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Minnesota <br />Pollution <br />Control <br />Agency <br />wq-wwists4-30 <br />Compliance Inspections for <br />Existing Subsurface Sewage <br />Treatment Systems <br />This fact sheet provides information <br />for homeowners and realtors on <br />Compliance Inspections for existing <br />Subsurface Sewage Treatment System <br />(SSTS). <br />What is a compliance <br />inspection? <br />A compliance inspection is an evaluation, <br />investigation, inspection or other such <br />process conducted for the purpose of <br />issuing a Certificate of Compliance (COC) <br />or Notice of Non-compliance (NON). <br />What are a COC and a NON? <br />The COC certifies a system is in <br />compliance with state requirements at the <br />time of the inspection. The COC does not <br />guarantee future hydraulic performance, <br />especially if the use changes or the flow <br />increases over the amounts used by the <br />current occupants. <br />For an existing SSTS, the COC is valid for <br />three years from the date of issuance. <br />The NON gives notice a system fails to be <br />in compliance with state requirements at <br />the time of inspection. There are two types <br />of failing designations, an Imminent Threat <br />to Public Health or Safety and a Failing to <br />Protect Ground water. The NON must also <br />indicate the time frame for upgrade, repair, <br />or replacement as set in the local <br />ordinance. <br />Water Quality/Wastewater #4.30 • September 2008 <br />Both documents must include a signed, <br />certified statement stating the person <br />conducting the inspection completed the <br />work in accordance with applicable <br />regulations. <br />Is a disclosure the same as a <br />compliance inspection? <br />No. A septic system disclosure is different <br />than a compliance inspection. A disclosure <br />describes, to the best of the property <br />owner's knowledge, the location of a SSTS <br />on the property and what condition it is in. <br />A compliance inspection is conducted by a <br />specifically trained and licensed individual <br />to determine if the SSTS is in compliance <br />with state regulations. A disclosure is not a <br />compliance inspection and cannot be used <br />as a substitute. <br />When are compliance <br />inspections required? <br />While state law does not require an <br />inspection at property transfer, many Local <br />Government Units (LGUs) have ordinances <br />requiring this. LGUs are Counties, <br />Townships, and Cities. <br />The LGU may also require a compliance <br />inspection when complaints are received, <br />as part of area surveys, or for lot splits. <br />Compliance inspections can also be <br />required upon request by the purchaser of a <br />property, the mortgage lender, or real estate <br />agent. <br />Minnesota Pollution Control Agency • 520 Lafayette Rd. N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194 • www.pca.state.mn.us <br />651-296-6300 • 800-657-3864 • TTY 651-282-5332 or 800-657-3864 • Available in alternative formats <br />