COUNTY OF MONTEREY
HEALTH
DEPARTMENT
Nationally Accredited for Providing Quality Health Services
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Septic System) Permits
Published on November 10, 2016. Last modified on November 08, 2024
Contact Information
| Contact | Position | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ric Encarnacion |
Bureau Director |
755-4542 |
encarnacionr@countyofmonterey.gov |
|
Nicole Fowler |
Supervisor |
755-4584 |
fowlerne@countyofmonterey.gov |
| Connor Cappi | Environmental Health Specialist III | 755-4556 | cappic@countyofmonterey.gov |
| Corrine Ow | Environmental Health Specialist III | 755-4557 | owc@countyofmonterey.gov |
| Kyler Asato | Environmental Health Specialist III | 755-4348 | asatok@countyofmonterey.gov |
| Roger Beretti | Environmental Health Specialist II | 647-7866 | berettir@countyofmonterey.gov |
Information about OWTS (Septic Systems)
The Monterey County Health Department, Environmental Health Bureau (EHB),
received approval of the Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) for Onsite
Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS, also called septic systems) in May
2018. Monterey County Code, Chapter 15.20, Sewage Disposal, has been amended to incorporate the standards and requirements of LAMP. The following items are required to evaluate an OWTS proposal for this site:
1. Prepare a detailed wastewater generation estimate based on the estimated quantities of sewage flow detailed in Table C of Monterey County Code, Chapter 15.20.
2. OWTS Feasibility Report (see Monterey County Code, Section 15.20.080 Site Evaluation and Soil Characteristics) shall be prepared by a Qualified Professional (list or prospective professionals is available here) and include the following minimum information:
• A minimum of one deep groundwater monitoring boring (Table 4 or 5 of Monterey County Code, Section 15.20.310, Soil Depth and Characteristics)
• A site evaluation, soil profile analysis and percolation testing shall be completed for each of the areas proposed to accommodate the required dispersal systems: primary dispersal field area and expansion area(s) (Monterey County Code, Section 15.20.080, Percolation Testing)
• The soil application rate shall be determined by Table4 or 5 of Monterey County Code, Section 15.20.310.
3. A Qualified Designer shall prepare an OWTS design for review and approval. The design shall indicate that adequate area exists to accommodate the primary and secondary dispersal systems based on the soil application rate, and a 100% future expansion area when required per Monterey County Code, Section 15.20.110.G.
4. Submit with the construction permit application a completed OWTS application (signed by the property owner of record) with the Feasibility Report and OWTS Design.
5. In order for the Environmental Health Bureau (EHB) to determine that adequate area exists for onsite wastewater disposal for the proposed development, a site visit will be required. This will be coordinated after the application has been filed and EHB has reviewed and accepted the OWTS Feasibility Report.
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
|
List of Frequently asked questions |
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Information about the Local Agency Management Program (“LAMP”) for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems in Monterey County |
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The Environmental Health Bureau is currently evaluating onsite wastewater in the Carmel Highlands based on the intent of the OWMP and plans to return to the Board of Supervisors to recommend approval of amendments to County code as prescribed by the OWMP. See this page for supporting documents. |
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This is a brief overview of septic systems and what is needed for them to work for a long time. |
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Your septic tank and/or drainfield was a substantial investment that should last for decades if it is used properly and maintained regularly. Its life can be extended significantly if you follow a few simple guidelines |
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Information about Wet Weather Soil Testing in Monterey County -Measuring Depth to Groundwater |
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Link to online Local OWTS Regulations (Monterey County Code) |
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Online Contractor Notification For Start of OWTS Installation |
Notify the Environmental Health Department when starting an OWTS Installation |
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List of Fees in regards to OWTS |
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Information about the minimum professional qualifications necessary for an individual or entity to complete each phase of the OWTS design and installation process. |
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A list of Consultants, Designers, Installers, Liquid Waste Haulers and Service Providers that are authorized to work in Monterey County. Individuals and companies can be added to this list upon request. This list is not exhaustive, so an individual or company not listed may have the necessary qualifications to conduct OWTS-related work in Monterey County. |
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A comprehensive site and soil evaluation is an essential piece of information to design an onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS, or septic system) that will function for years to come and ensure that groundwater and nearby surface waterways are protected from potential contamination. |
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Informational handout about Soils and Percolation Testing Methodology with attached Percolation Test & Soil Log Data |
