| ILLINOIS
Other States: Contact: Doug Ebelherr or Dave Antonacci Illinois
Constitutions, Statutes and Codes
Private Sewage Disposal
Code Onsite regulations for Illinois were last revised in August 1996. Currently, Section 905.100 - Aerobic Treatment Plants is being revised and is expected to be effective in the spring of 1999. No other sections are being revised at this time. The implementation of performance based standards is under consideration by the Private Sewage Disposal Advisory Committee. Aerobic treatment units (ATUs), gravelless/chamber systems, mounds, and sand filters are covered under the current codes. Alternative soil absorption designs, drip irrigation, and spray systems can be used under an experimental use permit. Experimental use permits allow the testing of new technologies. If successful, these technologies will be included in the code. Illinois requires management systems or districts to monitor and maintain onsite systems if the system is used by more than one household/residence. Management systems for all individual onsite wastewater treatment systems are under consideration by the Private Sewage Disposal Advisory Committee as well. Funding sources are not available to assist homeowners replacing a failing system or installing new systems. The only funding available is private funding sources or bank loans. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) administers an onsite certification and licensing program for contractors, installers and inspectors. Mr. Ebelherr with the IDPH can be contacted for further information. The IDPH sponsors three sewage conferences each year in January and February. Training for approximately 600-700 attending wastewater professionals is provided. Mr. Ebelherr with the IDPH can be contacted for further information. Mr. Ebelherr can also be contacted concerning demonstration, research, or testing projects ongoing within the state. Currently, several testing projects are being conducted on drip irrigation and deep aerated lagoons. The IDPH regulates all onsite subsurface disposal systems and surface discharge systems less than 1500 gallons/day. The Illinois EPA regulates surface discharge systems greater than 1500 gallons/day. Mr. Tom McSwiggin, with the Illinois EPA can be contacted at the address and telephone number below for more information. Illinois EPA |