Options for Installing or Upgrading Septic Systems in the State of Alaska

Alaska regulation restricts who may install onsite wastewater systems anywhere in the State of Alaska to (Municipality of Anchorage and the City of Valdez have additional requirements, please contact those offices if you are constructing in that area):

• Registered engineers
• Certified installers
• Approved homeowners
• Contractors or individuals who have their work inspected by a registered engineer

PROFESSIONAL REGISTERED ENGINEER:
A Professional Engineer may oversee the construction of a septic system by either a contractor or a homeowner. The engineer will evaluate the soils, perform a percolation test if necessary, and design the septic system. The contractor or homeowner will construct the system, while the Engineer is responsible for inspections and the completion of the required Documentation of Construction paperwork. An engineer is also required for any system serving multiple buildings, commercial buildings with wastewater flows over 500 gallons per day, non-domestic wastewater flows and conditions that do not allow installation of conventional wastewater system. An engineer is also required if minimum requirements or separation distances cannot be met.

CERTIFIED INSTALLER:
Certified septic installers are contractors who have completed training which allows them to install conventional septic systems without the oversight of an engineer. However, if the soils on your parcel require a percolation test, the certified installer must hire an engineer to perform this test prior to installing a system. A list of Certified Installers can be found on this website.

APPROVED HOMEOWNER PROGRAM:
In order to participate in ADEC’s Approved Homeowner Program you must follow the instructions below. View ADEC’s Interactive training CD on installing septic systems and pass the test provided on the CD. Sending a copy of the completed test and fee to ADEC will allow you to become certified as a homeowner to install one septic system on your own owner-occupied single family or duplex property within one year of the date of certification.
Evaluate Soils: You MUST hire a Professional Engineer to evaluate the soils in the area within 25 feet of the proposed septic system before starting the design and excavation of the system. This information is used to properly size the absorption area and must be submitted with the Documentation of Construction form. Photographs of the installation and Documentation of Construction forms must be completed by the homeowner and submitted to ADEC within 90 days of construction to verify compliance with regulations.

NOTE: The Mat-Su ADEC office strongly recommends that homeowner-installers hire a Professional Engineer to oversee the design and construction of their septic system (see option #1). If an engineer provides oversight of the design and installation, the homeowner-installer fee and the test are not required.

If you would like a copy of the CD, or for further information contact your local DEC office or Anthony Sonoda at DEC/Fairbanks Area Office. Tony may be contacted at 907-451-2109, or by e-mail at: Anthony.Sonoda@alaska.gov