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General Information: Onsite Sewage Disposal System (OSDS) Program

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Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems (OSDS) are defined in Nevada's regulation (NAC 445A.9556) as "any existing or proposed on-site system for the treatment and disposal of domestic sewage, including, without limitation, a standard subsurface, alternative or experimental sewage disposal system that may include a treatment unit and an effluent absorption system." It includes a Class V well under subsection 10 of NAC 445A.849. OSDS does not include an individual sewage disposal system as defined in NAC 444.764, a package plant for sewage treatment as defined in NRS 445A.380, or a system designed to treat and dispose of industrial waste.

OSDS permits are required for certain activities by US EPA regulations at 40 CFR 144. In compliance with this regulation, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has ideveloped the OSDS permitting program for onsite sewage disposal systems. Subsurface discharges of treated wastewater associated OSDS would be covered under the general permit GNEVOSDS09.

Note: The onsite collection and temporary holding of domestic sewage from commercial operations are permited under the Holding Tank general permits: Temporary Holding Tank (GNEVTHT09) and Permanent Holding Tank (GNEVPHT09).

User Instructions - We suggest users read the fact sheet and the general permit listed below and related information to determine if your activity would be covered under the Onsite Sewage Disposal System General permit (GNEVOSDS09). Depending the complexity of the OSDS plan, the Administrator of the Division may require an applicant to obtain an individual permit, as allowed for under NRS 445A.480. In such cases, the applicant may apply for an Indidual Discharge Permit.

If you are subject to the OSDS General Permit requirements, please complete a Notice of Intent (NOI) to seek coverage under the General Permit GNEVOSDS09 by completing the form (see below.) After completing the form you will need to print this document and mail it, along with all other pertinent information to NDEP at the address indicated. Application and annual fees for the general and individual OSDS permits are listed below.

Note: Nevada regulations require all its Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems to be designed by a registered Nevada professional engineer (P.E.). All plans and calculations shall be wet stamped by the engineer, and the engineer shall be responsible for certifying installation in writing.

Applies to:

Construction and operation of Onsite Sewage Disposal System (OSDS) as defined under statutes (NRS 445A) and regulations (NAC 445A.950 thru 445A.9706).This program includes the installation and operation of septic systems and similar systems in commercial properties.

Application Forms

OSDS - Application for Design Plan Approval
OSDS - Notice of Intent (NOI) to Discharge

Permit Information

OSDS - General Permit - GNEVOSDS09
OSDS - Factsheet - GNEVOSDS09
OSDS - Nitrogen Restricted Areas
OSDS - Engineering Design Manual [ 298 Pages 3.8MB]
OSDS - General Permit Notification
OSDS – Nevada Infiltrator Chamber System Sizing Chart

Filing, Application and Annual Fees

$300

Annual fee for renewal of a general permit for an on-site sewage disposal system with a capacity of 5,000 gallons or more.

$200

One-time application fee for a general permit to construct or make major modifications to an on-site sewage disposal system with a capacity of less than 5,000 gallons, including plan review.

No Fee

Annual fee for renewal of a general permit for an on-site sewage disposal system with a capacity of less than 5,000 gallons.

No Fee

To add an existing on-site sewage disposal system with a capacity of less than 5,000 gallons to a general permit.

$1,000

One-time application fee for an individual permit to construct or make major modifications to an on-site sewage disposal system, including plan review.

$1,000

Annual fee for renewal of an individual permit for an on-site sewage disposal system.

$200

To extend an individual or general permit to construct an on-site sewage disposal system for a 1-year period after the expiration of the permit.

Payable to:

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Pollution Control
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
901 South Stewart Street, Suite 4001
Carson City NV 89701-5249

Contact Info.

Bureau of Water Pollution Control
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
901 S. Stewart St., Ste 4001
Carson City NV 89701
Phone: 775.687.9418 - Fax: 775.687.4684
www.ndep.nv.gov

Washoe County OSDS Systems

OSDS systems within Washoe County, Nevada are now permitted by NDEP.

Clark County OSDS Systems
Below 3,000 gallons in volume capacity are permitted by Southern Nevada Health District. For more information please contact:

Southern Nevada Health District
625 Shadow Lane
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702)759 - 0660
Email

Nye County OSDS Systems
Below 3,000 gallons in volume capacity are permitted by Nye County Building & Safety Department. Please note that the City of Pahrump is currently a "Nitrogen Management Area"; advanced wastewater treatment (de-nitrifying) systems are required.

Nye County Planning Department
250 N. Hwy. 160 - Suite 1
Pahrump, NV 89060
Ph: (775) 751-4035