SMALL WASTEWATER (SEPTIC)

Authority
Through authority granted by State Statute, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality delegated authority to permit Small Wastewater Systems (septic systems) to Fremont County.

Based on that Delegated Authority, Fremont County developed Small Wastewater Regulations to protect the water quality of the State and the health safety and welfare of County residents.

Through the administration of the Small Wastewater Regulations, Fremont County Planning permits all residential septic systems in the unincorporated portions of the County, and within City Limits with City approval where City services may be impractical.

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and Fremont County Delegation Agreement

Considerations
Fremont County Planning strongly encourages contacting our office prior to the purchase or construction of a new home, well placement or work on an existing septic system to ensure compliance with all regulations and assist with any siting questions that may arise. Additionally, because septic system size is based off number of bedrooms in a home, if you are planning on adding space to your existing home, moving in a larger mobile home or tying into an existing septic system, we recommend considering expanding your septic system to increase its life.

Assistance
The Small Wastewater Specialist is available to assist you with any questions regarding any aspect of the permit process or issues related to onsite septic systems and installation.

We provide copies of existing permits free of charge!

Applying for a Permit
A Small Wastewater Permit is required for any new installation, any replacement of an existing system and any system repair.

Please be aware that processing an application from site plan to final inspection may take from as little as a few days to as much as a few weeks depending on weather, construction delays and inspection schedules.

A 48 hour advance notice is greatly appreciated when scheduling you appointment. As it turns out, when the weather gets nice, you will not be the only one doing septic work!

What to expect and what is required
When you have an idea of what you plan to do, make an office appointment to discuss your ideas with the Small Wastewater Specialist.

  1. Before any work begins complete and submit the application packet with the correct permit fee.
  2. To ensure compliance with State and Fremont County Regulations, plan the layout for your home site considering minimum offset distances described in the application packet.
  3. Perform several percolation tests in the area of the proposed leach field. Instructions and forms are contained within the application packet.
  4. Prior to any construction, you must make an appointment for a site evaluation. A backhoe cut at least nine (9) feet deep is required where the adsorption field is planned.
  5. During the site evaluation the Small Wastewater Specialist will provide specific information as to the size and configuration of the leach field, if the percolation test has been done.
  6. An Authorization to Construct will be issued to allow you to proceed with installation.
  7. Prior to backfilling, the system must be inspected by the Small Wastewater Specialist. A 48-hour advance notice would be appreciated if possible.
  8. Following inspection, if all installation is correct, a Small Wastewater System Permit will be issued.


Why do Septic Systems Fail?

Septic systems can fail for a variety of reasons, the most common of which is age. If your system was installed correctly and well maintained, you should reasonably expect 20-30 years of useful life.

Your System life can be significantly reduced if:

  1. Your system was installed incorrectly,
  2. Changes were made to the home that were not accounted for by increasing the size of the septic system,
  3. Your system was installed in very heavy soils,
  4. Your system has been damaged by new construction, heavy traffic or cattle grazing,
  5. You heavily water grass planted on the system.
  6. Your system is adjacent to or in irrigated land.


What can I do to Maintain my Septic System?

  1. Do not flush non-domestic waste products; dental floss, feminine hygiene products, diapers, condoms, cotton swabs, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, household chemicals, oils, gasoline, cleaning solvents, paint or antifreeze.
  2. Try to do a load of laundry each day rather than all your laundry on one day. Your system is designed for average flows, not a whole day of laundry.
  3. Install low flow toilets and showers.
  4. Limit length of showers.
Useful Publications:

Fremont County Planning Department Publications include: