The Sewage Nuisance Abatement and Remediation Plan (SNARP) allows homeowners and Clermont County Public Health to create a plan together to eliminate a sewage nuisance due to a failing septic system. The SNARP program allows homeowners to gradually make improvements to their system and possibly avoid or delay a complete replacement of the septic system.
The SNARP program aims to correct sewage nuisances in the most effective way at the lowest possible cost. Once you complete the application, a staff member will visit your property and evaluate your system. After the evaluation, we will present all available options to you. It is up to you to decide what suggested plan you will follow. After you agree to the plan, you will sign off on that plan, and a copy will be kept in your system assessment file for later reference.
You will have a copy of the plan to give to registered installers as they bid on the work. After you choose an installer, they will get the permit from Public Health before starting the repairs. Once the repairs are complete, we will inspect the system. If approved, we will not assess your system again until the next routine basic system assessment.
What is the purpose of the Basic System Assessment (BSA) Program?
The system assessment program surveys all septic systems in Clermont County. Ensuring all on-site sewage treatment systems work properly improves our community’s health by protecting the ground and surface water from pollution.
What is a homeowner’s responsibility regarding sewage treatment?
If you own a home, you must ensure the wastewater is treated correctly. If you have a septic system, you must maintain it to ensure it is working. Sewage pooling on the ground or a strong odor of sewage indicates that your system may be creating a sewage nuisance. If we discover a sewage nuisance during an assessment, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to eliminate it. A sewage treatment system should operate adequately to prevent sewage nuisances from occurring throughout the year and during any weather conditions.
What is the preferred method of eliminating a sewage nuisance?
We recommend that a homeowner installs a replacement system before the end of the following construction season. Replacing your system is the best way to eliminate sewage nuisance conditions and bring a home’s sewage treatment system up to current standards.
How can homeowners fulfill their responsibility within this program?
If replacing your system is not possible, we can work with you to develop a plan for your existing system to avoid a complete replacement, as long as the plan eliminates the sewage nuisance. The program allows for flexibility in planning and provides an opportunity to manage costs.
How does a homeowner get started with a SNARP?
The homeowner applies with our office. After completing the application, an environmental health specialist will work with the homeowner to develop a plan that fits their situation.
What about costs?
The application includes a one-time fee. Depending on if your plan includes multiple phases, there may be additional costs based on the site and the condition of the existing system. Eliminating the nuisance early in the plan will reduce your overall cost.
How is a SNARP organized?
A SNARP is divided into phases to improve system performance. The plan progresses through each phase until the sewage nuisance is under control and eliminated. A SNARP also includes a final system, which is the replacement system for the site.
How can this plan be useful?
A SNARP provides a framework for decision-making. Within the plan, you can compare the cost of a total replacement of your system and the cost of each phase. Then, you can decide the best plan for you based on your finances, the site and condition of the system, and the water usage.
What else can the plan do?
A SNARP gives a homeowner more control over their situation. A homeowner can minimize or postpone the expense of the replacement system as long as they can live within the treatment capacity of their system. The plan can be modified if more economical systems become available.
