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, requirements vary across the state.
Local level
Counties, cities and townships
State level
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) administers MN Rule 7080, the statewide rule regarding onsite sewage treatment systems and licensing program for onsite professionals.
- Minnesota rules
- 2020 Minnesota rules: Chapters 7080 - 7083 (hard copies available for purchase through the University of Minnesota Bookstore)
- 2020 Minnesota rules: Chapters 7080 - 7083 (Free PDF)
- Minnesota statute 115.55
- Septage guidelines (PDF)
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Minnesota Department of Health administers the well code, well head protection program and oversees food, beverage, and lodging establishments.
Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry (DLI)
Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry administers the Boiler Operator's License for Pumpers using boilers to thaw frozen septic systems.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
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
The Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design licenses professional engineers, soil scientists, and geologists involved with the design of SSTS systems.
Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health (MNOSHA)
Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health (MNOSHA) is committed to helping Minnesotans improve workplace safety and health.