Septic excavation in Casa Grande

Outside the sewer service area, a new home around Casa Grande needs a septic system, and a septic system means excavation: the tank hole, the trenches or bed for the leach field, and careful backfill and compaction.

Pinal County's permit

Pinal County's Aquifer Protection Division handles septic permits and inspections under authority delegated by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. From the county's FAQ:

• If your property has no sewer connection option, you must apply for a septic permit.
• You need a site inspection by a qualified inspector.
• The division permits conventional systems up to 24,000 gallons per day and alternative systems up to 3,000 gallons per day.
• A septic installer can help with the application.

Abandoning an old system

The county says no permit is needed to abandon a septic system, but you must remove all sewage and dispose of it lawfully, cut and plug both ends of the abandoned drain pipe between the building and the tank, and notify the department within 30 days.

Who can do the digging

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors licenses septic work under R-41, C-41 and CR-41, Septic Tanks and Systems, which includes excavating, backfilling and compacting soil for septic tanks, aerobic digesters and leaching fields. Ask which license your contractor holds.

What to have ready

• The permit and approved system design, with tank and field locations.
• Arizona 811 marks. See Arizona 811.
• A plan for spoil and for equipment access across the lot.