Professional Information

The location, design, construction, installation, repair and operation of individual septic systems in New Jersey are subject to the Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (N.J.A.C. 7:9A) pursuant to the authority of the Realty Improvement Sewerage and Facilities Act (N.J.S.A. 58:11-23). These standards, by rule, integrate the elements of soils, geology and engineering, so that a relatively simple system will effectively remove disease-causing pathogens and chemical nutrients from domestic wastewater.

In New Jersey, the Department develops the regulations, along with input from the State’s stakeholders. The regulations are implemented and enforced by municipal and county Boards of Health. However, most Boards of Health contract local health departments to assist with local onsite wastewater management, which involves implementation of N.J.A.C. 7:9A, septic plan reviews, permitting and enforcement of health and environmental violations in accordance to the code.

Unless a local health department has directed otherwise, residents do not need to obtain an approval from the Department when repairing, altering or constructing their septic system. Residents only need the Department’s approval when local authorities cannot approve a project in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:9A.

Featured Documentation for Local Health Department

Do you need technical permitting information? There is a Frequently Asked Questions document to assist health departments in reviewing septic system applications. Installation and design documentation from manufacturers is also important to have during the review process. Please remember that guidance from the Department is limited in applicability under N.J.A.C. 7:9A. Frequently Asked Questions, Technical Guidance for Inspecting Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems , and the Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems.