Environmental Health Service Application Information

There are no longer separate applications for Well System Permits, Sewage System Permits, Existing System Evaluations or Home Loan/Raw Land Evaluations. We now have a single new 2008 Environmental Health Service Request Application.  When you click on this link a Adobe PDF file packet will open in a separate window that you may print out, fill in and submit to our office. This packet contains the entire application and the information necessary to complete it correctly. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to view this file.  It is a free program and if you do not already have it installed you can obtain it free of charge from Adobe's website by clicking on the icon below.

Choosing Which Service to Request

Site Evaluation:

A site evaluation should be requested if you are considering buying land and need a department opinion on whether or not a sewage permit can be issued and the property developed. You must provide a 7 ½ foot deep back hoe cut excavation in two areas on the property and arrange for an inspection appointment. One excavation must be in the area of the proposed location for the absorption field and the other in an area where a replacement field would be installed. A site evaluation may also be requested for evaluating a new well location in relation to all potential contamination sources. The department will issue a report specifying any limitations or unique construction practices to be required at the time a permit is issued or the reasons why a permit would be denied. Site evaluations are normally valid for one year.

Sewage Disposal System Construction Permit:

This request is made for a permit to install an on-site sewage treatment system for a given site evaluation. It is also made when you need to replace or add a new tank or absorption field. Permits when issued are site specific and if you want to change the location of the septic tank or absorption field you must contact us so that we may determine if it can be approved and document the location change. A new site evaluation and fee may be required to make this determination. Permits expire after two years from the date issued.

Water Well Construction Permit:

This request is made if you intend to install a water well to serve a private residence (single family home), an irrigation well, an industrial well, or make an extensive change to an existing well. An extensive change includes replacing the entire well casing, changing aquifers, or increasing capacity by more than 10 gallons per minute. If you intend to install a well to serve more than a single family rental unit or a business you must fill out a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality application. These applications are also obtained from our office. Permits when issued are site specific and if you want to change the location for the well you must contact us so that we may determine if it can be approved and document the location change. A new site evaluation and fee may be required to make this determination. Permits expire after two years from the date issued.

Operation and Maintenance Evaluation:

This request is made if you need a release from the Marquette County Health Department to acquire a building permit for a new or increased use of an existing septic system. If you are rebuilding or moving a mobile or modular home onto a site where an existing septic system has previously served some other structure or you are proposing to add more than a one bedroom addition you must request this evaluation. This request is also made when it is required by a bank or other lending institution as part of a mortgage transaction. The department conducts an on-site evaluation of the existing sewage treatment system, documents its status, and issues an approval for its continued use when it has been determined the system meets the minimum requirements of the code. Approvals are valid for a period of one year.