SSTS Regulations

There are four layers of regulations. The federal government has regulations, the Minnesota legislature writes local statutes, the MPCA writes Chapter 7080, and local governmental units (i.e. counties, townships and cities) have local ordinances. Therefore, the requirements vary across the state.
State and Local Policies Affecting Septic Systems (.pdf)

Local Level

• Counties (www.mncounties.org)
• Cities (www.lmnc.org)
• Townships (www.mntownships.org) - under links

State Level

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
Administers MN Rule 7080, the state wide rule regarding onsite sewage treatment systems and licensing program for onsite professionals.

• Minnesota Rules
  • Chapter 7080
  • Chapter 7081
  • Chapter 7082
  • Chapter 7083
• 2020 Minnesota Rules: Chapters 7080 - 7083 (.pdf)
• 2017 Minnesota Rules: Chapters 7080 - 7083 (.pdf)
  • History of Minnesota's Rules on Septic Systems
• Minnesota Statute 115.55
• Septage Guidelines (.pdf)

Minnesota Department of Health
Administers the well code, well head protection program and oversees food, beverage, and lodging establishments

• Source Water Assessments
• Well Code - 4725
• MN Rules Chapter 4720 - Public Water Supplies
• MN Rules Chapter 4717 - MDH variance rules
• MN Rules Chapter 4626 -Food, beverage, and lodging establishments

Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry
Administers the Boiler Operator's License for Pumpers using boilers to thaw frozen septic systems

• Boiler Rules
• Plumbing Code
• Pipelayers Certificate
• Plumbing Contractor Code Compliance Bond Packet (.pdf)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Has Shoreland Managment Programs which protect surface waters

• MN Rules Chapter 6120 - Septic system setbacks for lakes
• MN Rules Chapter 6105- Septic system setbacks for Wild and Scenic Rivers

Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
In reference to SSTSs, BWSR administers the wetland conservation act. (M.S. 103G and MN Rules Chapter 8420) and links water resource planning with comprehensive land use planning.

Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design
This board licenses professional engineers, soil scientists, and geologists involved with the design of SSTS systems.

Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health (MNOSHA) is committed to helping Minnesotans improve workplace safety and health

Minnesota Department of Transportation

Federal Level

Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Regulates Class V systems and septage application

• Class V Rules (.pdf)
• 503 Septage Regulations
• Management Guidelines (.pdf)