Sanitation staff report fewer permits, propose Custer County host state septic test hub

Sanitation staff told the Board of Health that county septic work and permitting remain active but that permit numbers are down compared with the prior quarter. The office reported 42 septic inspections and 32 septic permits including eight repairs and three modifications.

"We have done 42 septic inspections this last 0.25, and we had 32 septic permits including 8 repairs and 3 modifications," the sanitation director said, and noted the department has finalized and begun using updated house regulations after receiving state approval. Staff said the current contractor exam is out of date and the county is evaluating updating the county-administered contractor test to align with Regulation 43.

Staff said the county had been asked whether it would be interested in becoming a hub for the state septic contractor testing. As described to the board, a hub would register contractors who already have the state Part A exam and collect a $50 annual registration fee; contractors who need the state exam would pay a $75 test fee that includes study materials and the state exam. Staff said the certificate would indicate the state Part A qualification and that the county would register successful applicants with the state database.

The director said the hub proposal would require a future formal vote by the board and that staff are assessing administration and fee details. Board members requested change-page comparisons of the updated regulations for members to review before any decision.