviewed and approved by our Board, reviewed and commented on (but not approved) by the District Advisory Council (DAC) which is composed of a Trustee from each township, the mayor of each village and municipality, and a county commissioner, and finally approved by the County Budget Commission.

Also, all our financial records are open to the public.  We would be happy to meet with individuals to explain these and answer questions and concerns at any time. 

There is a curious dilemma we face, however.  The public asks us to operate more like a business.  Well, a business can charge more for some items and services so they can make up for losses they incur with other products and services.  We generally do not have that luxury and apparently the public doesn’t want us to have it either.   

So what do we do with programs and services that the state and federal governments mandate that we do but that they do not provide any support for?  These include rabies investigations, West Nile Virus monitoring, communicable disease (e.g., tuberculosis, whooping cough, etc.) nursing, the Child Fatality Review Board, school inspections as per Jared’s Law, health education programs, smoking ban enforcement, etc., etc.  We can charge fees (hence, the sewage operational fees), or get some support from our general fund (that the DAC allocates) which only amounts to approximately 15% of our overall budget and which must be spread over all other programs we have, some of which do not yet break even (our medical clinic, for example). 

How many faulty systems have you found in the past year?  How are violators handled?

Failing systems have been discovered through the previous House 2 House program, during Realty Inspections or while conducting nuisance complaint investigations.  Failure rates with aerobic treatment units are often as high as 60%.  FDH does not have data regarding the percentage of non-aerobic system failures in the county; the O & M program will provide this information.  Violators are handled through legal due process which includes fines. 

When was there a case of illness or outbreak from contaminated water in Fairfield County?

Thank goodness, we have had no serious illness or outbreak of an illness locally.  There have been many sewage outbreaks, however, and if not cleaned up properly and promptly, they could lead to illness.  That shows we are doing our job with a minimal amount of resources.   

People laughed about not having any cholera in Fairfield County recently.  However, there have been 7 reported cases of cholera in the U.S. in 2007 (down from 9 in 2006).  This is one of public health’s great success stories.  It is because we have such a good disease monitoring system, a good water quality monitoring system, and a generally rigorous sanitation system, that we don’t have more cases.  If we allow the system to break down, do not take care of sanitary problems immediately as they arise, or allow people to “do their own thing,” then we could easily see larger disease outbreaks again in the future…and it could happen in Fairfield County just as easily as anywhere else. 

However, we are concerned about what could happen.  Not all outbreaks of sewage are reported by the public and we are unable to find all of them given our current resources.  Our home sewage treatment systems are aging and continue to deteriorate.  We want to monitor, and be of service to, all systems; we have been unable to do so, focusing only on the aerobic systems which can go bad more quickly and more often.  Many non-aerobic systems have been in the ground for many years and they will not last forever.  We are trying to be proactive to ensure that there is a monitoring process in place for all systems because all systems will eventually have problems.  If we don’t do so, who will?

Several years ago Stoutsville was issued orders from OEPA to begin connecting to sanitary sewers.  OEPA found high bacterial samples in streams and yards due to failing/failed household sewage treatment systems in the Stoutsville area. 

Three subdivisions in Liberty Township were also issued strict orders from OEPA to connect to sanitary sewers due to high bacterial counts in streams and yards.

There are several other subdivisions or areas in the county that could face similar orders from OEPA. 

How does the Health Department address overflow contaminants from municipal sewage treatment facilities?

FDH currently conducts the HB 110 program which includes commercial systems less than 25000 gallons per day. Waste water treatment systems in excess of 25000 gallons per day, which includes municipal systems fall under the jurisdiction of the OEPA. 

What would change in the new program? 

Permit fee funds generated by the new program would allow us to be more proactive at finding failing systems and to respond to nuisance complaints in a more timely manner. 

Non-aerobic systems, while not as complicated as the aerobic units, also require regular maintenance and benefit from regular inspections.  The Fairfield Department of Health has been able to identify all systems (aerobic and non-aerobic) in the county.  As a result, we are able to expand our aerobic program to include all the non-aerobic systems and to apply its operations and an appropriate fee to cover all home sewage treatment systems in the county (Resolution 2007-96, introduced on November 9, 2007). 

The Operation & Maintenance team may take water samples from streams and ditches to help locate sewage contamination.  We may test the samples for E-coli., ammonia, nitrogen, suspended solids or BOD.   There will be protocol procedures for obtaining the samples.  The team will work with the village officials, township trustees and other governmental agencies to help locate areas with sewage contamination. 

One approach the team may take will be that once the sewage contaminated areas are located, the watershed could be mapped to pinpoint homes within the watershed that may be causing the problem.  The Operation & Maintenance team will then begin completing individual inspections within the watershed for the systems causing the problems.  Once the failing systems are located, the homeowners will be required to upgrade, repair or replace their system. 

The Fairfield Department of Health is our county’s resource to ensure everyone’s good health.  Following up with failing systems and repairs to these systems is an essential component of our public health services to the community.   

 If everyone complied and repaired their systems willingly we would certainly be healthier and safer.  However that is not reality.  Some homeowners’ situations even end up in the county prosecuting attorney’s office because they refuse to repair their systems  

What kind of schedule will you have for conducting inspections? 

The health department will continue to evaluate aerobic systems, and will expand these evaluations may include watershed monitoring, which will include non-aerobic systems.  We estimate that all systems will be inspected at least once every five years.   

