New Septic Rules Effective 01/01/2024

Friends & Clients,

I'm posting this to inform you about some crucial updates regarding new septic rules that came into effect on January 1, 2024. These changes are retrospective and may have significant implications for homeowners on the Outer Banks.

One of the most important changes pertains to the repair of failing septic systems. If the county health department has designated a septic repair area for your property in their records, it's now mandatory that any new system be installed in that specific area. However, this requirement poses challenges when the designated area is insufficient for a conventional septic system. In such cases, homeowners are obligated to install an engineered septic system, which can substantially increase replacement costs and maintenance expenses.

For properties where there are no designated repair areas in the county records, the county will now use their best professional judgment to determine the appropriate course of action for repairing failing septic systems.

Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of clarity on several important matters. It's unclear what steps should be taken if a designated repair area is inaccessible or if reassignment of repair areas is possible. Additionally, there are no specific guidelines on how to proceed if a newly installed system in the designated repair area also fails.

To address these concerns, county officials are collaborating with legislative committees to develop solutions tailored to our region's needs.

In light of these changes, I strongly encourage you to reach out to the county to inquire about any designated repair areas for your property. Additionally, it's essential to ensure that your current septic system is well-maintained and regularly pumped to prevent any potential issues.

For details call the Dare Environmental Health Department at 252-475-5080.