Evaluation of Building Sites / Septic Permits

Public Health is charged with protecting ground and surface water to help prevent the spread of disease from improper sewage disposal and unprotected wells. In order to accomplish this, environmental health specialists work with the following:

• Site evaluation of lots in order to determine suitability of the soil for specific septic systems
• Design of septic systems
• Evaluation of properties with failing existing septic systems
• Inspection of septic system installations
• Permitting of well construction, abandonment, and repair
• Inspection of well grouts
• Inspection of well heads
• Well sampling

Applying for New Septic Permit

When applying for a new septic permit, you will need the property ID number and general knowledge of the property. Be sure to bring:

• Survey map of the property
• Completed application for an improvements permit, including a site plan with structures, property lines, and other important features
• Zoning certificate if county zoning does not apply to the property

Requesting Information on Existing Permits

When requesting information on existing permits, bring:

• Property address
• Tax parcel ID number of the property, 12-digit number available from tax bill
• Name of requestor of permit, builder, owner at time of construction

Water Sampling Services

Environmental Health staff can sample private wells to test for:

• Bacteria
• Nitrate
• Inorganic chemicals
• Petroleum
• Pesticide

Environmental health staff collects the sample, interprets sample results, provides advice on corrective actions needed, answers complaints, and provides educational materials regarding location and protection of water supplies.

This division acts as a liaison between local citizens and the Environmental Health Section of the NC Department of Health and Human Services, investigating complaints, recommending and enforcing corrective actions, and educating the public on proper sewage treatment and disposal.

For information on well chlorination instructions, please click here.

To see a diagram of a properly constructed well head, please click here.

Well Permits

Environmental health enforces state well rules and laws and the Nash County Well Ordinance by issuing well permits, inspecting installations, collecting water samples, and investigating complaints. Environmental Health meets setbacks when issuing well permits to protect the ground water and water supply wells.

The installation inspection is to ensure that the well is properly grouted. Grout is intended to prevent contaminates from running down the side of the well casing and contaminating the well or ground water. A proper well head prevents bugs, animals and other less obvious contaminates from entering wells.

Permitting of well construction, abandonment, and repair is also handled by environmental health and requires a separate (no required fee) permit application for abandonment / repair.