Onsite Wastewater Program
(Septic Systems, Private Lagoons)

Drain field graveless chamber (picture)The Onsite Wastewater program encompasses septic tanks, holding tanks, small lagoons, and other engineered wastewater treatment systems not typically connected to a municipal wastewater treatment system. The majority of these systems serve single households, although there are multiple houses, churches, campgrounds and establishments such as restaurants that use onsite systems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly one in four households depend on septic systems for wastewater treatment.

Who to Contact
Program Description
The Onsite Wastewater program focuses on protecting surface and groundwater in the area of existing and proposed onsite systems through the use of standardized design requirements, the certification of onsite professionals, the review of plans for subdivision development and the permitting of large onsite systems, systems with non-domestic wastes and systems where other concerns have been identified. For more information, go to “Onsite Program Overview”

To view the state rules and regulations relating to this program, go to Title 124 -- Rules And Regulations For The Design, Operation And Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

Permits -- Construction of most onsite wastewater systems in Nebraska are “Authorized by Rule” and do not require a construction permit from the State of Nebraska. However, some systems will require a construction permit as a result of the quantity and/or quality of the wastewater generated . For more information, go to "Onsite Wastewater Systems Permitting Fact Sheet."

Registration Requirements -- Any onsite wastewater treatment system that is constructed, reconstructed, altered, modified, or otherwise changed must be registered with the Department. For more information, go to "Onsite System Registration Requirements."
Subdivision Reviews -- Prior to construction of a development area where an onsite wastewater treatment system is proposed on any lot less than three acres in size, the owner of the development area must submit an application for subdivision review and receive Department approval for the use of onsite wastewater treatment systems for the development area. For more information, go to "Onsite Wastewater Systems: Subdivision Reviews.”

Professional Certification -- The Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Contractors Certification and System Registration Act (Act), was passed in 2003 and requires that anyone doing work associated with onsite wastewater systems be certified by the State of Nebraska. The design, installation, modification, repair, and maintenance of onsite wastewater systems must be performed by qualified and certified professionals who understand the requirements of Title 124 and proper practices of their trade. For more information, go to Onsite Professional Certification Requirements Continuing Education -- Certification renewal may be accomplished by completing a minimum of twelve professional development hours of continuing education during the two year certificate cycle. All professional development hours for certificate renewal shall be from courses or programs pre-approved by the Department to insure that the training is appropriate, directly associated with the onsite wastewater industry, covers topics related to the responsibilities carried on by the certified professional, and provides information or training that serves to enhance a certified professional’s knowledge of and ability to perform activities that protect the public health and the environment. For more information, go to Application for Approval of Continuing Education for Onsite Professionals and Guide to Professional Development Hour Submittals for Continuing Education Programs for Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Certified Professionals
Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Advisory Committee (OWAC) -- The OWAC advises NDEQ on proposed rules and regulations relating to the Private Onsite Wastewater treatment System Contractors Certification and System Registration Act. For more information, go to the OWAC Fact Sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions -- To view questions and answers relating to this program, go to Onsite Wastewater Program: Frequently Asked Questions

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) loans and grants may be available to assist you with repairs to rehabilitate or modernize your home to make it safe, sanitary or meet local building codes. Authorized loan and grant purposes may include the installation or repair of sanitary disposal systems (i.e., onsite wastewater treatment systems). For more information regarding these programs and eligibility requirements, please go to: .
Publications
Related Programs

Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality
1200 "N" Street, Suite 400
P.O. Box 98922
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
(402) 471-2186