Private Onsite Waste Treatment Systems (POWTS)

On March 19, 2001 the Trempealeau County Board of Supervisors adopted the Sanitary and Private Sewage System Ordinance. The purpose of the ordinance is to promote and protect the public health and safety by assuring the proper siting, design, installation, inspection, and management of private sewage systems and non-plumbing sanitation systems. Below is a description of the process for installing a Private Sewage System in Trempealeau County.

Getting a soil test is the first step in the process of installing a new septic system (POWTS). A licensed soil tester will determine the type and location of the POWTS. Click here for a list of licensed soil testers. Once a soil test has been completed the tested area should be kept clear from all land disturbing activities in the area of the test. A benchmark will be established through the soil testing process, this benchmark should be protected.


Backhoe pit ready for evaluation	Completed soil test area between pits

Once the soil test is complete the next step in installing a septic system (POWTS) is to get a sanitary permit. Contact a licensed plumber to have them fill out and submit the state sanitary permit application to the county. Click here for a list of licensed plumbers. Click here for a copy of the state sanitary permit application. Before a state sanitary permit can be submitted the licensed plumber must design the POWTS.

Conventional and holding tank plans can be submitted to the county, all other system plans need to be submitted to the Dept of Commerce, Safety and Buildings Division. Plan approval with the Dept of Commerce often takes several weeks so plan ahead for this in the POWTS installation process. All of the applicable state plumbing codes (COMM 81-87, 91) can be accessed through the Dept of Commerce website (www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-POWTSProgram.html). Reconnections to existing code compliant POWTS, repairs of existing POWTS, privies, portable restrooms, chemical and incinerating toilets all require a county sanitary permit. Click here for a copy of the county sanitary permit. Once the county has issued a sanitary permit the POWTS can be installed by the licensed plumber. The county will send a septic tank pumping notice to you every third year after the installation. Click here for a list of licensed septic pumpers. Proper system maintenance is important to insure the long life of your POWTS.

The county participates in a grant program for the replacement of existing failed septic systems (POWTS). You must meet certain criteria to qualify. Click here for a list of program requirements. Grant amounts depend on state budget funding levels. There is no guarantee that money will be available. All applications for this program are due in by the 31^st of December each year. If you are eligible and qualify for the program and apply before December 31^st your grant check will typically be available by September of the following year. The system must be installed and paid for before grant money is released. Grant amounts are determined by the soil type, system sizing and type of system components installed. The grant award cannot exceed 60% of the system cost. It is the applicant’s responsibility to get all of the applicable documents to the zoning office.


Typical soil profile with seasonal high ground-water limitations	Typical soil profile with bedrock limitations