NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 21, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Mark St. Lawrence
Environmental Services Director
218-749-0647
Thinking of selling your home? Remember to have your septic system inspected.
Autumn is here and the St. Louis County Environmental Services Department has an important reminder for property owners with septic systems. If you’re thinking about selling your home over the winter, get your septic system inspected now before the ground freezes.
“We encourage property owners, even if they’re only considering a possible move over the winter, to get your system checked now,” said Mark St. Lawrence, St. Louis County Environmental Services director. “Having that certificate of compliance in hand – and most septic systems in the county are in compliance – will help the sale process go more smoothly. And it’s always a good idea to make sure your system is functioning as it should.”
County ordinance requires a point of sale compliance inspection to ensure that septic systems identified as Non-compliant or Imminent Threat of Public Health receive necessary upgrades in a timely manner. As part of the point of sale requirement, any property conveyance that occurs when a septic inspection isn’t possible due to frozen soil conditions requires a Transfer Agreement, which includes an agreement to complete a compliance inspection by the following June 1, and a copy of an escrow agreement to ensure the funding of a replacement system if the inspection indicates one is needed.
If, once the septic system is inspected, it’s found to be in compliance, the escrow account is absolved upon notification from the Environmental Services Department that the existing system does not need to be upgraded. If the septic system does not pass inspection, a permit application and replacement design must be submitted and the system upgraded within the time frame specified in the ordinance.
To learn more about the county’s new septic system ordinance, or to find a list of licensed inspectors, visit stlouiscountymn.gov/septic or call the Environmental Services Department at (218) 749-0625.
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