county sanitarian

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You can obtain building codes from the county sanitarian or building department. All new septic systems are subject to obtaining permits that normally require minimum standards for percolation and leach fields constructed to proper size to ensure surface runoff cannot occur, and that ground or surface waters used for water supplies are not contaminated. If a septic system is illegally constructed the permit issuing agency has the enforcement power to condem the project and require the installation to be removed. This effectively prevents occupancy of the property until the improvements are permitted and installed.

Standards vary from place to place, but the codes are basic public health protection instruments. If excavation begins on a septic system on the adjoining property, you can call the permit depeartment and inquire if a permit has been issued. If not, inform them of the construction and your concerns and request they conduct an inspection. Keep in mind, if a system is properly designed and permitted you probably cannot stop the construction, but such a system would not discharge to the ravine or your property. One more consideration; Was YOUR system properly designed and permitted?