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Evaluation & Maintenance Ordinance

Enrolled Ordinance No. 99-527

The Wayne County On-Site Sewage Disposal System Evaluation and Maintenance Ordinance and Administrative Rules ("the OSDS Ordinance") protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Wayne County by reducing the pollution contributions of failing on-site sewage disposal systems (OSDS) to surface waters. These regulations also provide a means by which Wayne County and local communities can comply with the programmatic and reporting requirements of the illicit discharge elimination section of the General Permit.

The OSDS Ordinance was promulgated on September 16, 1999. The Wayne County Environmental Health Division began implementing the OSDS Ordinance on February 1, 2000.

Wayne County Ordinance 99-527

Which are the Major Elements of the OSDS Ordinance and Rules?

  • Requires an evaluation of an OSDS prior to sale or transfer of property containing an OSDS. If OSDS (septic tanks and drain fields) have failed, the structures are required to be connected to available sewers or to be brought in compliance with County performance standards for OSDS.
  • Requires registration of individuals with the Wayne County Environmental Health Division for the purpose of conducting evaluations. Such individuals may already have related work as home inspectors or sewage disposal system installers.
  • Requires a septic tank evaluation each time a septic tank is pumped, noting condition of the tank, quantity pumped, disposal site, and written report.
  • Provides for the maintenance of a County-wide OSDS database, and providing information on OSDS within their jurisdiction to communities.

Where is the OSDS Ordinance Applicable?

  • As of February 1, 2000, the OSDS ordinance is effective and enforceable in all Wayne County municipalities that have received Certificates of Coverage under MDEQ NPDES Storm Water General Permit MIG610000. As of this date, the following communities are covered by the OSDS Ordinance: Allen Park, Canton Twp, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, Inkster, Livonia, Northville, Northville Twp, Plymouth, Plymouth Twp, Redford Twp, Romulus, Van Buren Twp, Wayne, and Westland.
  • The OSDS ordinance is effective and enforceable in all Wayne County municipalities that enact authorized municipal legislation manifesting an intention to be bound by the provisions of this ordinance.
  • As of September 16, 2003, the OSDS ordinance is effective and enforceable throughout Wayne County.

For More Information, Contact:

Ms. Carol Austerberry
Director, Environmental Health Division
Wayne County Department of Health and Community Services

5454 S. Venoy Road
Wayne, MI 48184
(734) 727-7432