 On-Site
Sewage Facilities Rules. Many areas of Galveston County
do no have access to public sewer systems. Construction in
these areas is dependent on the individual lot owner's ability
to safely construct and operate an on-site sewage facility
(ossf). Failure of one of these systems can contribute to
health hazards in the community. The Galveston County United
Board of Health adopted the Construction
Standards for On-site Sewage Facilities (pdf) to
assist in the enforcement of TECQ regulations.
Permitting, Fees and Inspection
A valid permit and approved plan must
be obtained to construct, alter, repair, extend, or operate
an on-site sewage facility. It is encouraged that plans be
designed by an approved installer or designer from Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) List of Installers.
The On Site Sewage Facility Application
and Inspection Report (pdf) must be filled out and turned
in with a completed Site Evaluation Form
(pdf) for every permit issued. If an alternative system
is required due to unsuitability for a standard septic system,
additional forms such as the Addendum
to On-Site Wastewater Disposal System (pdf) and an
Affidavit
to the Public (pdf) will be required. Permitting procedures
are done in conjunction with various building officials so
that building permits are not issued without the ossf plan
being approved. Some areas of the county also require cooperation
with agencies like the General Land Office, the Corps of Engineers,
or the Attorney General's office.
When the ossf is installed, the designated representative from Galveston
County Health District performs an inspection. The
inspection should be scheduled 24 hours in advance. The
installation is inspected for compliance with the regulation
and the construction is either approved or disapproved. If
the inspection is disapproved, corrections must be made and
a re-inspection performed. After installation, some alternative systems are
required to have on-going maintenance. This maintenance is
performed by a maintenance company under contract with the
home owner. The home owner shall provide a copy of the contract
to the Health District to be kept on file with the site information
for the life of the system.
Additional References for Homeowners
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