Technicians working in our Operation and Maintenance program are specially trained to evaluate aerobic treatment units and they spend a considerable amount of time doing so.  All three chambers of the tank itself are opened to determine if the system is operating properly.  The motor, the aspirator shaft and the vent all must be checked and, finally, the effluent quality and filter must all be examined to evaluate the system’s performance. 

The average inspection time can vary from 15 minutes to 1½ hours (not counting drive time) depending on the problems encountered or if the homeowner is present and has questions or concerns.  We always welcome the opportunity to provide education regarding maintenance of the system.   

In fact, many homeowners do not realize how much maintenance an aerobic treatment unit requires.  The initial or first inspections are only part of the process; most systems with problems require numerous re-inspections to bring them into compliance.

If a homeowner wants to schedule an inspection, which includes homeowner education about their system, they should call 740-653-4489 extension 168.   

 If my system is functioning properly and I have a contract with someone, why do I have to pay the fee?  

A service contract protects your investment in your household sewage system.  Your health department is responsible for ensuring the safety and health of the county’s water.   

How many household sewage systems are there in our county?

In our county, there are approximately 17,500 household sewage treatment systems.   

Why are these systems a potential health issue?

The typical household of four persons generates approximately 480 gallons of sewage each day – or 146,000 gallons of sewage a year – enough to fill an average swimming pool 10 times!  A sewage system failure can be a significant pollution problem and a public health risk.  Failing systems also negatively impact property values and the ability to sell homes, as well as impairing your quality of life.   This impact extends beyond neighborhoods, communities, and into watersheds and across political boundaries.  

What are the current anticipated costs for the O & M program? 

Links to DRAFT budgets for 2008 and 2009 are at the top of the sidebar on the left.

What is the legislative basis for this program?

The Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 3701-29 sets the standards for the State of Ohio on household sewage systems.  These are rules adopted by the Public Health Council and are known as the Ohio Sanitary Code.  By law, the rules are enforced by local Boards of Health.  These rules were put into effect by the Ohio Department of Health in July of 1977 through OAC rule 3701-29-04(B):

 “No person shall maintain or operate a household sewage disposal system installed after the effective date of this rule without an operation permit obtained from the board of health.”

 This implies that any system installed before 1977 would be exempt and would not need an operation permit.  However, OAC section 3701-29-20(D) states:

 “Rules 3701-29-01 to 3701-29-21 of the Ohio Sanitary Code are minimum standards.  A board of health may adopt more stringent standards when local conditions indicate such standards are necessary.”

 What have been the most recent changes to the program?

In 2006, a new set of statewide household sewage regulations and rules was proposed and briefly adopted and approved by the Ohio Legislature and the Ohio Department of Health.  The regulations became effective as of January 1, 2007, and required an “Operation and Maintenance permit for all new installations.”   

These new laws forced local health departments to adopt new rules to conform to the new State regulations.  The Fairfield Department of Health adopted new local regulations that were in agreement with the State regulations and revised its local fees to enable the program to remain self-sufficient despite the additional mandates handed down from the State (Resolutions 2006-88 and 2006-91). 

However, concerns arose about the expense to the public caused by the new rules and the Ohio Legislature rescinded parts of the new regulations through amendments in the Budget Bill (Ohio Am. Sub. HB 119).  Due to rescission of the new regulations, the Fairfield Department of Health opted to restore its pre-2007 rules (Resolutions 2007-60 and 2007-61) rather than having no rules at all (Regulations 18 and 19).  The current fee structure was also continued (Resolution 2007-55). 

The fee of $25 was set in 1994, and has never been increased while employee wages, insurance, computers, gasoline, and vehicles have.  Raising the operation and maintenance permit fee to $40 in 2007 (Resolutions 2007-03 and 2007-03a) amounted to a 1.15% increase per year (considerably less than the 2.5% average inflation rate).  A statewide survey of local health departments, taken in 2002, revealed that local annual permit fees ranged from a low of $0 (those counties with tax levies) or $18.75, to a high of $360 with an average fee of  $43.92 (from 42 health departments reporting). 

Because of the ongoing need for an operation and maintenance program to protect public health and our environment, the Fairfield Department of Health is committed to continuing its program to include existing and new systems.  The Fairfield Department of Health is the County’s local resource for ensuring the health and safety of its residents’ water supply. 

How can I appeal?

If a person has an issue about his/her property in particular, he/she is welcome to do so through the mail and/or by attending and testifying at one of our meetings where issues about particular home sewage treatment systems are discussed.  He/she may schedule a hearing with the Environmental Review Committee to hear the case.  The Committee meets during the day at the Health Department located at 1587 Granville Pike in Lancaster.  The meetings are usually the second Tuesday of each month.  Call the Environmental Health Division Office (740-653-4489, extensions 119 or 120) to schedule a hearing at the Committee meeting. 

If a person wishes to object to the program or appeal the fee, he/she is welcome to do so through certified mail. 

Also, the Board of Health meets on the second Thursday of every month at 6:00 P.M. at the Fairfield Medical Center in the second floor assembly room.  Call the Health Commissioner’s Office (740-653-4489, extension 113) to be scheduled or placed on the Board agenda for that evening. 

When are the upcoming board of health meetings?

Board of Health meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 6 pm at Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster in the second floor Assembly Rooms One and Five.  Public is always welcome.  Public comment is encouraged.   

If you have additional questions not answered here, please call 653-4489 Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm or email via our contact page to ask any additional questions.