| Alternative Technology |
Approximately 10% of the sites the department evaluates do not meet the minimum requirements of
the Central Michigan District Environmental Health Code. Many of these sites are replacement sites
with existing houses. Alternative systems to the Code may be granted to permit the best possible
sewage system on lots with or without existing houses.
Technology is currently available that is capable of treating sewage effluent to a higher degree
than a conventional septic tank and drainfield. The Central Michigan District Health Department
allows some of these newer "engineered" systems to be installed on parcels of property that would
otherwise be unsuitable for an on-site sewage system under the Sanitary Code. Our Alternative
Policy requires that an "Alternative Request Form" be filled out, signed, dated and returned to
the appropriate health department office. Maintenance for these systems is crucial.
Some examples of alternative systems are: elevated gravity mound, pressure distribution
mound, plastic septic tanks, shredded tire chips in place of stone, aerobic pretreatment units,
infiltrator units in place of stone, EZ-Flow units in place of stone and re-circulating sand
filters.
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