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You have just had your existing sewer inspected and the inspector tells you it doesn’t meet compliance, and you are wondering what that means and what you should do next. In a previous Blog “Why Do Septic Systems Fail” explains what this means. Your second thought is how much it is going to cost to get my sewer back in compliance. In 2023, new septic system costs were running from anywhere between $17,000-$35,000 with some septic’s costing even more depending on the type of system (based off of soil types), the quantity and costs of products needed; the number of bedrooms the system was designed for (the more bedrooms, the larger the system); any challenging site issues needing resolve (steep sites, rocky sites, small lot sizes, well setbacks, property lines, streams, lakes, rivers and structure setbacks); & contractor chosen; any of these affect the cost of the system. Yes, that is a large price range, but like building a house without a house plan, there is no way to know what it will cost without working with a licensed sewer designer to determine what needs to be done to get your sewer back in compliance. Design Process: The designer will begin by gathering information about the site to work more efficiently at the field site (the area required for the proper location of the Individual Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (ISTS)) visit. Conducting and reporting a complete site evaluation requires collecting and summarizing many different types of information from various sources. After Gopher State One Call (MN) or Digger’s Hotline (WI) has located for buried lines, the designer will set up a time to meet another licensed professional or someone from the local LGU (Local Government Unit) (also a licensed professional) to meet them on site to perform joint soil review on the site. There will be a minimum of three (3) soil observations per treatment area within the borders of the treatment area. Soil type is a limited condition, the depth to periodically saturated soils, to bedrock and or three feet below the proposed depth of the system at the site determines what type of system, (trench, at-grade or mound), is needed. State Rules require 36 inches of separation between the seasonal saturated soils and the bottom of the drain field media for all newly or replaced installed septic systems. Both licensed professionals will look at the soil in the location that has been determined will be the best location for new the new ISTS. While on site the designer will also measure land slopes, identify a benchmark, verify property line locations, well(s) location, streams, rivers, floodplains etc.… that will impact the design and location of the ISTS. After all the site work has been completed, the designer will take all this information back to the office and start creating the design. Once the design has been completed, it can then be given to a licensed installer to give you an estimate of the cost of the ISTS. The design will give the installer a very detailed summary of the site, and what is needed to bring the system up to code, thus giving an accurate estimate on the new ISTS. Below are the Minnesota Pollution Controls Rules on compliance, classification and timelines on the system being brought up to code. Systems not in compliance and classified as failing (7080.0020, subp. 16b) must be upgraded, replaced, repaired or discontinued within the time established in the local government unit (LGU) ordinance. Check local ordinance for more restrictive requirements. Under all circumstances, if a compliance inspection indicates that a system presents an imminent threat to public health or safety as defined in part 7080.0020, subpart 19a, the time cannot be longer than 10 months after the owner receives the notice of noncompliance. Local ordinances may have a more restrictive time (e.g., less than 10 months). Check local ordinance for more restrictive requirements. Local ordinances can vary from the state code, always check with your local government (township, city or county) to determine the requirements in your area. This article is for informational purposes only.