The Interim Statewide Sewage Rules (Ohio Administrative Code [OAC] Chapter 3701-29) govern the use of sewage treatment systems (STS) and system components in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has the authority to approve the use of other systems and components in accordance with law and rules. The Technical Advisory Committee makes recommendations to ODH regarding the approval or disapproval of systems and components that differ in design or function from those established in the Interim Statewide Sewage Rules.

See Product Review page for application information.

Septic Tanks

The regulation of septic and other sewage tanks in Ohio is governed by the requirements in OAC 3701-29-07 and Amended Substitute House Bill (Am. Sub. HB) 119, Section 12.02 (C)(3). Local health districts that issue STS permits must ensure all sewage component tanks utilized within their jurisdiction comply with these provisions. The link below contains the aforementioned regulations.

OAC 3701-29-07 and Am. Sub. H.B. 119, Section 12.02 (C)(3)

Precast Concrete Voluntary Septic Tank Compliance Program
The Ohio Precast Concrete Association (OPCA) and ODH jointly developed a procedure to provide local health departments the access to testing information on precast concrete sewage component tanks. Through the OPSC-sponsored voluntary compliance program, manufacturers of precast concrete sewage component tanks have the option to submit testing data. The data are meant to demonstrate compliance with the requirements in Am. Sub. H.B 119 Section 12.02 (C)(3) and the OAC 3701-29-11. This compliance program is strictly voluntary.  Below are the links to the guidelines set forth in the program and participating manufacturers.

OPCA Voluntary Compliance Program Guidelines
OPCA Voluntary Tank Program Manufacturers List

Pre-2007 Septic Tank Reviews
Prior to rule changes on Jan. 1, 2007, ODH compiled the following list of septic tanks that either met the dimensions in rule 3701-29-07 or were approved as a special device differing in design from the dimensions specified in the rule. This review process was voluntary for tank manufacturers. The listed tanks were not reviewed for water tightness or structural soundness. Local health districts that issue sewage treatment system permits must ensure the provisions in Am. Sub. H.B. 119, Section 12.02 (C)(3) requiring water tightness and structural soundness are met.

List of Septic Tanks

Distribution Products

ODH has approved the use of chamber and bundled polystyrene products for onsite sewage treatment systems provided these comply with the same soil absorption sizing requirements used for gravel leaching trenches. In May of 2007, the Sewage Treatment Systems Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), as authorized by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3718, recommended continued use of chamber and gravelless products as approved by ODH. The approval for use of these products continues under the Statewide Interim Sewage Rules that became effective July 2, 2007, and through a special device approval (SDA) by the director of Health. The SDA approval lists the conditions specifications, installation and operation and maintenance requirements for use of these products. Other SDAs, listed further down this page, include the use of the chamber and bundled polystyrene products as an option for distribution means. Below is a link to the Sept. 12, 2007, notification to local health districts outlining these actions.

Gravelles and chamber leaching trench products

Approved Pretreatment Components

Pretreatment Component Approvals
ODH has the authority to approve the use of systems and components in accordance with law and rules. The Technical Advisory Committee makes recommendations to ODH regarding the approval or disapproval of systems and components that differ in design or function from those established in the Interim Statewide Sewage Rules.

ODH approval is intended to ensure that pretreatment component reliability and effluent quality is achieved and maintained in accordance with provisions of Ohio Revised Code 3718.04 and/or the provisions of OAC Chapter 3701-29 in effect at the time of the ODH approval and any HSTS General NPDES Permit requirements as applicable. The link below lists components that are approved for one or more of the following: sizing reduction, soil depth credits and NPDES-permitted discharge.

Approved Pretreatment Components

Pre-2007 Approvals
Prior to rule changes on Jan. 1, 2007, ODH compiled the following list of aerobic treatment plants that met the requirements in rule 3701-29-08. The listed products are no longer approved for off-lot discharge. Aerobic treatment plants on this list and pre-2007 special device approvals for pretreatment components, such as peat filters, may be used for a soil absorption area sizing reduction only if there is a service contract.

Approved List of Household Aerobic Treatment Plants 

• Pre-2007 special device approvals for pretreatment components such as peat filters also may be used for a soil absorption area sizing reduction provided there is a service contract.