Septic Systems

Yes, any repair work done to a component of a septic system requires a permit from the Montgomery Township Health Department: Septic Repair or Alteration Application

Individual subsurface sewage disposal system” or “ISSDS” means a collection of components for disposal of sanitary sewage into the ground which is designed and constructed in conformance with New Jersey Regulations to treat sanitary sewage in a manner that will retain most of the solids in a septic tank or may incorporate an advanced wastewater pretreatment device and discharges liquid effluent of typical domestic strength to a disposal field. An ISSDS may include advanced wastewater pretreatment. The terms “onsite wastewater treatment system” and “system” are equivalent in meaning. The term “septic system” is also equivalent to this definition.

The Montgomery Township Board of Health Code Chapter BH:VI “Individual Sewage Disposal Systems” and N.J.A.C. 7:9A “Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems” regulate the design and construction of septic systems.

Montgomery Twp. Bd. of Health Chapter BH6 Individual Septic Disposal Systems Regulations

Montgomery Twp. Bd. of Health Chapter BH13 Onsite Waste Water Disposal Mgt. District (Licensing Program)

State Regulations, N.J.A.C. 7:9A “standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems”

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 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 drain field area. If the septic tank is not pumped out regularly, solids will build up in the tank and travel into the drain field. This can cause the drainage material to become clogged and prevent the septic effluent from being properly treated and disposed of.

Montgomery Township Board of Health Code Chapter BH:XIII On-site Waste Water Disposal Management District has the following scope:

“The owner and/or occupant of any realty improvement serviced by an on-site subsurface wastewater disposal system located in the Management District shall be a member of the Management District and subject to all of the requirements of this chapter. The Management District shall be comprised of all on-site subsurface wastewater disposal systems that had been licensed by the Board of Health prior to the effective date of this chapter, and all on-site subsurface wastewater disposal systems which shall be installed, altered, or repaired subsequent to the effective date of this chapter." (Ord. #92-2, S 1; Ord. #99-02, S 1)

Montgomery Twp. Bd. of Health Chapter BH6 Individual Septic Disposal Systems Regulations

Montgomery Twp. Bd. of Health Chapter BH12 Onsite Waste Water Disposal Mgt. District (Licensing Program)

All conventional systems that are currently part of the Waste Water Management District must renew their septic management license every three years and provide proof that the septic tank has been pumped and the effluent filter cleaned, if applicable. See online form: Conventional Septic Management License – 3 Yr. Renewal Form

Alternative technology systems are required to renew their license every year and provide the applicable proof that the required maintenance was done. An alternative system is one which uses aerobic treatment or peat moss as a treatment option. See online form: Alternative Septic Management License – Annual Renewal Form

There are also PDF versions of the above forms, if needed, and a list of pumping companies found under "Supporting Documents" on the Septic Systems webpage.