What are the different types of onsite septic systems?

Onsite septic system options overview

 In Minnesota, there are different sewer septic methods to deal with on-site wastewater treatment. Standard systems are the simplest way to effectively treat wastewater, but occasionally site characteristics such as lot size, soil type, site disturbance, flow and wastewater characteristics often limit the options available. This document will define the different options.


Standard septic systems

 According to Chapter 7080 a standard septic system is a trench, at-grade or mound septic system which is designed and constructed according to applicable requirements. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency administrates these rules from a statewide level. Local governmental units such as a township or county administer the problem locally.

Standard septic systems set the acceptable treatment standards for system performance and management. These septic systems are designed with at least 3 feet of vertical separation. This assures that appropriate treatment levels can be met. An example would be a standard septic tank followed by gravity fed trench.


Alternatives to standard septic systems

 There are two types of alternatives to standard septic systems - 'other' or 'performance'. All of these septic systems need reviewal as a treatment septic system and different methods in achieving sewage treatment are what make them alternative. These septic systems have some similar characteristics. These systems do not have the same design criteria as standard septic systems. The permitting authority must approve the septic design and have reasonable assurance of performance. There must be a flow meter to monitor the flow. The estimated cost for construction, operation, monitoring, service, component replacement and management must be submitted to the local governmental unit. In addition, the anticipated septic system life and hydraulic and organic load must be determined. These septic systems are required to have a monitoring plan, which evaluates how is it working. The performance of these septic systems is measured. It includes sampling and testing to assure the sewer waste is treated. The determination of what is to be sampled and how often is determined by the site characteristics, choice in septic system and local governmental unit (LGU). A mitigation plan, which lays out what will happen if the septic system fails to adequately treat needs to be submitted to the LGU. The differences between these systems are explained below.


 Other septic systems

 These septic systems must be designed with a vertical separation of three feet or greater and have a soil texture of medium sand or finer. This soil treatment assures performance. At least 1-foot of the three feet must be original soil. They can not be loaded more than 1.2 gpd/ft2. An example would be a mound that was slightly downsized to accommodate a small lot.

Septic Tank ----> Downsized Mound


 Performance septic systems

 The permitting authority must approve performance system's design, monitoring plan and mitigation plan. Certain measurements must be taken to assure that the environment and public health are still protected. There must be at least 1 foot of vertical separation and an unsaturated zone between the seasonably saturated zone or bedrock. Twenty-five feet from the system the concentration of fecal coliform must not exceed the background concentration. If the system is close to a lake, fifty feet from the system the concentration of phosphorous must not be greater than 1 mg/L above background levels. An example would be an aerobic tank followed by a trench system with less than 3-feet of vertical separation.

Septic Tank ----> Aerobic tank ----> Trench with less than 3 feet


 This article is for informational purposes only. Inspired by the University of Minnesota.


A man is standing next to a truck that is parked on the side of the road.

Directional-Boring-Septic-System-in-Rushford-MN

February 17, 2025
Wieser Septic & Excavation has successfully completed another sewer line in Rushford MN as we used the directional boring technique for this new sewer line. You may find that directional boring is a great sewer installation choice for you as it is highly effective and minimally invasive. Our techniques used at Wieser Septic & Excavation include installing new sewer lines without disrupting the surface environment. In Rushford, MN, this approach is particularly beneficial given the area’s varied landscape and residential setups. Instead of traditional trenching, which can disturb lawns, driveways, and roadways, directional boring allows precise placement of sewer lines beneath the ground. This results in less property damage and quicker project completion, a crucial advantage for homeowners and contractors!
A bulldozer is digging a trench in a field next to a red barn.

