Ste. Genevieve County is contracted with the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services to regulate Onsite Sewage system construction, repair and violation investigations. Any construction, modification, or repair on residential properties less than three (3) acres, generating 3000 gallons or less of wastewater or if more than one residence is on the property shall require plan review, site investigations, and a construction permit issued by this office prior to any earth moving.

All commercial facilities needing onsite sewage systems are required to be permitted through this office. Some exemptions apply in certain situations. Contact us for assistance. Further detailed information about the Missouri Laws accompanied by Department of Health & Senior Services Rules Governing On-site Sewage Systems can be found here (this link opens in a new window, Adobe viewer required). 

Procedures for obtaining a permit for construction of a new septic system or repair of an existing system in Ste. Genevieve County are outlined below.

• Step 1: Obtain a Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services On-site Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Construction Permit Application from the Ste. Genevieve County Health Department.
• Step 2:  Fill in the application FEE form and submit it, along with the $90.00 fee, to the address on the form.
• Step 3: Submit the completed application, soil morphology report, percolation test, pump curve, and all necessary drawings and plans to the Ste. Genevieve County Health Department. (Lists of registered installers and soil scientists will be provided with the application packet). Or see links (will open in new window):

Installers
Soil Scientists

• Step 4: Upon receipt of the completed application, a health department representative will review the plan and schedule a site visit.
• Step 5: Construction permit is issued by the Ste. Genevieve County Health Department upon approved plans and approved site investigation. NO WORK can be started until the construction permit is issued.
• Step 6: The installer or homeowner shall contact the Environmental Public Health Specialist (EPHS) BEFORE construction begins, in order to give the EPHS an opportunity to inspect during construction.
• Step 7: Upon completion of the septic system, the EPHS will forward to the homeowner a final inspection form.

Onsite sewage training calendar through MO DHSS

Sewage Complaints/Investigations

On-site Sewage complaints are investigated within a few weeks upon receipt and the EPHS determines upon investigation if the complaint warrants a Violation Notice to be issued. The complainant MUST be an adjacent or adjoining property owner or an aggrieved party.

Systems that are surfacing, leaving the property, contaminating above or below ground water, produce odor, mosquito breeding, etc. are examples of systems found to be in violation. The EPHS determines whether a Violation Notice shall be issued for complaints.

Contact this office for more information.