<%option explicit%> Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Sanitary Permits

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Septic Pumping

Note: All information contained in the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning pages is provided to inform property owners of minimum requirements and the information is subject to change. Contact the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Office for the most current information.

What does the yellow post card mean?

The yellow card is a reminder to the property owner(s) that their private onsite wastewater treatment system (POWTS) is required to be properly maintained and reported to the Planning and Zoning Dept.

Why am I receiving a post card, when I never received one before?

You are receiving a card because the Planning and Zoning Dept. has been given a mandate by the State of Wisconsin to accurately keep a record of maintenance on all private onsite wastewater treatment systems (i.e. sanitary systems) in Bayfield County.

How often am I required to pump?

  • Septic Systems are required to be properly inspected or pumped every 3 years. Inspections may be conducted by a master plumber, journeyman plumber or a person licensed under s. 281.28.
  • Holding Tank Systems are required to be pumped whenever the wastewater of the tank reaches a level of one (1) foot below the inlet invert of the tank.
  • Aerobic Treatment Systems (ATU) are required to be properly maintained or pumped as prescribed by the state or governmental unit (when the combined sludge and scum volume equals 1/3 of tank volume)

Who do I call to pump my system?

You must call a licensed pumper within the State of Wisconsin. Click here for listing (PDF).

Who is responsible to update my pumping record?

When your septic tank or holding tank has been pumped, the pumper has 30 days to record the information to Planning and Zoning Dept. maintenance program.

Do I have to call the Planning and Zoning office and verify that my system has been pumped and recorded?

No, you do not have to call our office to verify. You may go on line and verify. Follow these steps:

  • Go to www.septicsearch.com
  • Look for the red task bar
  • Select your state: Click on pull down box and select – Wisconsin
  • Select county/town: Click on pull down box and select – Bayfield County
  • Look for Property Search: Click on the magnifying glass
  • Enter your last name

Do I qualify for less frequent pumping (i.e. low-flow pumping)?

If you are a property owner of a holding tank you may qualify for low-flow pumping. You must comply with Comm 83.32(f) & 83.54(3)(c) requirements. All blackwater, graywater, effluent, etc. must be discharging into the holding tank; and secondly the tank is being pumped when all wastewater reaches 1' below the inlet pipe. If compliance with Comm. requirements is followed you may fill out an affidavit and mail it to the Planning and Zoning Department for consideration. Click here for affidavit (PDF).

If you are a property owner of a septic tank you do not qualify for less frequent pumping. No – The State of Wisconsin mandates that septic tanks must be properly maintained (i.e. pumped or inspected) every three years. Click here for inspection form (PDF).

What does the red post card mean?

The red card is the last card the property owner(s) will receive from the Planning and Zoning Department requiring them to come into compliance with their private onsite wastewater treatment system (POWTS). Subsequent notification will be sent by Health Dept and/or Corporation Counsel to enforce legal action.

What will happen if I choose not to comply?

There is a three step process:

  1. The Planning and Zoning Dept sends out yellow/red post cards notifying the owner that their private onsite wastewater treatment system (POWTS) is in need of compliance.
  2. If the owner chooses to ignore the Planning and Zoning Departments final red post card, an enforcement letter will be sent by Corp. Counsel indicating a deadline date in which they must comply to avoid a citation.
  3. The final notification will be a citation in which a date is assigned for an appearance before a Circuit Judge. This appearance will result in achieving compliance, additional penalty fee that may be up to $500 a day from the date of non-compliance (i.e. the date of the 1st notification), and all court costs being recouped.