Bayfield County, WI - Official Website

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Planning & Zoning - Septic / Holding Tank Pumping

1. Why am I receiving a post card, when I never received one before?: You are receiving a card because the Planning and Zoning Department has been given a mandate (June 2005) by the State of Wisconsin to accurately keep a record of maintenance on all private on-site wastewater treatment systems (i.e. sanitary systems) in Bayfield County. Prior to the 2005 mandate, the property owner(s) were responsible to keep the system properly maintained. The state law has been in effect since 1981.

2. How often am I required to pump?: Septic Systems are required to be properly pumped or inspected 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. A holding tank will be placed on a 3 year maximum inspection cycle if no maintenance history is on file for the standard.
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)

3. Who do I call to pump my system?: You must call a licensed pumper within the State of Wisconsin.

4. How do I find out when my system was last serviced?: Click here: https://www.septicsearch.com/Pump/Default.aspx. Go to Tool Bar and Click on Property Search.

5. 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 Department maintenance program.

6. How do I find out if my service provider reported the pumping or inspection report: Click here: https://www.septicsearch.com/Pump/Default.aspx. Go to Tool Bar and Click on Property Search. Search by name, address, etc. When the page comes up click on View History. Look through the list to see if the service is listed. If not call your service provider.

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

Look for Search By (pull down box), choose one and enter the info on the next line, then click search button

8. 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 DSPS 383.32(f) and 383.54(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 foot 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. View the affidavit online. Holding tank having no maintenance history on file during the standard scheduling will be placed on a three year maximum inspection cycle.

If you are a property owner of a septic tank you do not qualify for less frequent pumping. The State of Wisconsin mandates that septic tanks must be properly maintained (i.e. pumped or inspected) every three years. View the inspection form for the septic tanks.

9. What does the pink post card mean?: The pink card is the only postcard the property owner(s) will receive from the Planning and Zoning Department requiring them to come into compliance with their private on-site wastewater treatment system (POWTS). Subsequent notification will be sent by corporation counsel to enforce legal action.

10. What will happen if I choose not to comply?: A summons and complaint will be filed to achieve compliance. Additional penalty fee(s) may be up to $500 a day from the date of non-compliance, and all court costs being recouped.