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Serving:
Cheyenne, Greeley,
Logan, Rawlins
Sherman,
Thomas,
Wallace, Wichita,
Decatur, Gove,
Graham,
Lane,
Norton, Scott,
Sheridan & Trego
Counties
NWLEPG GOAL: To Protect the Quality of the
Groundwater and the
Environment
• The NWLEPG was started in 1990 with 14 counties, joining together through an Interlocal Agreement with the common goal to develop an Environmental/Sanitary Code to protect the Northwest Kansas counties groundwater and environment.
• The program is funded with grant funds from the State Water Plan through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
• The NWLEPG is governed by a Board of Director's consisting of one member from each county.
• The NWLEPG is the authorized representative that implements and administers the Environmental/Sanitary Code for the counties.
• All 16 counties have adopted an Environmental/Sanitary Code.
• The Code contains 3 Chapters.
Chapter 1-Administrative Procedures
Chapter 2-Private Wastewater Systems
Chapter 3-Non-Public Water Supplies
• The NWLEPG works closely with the County Health Departments.
• SERVICES OFFERED TO COUNTY RESIDENTS:
Free well water sampling, testing for bacteria and nitrates
Investigating complaints
Design of private wastewater systems
Abandoned well plugging information
Working with the County Conservation Districts on their NPS programs
Assist the County Health Dept. with environmental concerns
Information resource for the public
Working with public water suppliers on wellhead protection
Educational Programs
Water sampling for the Head Start Program
Water sampling for the Mother and Infant Program
The NWLEPG also offers a FREE WATER WELL SAMPLE checking for bacteria and nitrates. If you would like to have your well water checked please call the NWLEPG or your county health department. This is a FREE service offered by your county health department.
Summary of County Code Requirements
If you plan to install or modify your septic system please call the appropriate NWLEPG office.
The following (16) counties have adopted an Environmental/Sanitary Code: Cheyenne, Decatur, Gove, Greeley, Graham, Lane, Logan, Norton, Rawlins, Scott, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego, Wallace & Wichita.
Notification Requirements:
The NWLEPG shall be notified of any wastewater system installation or modification. (This means any landowner or contractor doing wastewater system installation or modification. (NO one is exempt!!)
A Letter of Intent Form shall be filed with the NWLEPG prior to any system installation or modification. This can be done by mailing the completed form or by phone.
The NWLEPG shall be notified of the construction date for final inspection. The NWLEPG may waive the inspection.
Construction Drawing Submittal:
The NWLEPG shall receive a signed Construction Drawing within 5 days after completion of the system installation or modification from the owner or contractor.
Approval to Operate Requirements:
The NWLEPG will approve or disapprove all systems based on the information provided in the Construction Drawing or the final inspection. The owner will receive a letter of approval when the system exceeds or meets the minimum Code requirements.
Licensing Requirements:
All system contractors shall be licensed by the NWLEPG. The owner may install or modify his own septic system. If someone other than the owner installs or modifies a septic system, that person shall be licensed.
Other Requirements:
All systems with open sewage discharge are in violation of the Counties Codes and State Law. Only domestic sewage can be discharged to a private wastewater system. The NWLEPG requires prior approval before any of the following private wastewater systems may be installed: Waste Stabilization Ponds (lagoons), Wetland systems, Sand Filter systems, or any new Alternative systems.