Mound Sewer System Installation in Houston MN

February 17, 2025
We wrapped up a new mound septic system in Houston MN for a new house site. When you are looking for the best septic system installers near you, call Wieser Septic & Excavating for a septic designs and septic system installations!
A man in a blue shirt is standing in a pile of dirt

Sewer Line Replacement in La Crosse, WI

February 10, 2025
Wieser Septic & Excavation is in La Crosse WI for a sewer line replacement . We may be local to Houston MN but we are near La Crosse for all your sewer line issues!
A yellow excavator is moving rocks in front of a brick house

Sewer Lateral Repair in La Crosse WI

February 4, 2025
We are working hard in La Crosse WI repairing a sewer lateral! Wieser Septic & Excavation is locally owned and operated serving all communities near La Crosse! Sewer lateral issues can be a major inconvenience for homeowners in La Crosse, WI, causing everything from slow drainage to significant backups. The sewer lateral is the underground pipe connecting your home’s plumbing to the public sewer system. When problems arise—whether due to tree root infiltration, pipe corrosion, or blockages—timely repairs are crucial to prevent more extensive damage. Call Wieser Septic & Excavation if you are looking for water line and sewer line installation and replacement services .

Directional-Boring-Septic-System-in-Dakota-MN

By Holly Wieser • December 16, 2024
Wieser Septic & Excavation has successfully completed another sewer line in Dakota MN as we used the directional boring technique for this new sewer line . You may find that directional boring is a great sewer installation choice for you as it is highly effective and minimally invasive. Our techniques used at Wieser Septic & Excavation include installing new sewer lines without disrupting the surface environment. In Dakota, MN, this approach is particularly beneficial given the area’s varied landscape and residential setups. Instead of traditional trenching, which can disturb lawns, driveways, and roadways, directional boring allows precise placement of sewer lines beneath the ground. This results in less property damage and quicker project completion, a crucial advantage for homeowners and contractors! After directional boring the new sewer line, it was hooked up to a brand-new mound sewer. With proper care and maintenace, this new sewer will last them for many years to come. Call Wieser Septic & Installation for a free consultation as we inspect sewer systems, design and install sewer systems. The combination of directional boring and expert mound sewer construction ensures that new sewer installations are efficient, sustainable, and compliant with local regulations. Homeowners can trust the expertise of local grading specialists to handle every aspect of the project, from planning, excavation, installation, to the final sewer system setup and testing.
A pile of wood chips is sitting in front of a barn.

Why Professional Grading Is Crucial for New Construction in La Crosse, WI

November 18, 2024
It’s a beautiful fall day in La Crosse, WI as we wrap up the grading on this new construction house. Located in Houston, MN, we are your grading company near La Crosse! When it comes to new construction in La Crosse, WI, one of the most critical steps in ensuring a successful build is professional grading. Proper site grading creates a stable foundation and prepares the land for construction, reducing risks like drainage issues, soil erosion, and foundation damage. How about the view from this house in La Crosse? We were able to make sure we had proper rain run off as well as taking advantage of the landscape! We think this La Crosse view is the Best! A local La Crosse area grading company brings experience and expertise to handle the unique terrain challenges in the La Crosse area, from managing slopes to ensuring water flows safely away from the structure. By carefully shaping and leveling the ground, they ensure your project meets all local regulations and is set up for long-term success. Whether you’re building a residential home or a commercial property, starting with expert grading helps safeguard your investment. Trusting a professional team not only speeds up the construction process but also lays a strong groundwork for quality and durability. When you are looking for the best grading company near La Crosse, call your local Wieser Septic & Excavation team to help you with your grading project.
A white truck is parked on the side of the road next to a red truck.

We are your local Excavation Company serving St. Charles MN!

November 15, 2024
When looking for an excavator near you to help you with your new construction house, call your local excavation team at Wieser Septic & Excavating. We appreciate working with this St. Charles, MN homeowner who trusted us to do their Sitework for new construction, backfilling, grading, and the final grade work so they are ready for landscaping. Wieser Septic proudly provides top-quality excavation services throughout St. Charles and the surrounding communities. Our skilled excavators utilize advanced tools and equipment to expertly manage site preparation, demolition, and land clearing projects of any scale. We are local & dedicated to precision and uphold strict safety standards, ensuring every project is completed efficiently and with exceptional care. Contact us to learn more about our excavation services near you!

Why Do Septic Systems Fail?

July 31, 2024
Sewage from homes has pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, plus nutrients, solids and cleaning products that can cause human health and environmental problems. "Failure" of a septic system means that wastewater may be allowed to come in contact with people or enter the natural environment before it is harmless.

What To Do When My Septic Sewer Fails?

July 31, 2024
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. Inspired by the University of Minnesota.
Share by: