The individual sewage disposal system (ISDS) / septic system may be abandoned due to replacement, failure or connection to municipal sewer.

• ISDS Abandonment Form

If a septic system is being replaced, a permit must be obtained. Please see the Residential Septic Tank Permit Application Requirements webpage for information on obtaining a new permit.

If the property is being connected to municipal sewer, provide the health district with sewer connection paperwork along with the applicable receipts. The connection to the municipal sewer needs to be completed before the ISDS permit can be closed out.

The health district does not charge a fee to abandon a septic system.

Directions to Abandon a Septic Tank and Leach Field in Place

• Septic Tank
  • Pump and provide pumping receipt to the health district from permitted liquid waste hauler (Phone numbers can be found in the Yellow Pages under “Septic Tanks & Systems – Cleaning”).
  • The septic tank can either be crushed or filled with dry earth with proof provided to the health district in the form of receipts or before and after photos (from the same angle).
• Leach Field
  • A written letter from the owner or contractor stating that the leach field is abandoned in place.

Note: If the septic tank is within 8 feet of an existing or future structure, it must be pumped and removed to the Apex Landfill or other health district approved disposal facility with receipts provided to the health district. Any part of the leach field within 8 feet (shallow system†) or 20 feet (deep system‡) must also be removed with receipts provided to the health district as listed above.

Directions to Remove a Septic Tank and Leach Field Due to Conflicts with Structures or Proposed Pool

• Septic tank and leach field
  • Pump tank and provide receipts to the health district from a health district permitted liquid waste hauler.
  • Remove septic tank and dispose at the Apex Landfill or other health district approved disposal facility.
  • Remove any stained soil within 2 feet of the bottom and sides of the entire length and width of the leach field and leach lines and dispose at a health district approved disposal facility. Provide the health district with receipts.

† Shallow System – depth from finished grade to bottom of excavation is less than or equal to 4 feet

‡ Deep System – depth from finished grade to bottom of excavation is greater than 4 feet