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New and replacement septic tanks and pump chambers must be approved for use in Monterey County and conform to the Monterey County Environmental Health Bureau (EHB) Local Agency Management Program for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems |
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Certification form for Watertight Tank Certification |
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The use of an onsite wastewater treatment systems for sewage disposal can limit changes to or expansion of uses on a commercial site. This informational guide is intended to identify commonly encountered limitations. |
OWTS Soil Boring/Monitoring Well
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
|
OWTS Monitoring Well Permit Destruction/Construction
Application |
Application for OWTS monitoring well destruction, construction. One application per well. |
Maintenance and Home Owner’s Guide
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
|
Homeowners Guide English / Una guía sobre los sistemas sépticos para propietarios de casas |
|
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Home-buyers Guide English / Guía sobre sistemas sépticos para compradores de casa |
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Dos and Don’ts for an Advanced Treatment Unit (ATU) / Qué hacer y qué no hacer con la Unidad de Tratamiento Avanzado |
OWTS and Emergencies/ Natural Disasters
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
|
Information about what to do when there is a power outage. |
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General Information about what to do after a flood concerning your OWTS |
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This document contains scenarios that attempt to summarize what actions will likely need to be taken before the Environmental Health Bureau can approve construction permits after a fire |
Conventional & Alternative OWTS (Septic Systems)
A copy of the approved LAMP, as well as a full LAMP Overview, is available at: LAMP
Conventional OWTS (Septic System)
The Monterey County Health Department, Environmental Health Bureau (EHB), has received approval of their Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS, also called septic systems). The LAMP was developed in response to the State Water Resources Control Board’s OWTS policy, and details new regulations and site evaluation requirements that will be applied to any OWTS (septic system) permit issued on or after May 11, 2018. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved the program on April 3rd and it was subsequently approved by the Central Coast Water Board on May 10, 2018.
A conventional gravity flow septic system consists of a series of tanks or a compartmented tank followed by a drainfield. The septic tanks are used to settle out solids and partially treat wastewater before it reaches the subsurface drainfield. Certain areas may not be suitable for conventional systems; for example, areas with nearby nutrient-sensitive waters, high densities of existing conventional systems, highly permeable or shallow soils, shallow water tables, large rocks or confining layers, and poorly drained soils.Alternative OWTS (Supplemental Treatment System)
Alternative OWTS are used in areas where conventional OWTS cannot provide adequate treatment of wastewater effluent due to site constraints. Supplemental systems feature components and processes designed to promote degradation and/or treatment of wastes through biological processes, oxidation/reduction reactions, filtration, evapotranspiration, and other processes. Some examples of Alternative (supplemental) OWTS include mound systems, fixed-film contact units, wetlands, aerobic treatment units, and low-pressure drip applications.
- OWTS Application
- Setbacks
- OWTS Performance Evaluation Guidelines
- OWTS Performance Evaluation Report Form
- Replacement OWTS Dispersal System Design
- OWTS Approved Materials List
OWTS Operating Permit Application
Operating permits are intended to serve as the basis for verifying the adequacy of OWTS performance and to ensure on-going activities are completed, such as maintenance and/or water quality monitoring. The owner of real property served by a new or existing alternative OWTS is required to apply for an operating permit by January 1st, 2025 in each of the following circumstances:
- At the time of application for an alternative OWTS or OTNWS;
- Within thirty (30) days of transfer of title of property on which an OWTS or OTNWS subject to an existing operating permit exists;
- Within thirty (30) days of receiving written notification from the EHB that an alternative OWTS or OTNWS exists on the property;
- Prior to issuance of permit to install a haul away system; and
- At the time of application for conventional OTWS or OTNWS that will necessitate water quality analysis pursuant to this Chapter.
Monterey County Code, Chapter 15.20.150
Septic Tank Pumping and Inspection Reporting
Section 4.1 of the Monterey County LAMP requires a liquid waste hauler to submit a report to Monterey County for each septic tank pumping job completed within the County using an approved form. One form shall be completed for each septic tank that is pumped out and shall be mailed, faxed or emailed to EHB, no later than 10 business days after the end of the month that the job occurred. The EHB will begin to enforce this reporting requirement on March 16, 2020 for pump-outs completed during the month of February 2020. Reports may be submitted by any of these 3 methods:
Monterey County Environmental Health
c/o Septic Tank Pumping Reports
1270 Natividad Road, Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-8680
Questions should be directed to Connor Cappi by phone at (831) 755-4556 or via email to CappiC@countyofmonterey.gov
Septic Tank Pumping and Inspection Report Form
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