Septic Contractors Can Train for Testing On-line

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2008

People involved in private sewage disposal system construction and pumping of septic systems are required to be licensed by the state of Illinois to help ensure that they are competent and use approved materials and methods. To help contractors study and prepare for testing to obtain a new license or remain licensed, they now have a new resource from University of Illinois Extension. The website address is http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/septictanks.

The website was developed for individuals wishing to pass the Illinois state licensing exam for septic system installation and maintenance. Review questions are based on Illinois state codes and federal regulations related to private sewage disposal. It is recommended that these codes be reviewed prior to answering the questions. An answer key is provided to show correct answers, along with the location of the answer in state or federal regulations.

"Malfunctioning or improperly constructed and maintained private sewage disposal systems can pose serious health hazards", according to the Illinois Department of Public Health Environmental Health Division which does the contractor licensing. The division regulates all private sewage disposal systems such as septic tanks and seepage fields as well as those that discharge up to 1,500 gallons per day to the ground surface or to streams. Staff also review and approve plans for private sewage disposal systems before construction.

There are about 90 local health agencies in Illinois that also review sewage disposal system construction plans, either by authority of a local ordinance or as an "agent" of the Department. In addition, the division licenses about 2,700 individuals who either install or pump out private sewage disposal systems.

More information on the IDPH Division of Environmental Health is available at

www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/ehhome.htm.

Homeowners with private septic systems can also contact their county office of University of Illinois Extension for information on care and maintenance or purchase a maintenance handbook on-line at https://pubsplus.uiuc.edu/C1378.html. In Ogle County call (815) 732-2191 for more information.