Operation & Maintenance Program

HomeOperation and Maintenance Program

Operation and Maintenance Program

In 2015, new guidance was implemented requiring health departments to establish an operation and maintenance permitting program for sewage treatment systems. The purpose of the revision is to ensure that systems are being maintained properly, not causing a public health nuisance, and to help educate homeowners.

Ohio Administrative Code 3701-29-19

“The board of health shall develop a program for the administration of O&M management for STS and GWRS and system owner education in compliance with division (A)(7) of section 3718.02 of the Revised Code and this chapter.”

Ohio Administrative Code 3701-29-09(1)

“No person shall operate a STS or a type 2, 3 or 4 GWRS without an approved and valid operation permit from the board of health. The owner and/or a responsible management entity when applicable, shall comply with the terms and condition of the permit.”

Below is the Operation and Maintenance Program Presentation that was presented by Ashley Winters, MS, REHS

Please contact Dan Lark with any additional questions at 440-279-1915 or email DLark@geaugacountyhealth.org.

NPDES Sampling Information

The Environmental Health Department offers sampling services for all NPDES household sewage treatment systems (HSTS) located in Geauga County. Staff members performing the sampling are Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS) certified by the Ohio Department of Health. Sampling protocols are based on the sample procedures outlined by the Ohio EPA, and samples are analyzed by the Geauga County Water Resources Laboratory.

Samples are collected Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm. a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) will contact you to discuss the sampling requirements and schedule an appointment. You are not required to be home for the sampling, however it is requested that all animals be secured on the day of sampling. During the site visit, the REHS will be available to answer any questions and review the operation and maintenance of your system with you. Complete the NPDES sampling request form to schedule sampling, the form can be dropped off at the office, mailed or emailed to ehservices@geaugacountyhealth.org

Geauga Public Health accepts cash, check, bank check, money order, or credit card for payment, note that there is a 2% handling fee on all credit card purchases. For more information call 440-279-1914 or email ehservices@geaugacountyhealth.org.

NPDES Permit

Homeowner Responsibilities

  1. Obtain Local Health Department Authorization to Install an Approved Household Sewage Treatment System (HSTS).
  2. Obtain and operate the HSTS under an appropriate Operations and Maintenance Service contract from an Ohio Department of Health registered service provider.
  3. Perform annual diagnostic sampling to evaluate the performance of the HSTS, under either the service contract identified, or working with the local health district having jurisdiction.
  4. Permit Transfer – In the event of a property ownership change, General Permit Coverage Transfer form must be submitted to Ohio EPA.
  5. Nothing in this permit shall relieve the homeowner from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties established pursuant to Ohio Department of Health rules.

O&M Program and NPDES Forms and Information

Title
File
Date
Year Category
NPDES Discharging System Quick Tips Guide Sep 19, 2023 2023-09-19 O&M Program
NPDES & Spray System Sampling FAQ NPDES-Spray-System-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf Sep 19, 2023 2023-09-19 O&M Program
NPDES Sampling Request Form NPDES-Sampling-Request-02.27.23.pdf Feb 27, 2023 2023-02-27 Environmental HealthO&M Program
NPDES Transfer Application General_Permit_Transfer.pdf Feb 2, 2023 2023-02-02 Environmental HealthO&M Program
Manual of Ohio EPA Surveillance Methods and Quality Assurance Practices 2012 Field_Manual_4_13_12_revision.pdf Feb 2, 2023 2023-02-02 Environmental HealthO&M Program
NOI Transfer Instructions NOI-transfer-instructions.pdf Feb 2, 2023 2023-02-02 Environmental HealthO&M Program
NPDES General Permit OEPA-NPDES-General-Permit.pdf Feb 2, 2023 2023-02-02 Environmental HealthO&M Program
Operation & Maintenance Program Presentation OM-Program-Presentation-2022.pdf Jan 30, 2023 2023-01-30 Environmental HealthO&M Program
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