Individual Sewage Treatment Systems (ISTS)

In most rural areas and in many suburban residential areas, individual sewage treatment systems (ISTSs) are relied upon for the disposal of household wastes. An ISTS will serve a home satisfactorily only if it is properly located, designed, constructed and maintained.

Per the NY State Health Code, please contact the Clinton County Health Department for instructions on obtaining a construction permit to install, replace, or if you are re-engineering a septic system.

Refer to the Info Bar for the Sewage Treatment System Permit Application packet. This packet includes instructions, forms for percolation tests, soil test referral listing, application for construction permit, and more.

Septic System Operation and Maintenance

• The contents of the septic tank should be pumped every two to three years
• Garbage grinders substantially increase the accumulation of solids in the septic tank
• Items such as cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, plastics, diapers or other trash will affect  or damage your system
• Avoid entering your septic tank. Individuals entering tanks have died from gas asphyxiation
• Never permit heavy equipment to pass over the absorption field