On-Site Wastewater Permitting Options

Permit Costs are available on the Environmental Health Fee Schedule

Traditional Option

An applicant submits a Brunswick County Improvement Permit Application at Brunswick County Environmental Health Services (BCHS).

Procedure: The local health department shares the application, for the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County only, with the Brunswick County Planning Department and Public Utilities Department.  The Planning Department reviews the proposed improvement of the property for zoning use and proposed structure horizontal setback requirements to a property line(s).  Then the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) conducts a site evaluation to determine if a septic system can be permitted and either a) Denies the site for an Improvement Permit or b) Issues the subsequent Improvement Permit (IP), Construction Authorization Permit (CA), and Operation Permit (OP), at their respective stages.

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Session Law (SL) 2022-11

NCGS 130A-335 (a2)

An applicant submits a Brunswick County Improvement Permit Application at BCHS.  Additionally, the applicant is required to submit documentation, from a private soil consultant (Licensed Soil Scientist or Licensed Soil Geologist), according to SL 2022-11 for a new wastewater system.  Furthermore, the owner and the private soil consultant must include a specific statement with the application pursuant SL 2022-11.  Additionally, this option gives the applicant the ability to work with an Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) regarding improvements and/or inspections that need to take place at the site. The applicant needs to discuss this option with their private soil consultant for further details.

Procedure: The local health department will process this application like the traditional option.  Then a REHS reviews the documents submitted with the application.  The REHS may conduct a site visit to verify the design and construction features of the proposed wastewater system.  The REHS either a) Denies the site for an Improvement Permit or b) Issues the subsequent Improvement Permit (IP), Construction Authorization (CA), and Operation Permit (OP), at their respective stages.

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Engineer Option Permit (EOP)

 An applicant will work with a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and a Licensed Soil Scientist (LSS) or Licensed Soil Geologist (LG).  Furthermore, the Common form for the Engineered Option Permit shall be completed and submitted to BCHS.

Procedure: A REHS will review the Common form for the Engineered Option Permit document for completeness and communicate with the PE and LSS or LG on any necessary changes.  Once approved, BCHS will issue the Notice of Intent (NOI) and Authorization to Operate (ATO) at their respective stages.  The applicant needs to discuss this option with their PE and LSS or LG for further details.

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Authorized On-site Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE)

An applicant will work with a Licensed Soil Scientist (LSS) or Licensed Soil Geologist (LG) that has been certified by the North Carolina Septic Tank Association as an AOWE.  Moreover, the Common form for the AOWE Permit shall be completed and submitted to BCHS.

Procedure: A REHS will review the Common Form for the AOWE Permit document for completeness and communicate with the LSS or LG on any necessary changes.  Once approved, BCHS will issue the Notice of Intent (NOI) and Authorization to Operate (ATO) at their respective stages.  The applicant needs to discuss this option with their LSS or LG for further details.