Frequently Asked Questions

Call the health unit in the county where the property is located and ask for the Onsite Environmental Specialist. It will help if you know what year the home was built, the subdivision name and lot number, and the name of the original owner or developer.

Source: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/frequently-asked-questions-onsite-wastewater

There is no minimum lot size. The space required for a sewage system is determined by the suitability of the soils at the site, the number of bedrooms in the home, and the 100 foot set back from water wells.

Source: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/frequently-asked-questions-onsite-wastewater

Call the health unit in the county where the property is located and ask for the Onsite Environmental Specialist. They will give you a list of the private individual in your area that are licensed to do soil tests and design sewage systems. 

Source: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/frequently-asked-questions-onsite-wastewater

You may search our database of Onsite Wastewater Licensees by clicking HERE. If you are looking for someone to design a septic system, you will need to select the “Designated Representative” license type and if you are looking for a septic system installer you will select the “Advanced Septic Installer” license type.

Source: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/frequently-asked-questions-onsite-wastewater

The percolation test provides only a rough estimate of a soil’s ability to move water. The Designated Representative and the Environmental Specialist use the soil pits to determine the depths to rock, any impervious soil layers, and the anticipated level of groundwater in the wet periods of the year. This additional information results in a sewage system design that overcomes the soil’s limitations.

Source: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/frequently-asked-questions-onsite-wastewater

The exemption applies to a single residence located on ten or more acres where all parts of the sewage system are more than 200 feet from any property line, including roads. The exemption is only for obtaining a permit. The property owner is still required to install and operate the sewage system in a manner that meets state requirements and does not cause a nuisance. A letter stating that the property is exempt from the permit requirement may be obtained from the local Health Unit. This exemption does not apply to any other state or federal requirements.

Source: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/frequently-asked-questions-onsite-wastewater

If you're looking for a high level idea of what Meinco does when designing an onsite wastewater permit, look no further!

1. We do a “site review” where we listen and learn about the project, verify boundaries, gather paperwork information and figure out where to park with trucks and equipment when we return. This first step usually takes 20-30 minutes.

2. We return to do the “site work” and excavate soil pits to classify the soil limiting horizons to determine the hydraulic loading rate. The soil pit is 2’ wide, 8’ long and 4’ deep excavated on contour and left open for health department review. One soil pit is needed in the primary site, another pit is required in the secondary site. Once we have a hydraulic loading rate, we flag out the onsite wastewater system components.

3. We take this information back to the office and prepare a permit for construction. We create a scaled drawing in AutoCAD, specification sheets, and directions to the site for review by the health department.  

4. We submit the permit for construction in triplicate to the local Arkansas department of health unit along with the permit fee for review and approval.

5. Two copies of the approved construction permit are sent to the homeowner.

Yes, we do preliminary subdivision reviews! The below steps are what you can expect:

1. We do a “site review” where we listen and learn about the project, verify boundaries, gather paperwork information and figure out where to park with trucks and equipment when we return.

2. We return to do the “site work” and excavate soil pits to classify the soil limiting horizons to determine the hydraulic loading rate. The soil pit is 2’ wide, 8’ long and 4’ deep excavated on contour and left open for health department review. Two passing soil pits are required on each lot being considered for development. We then flag the corners of the proposed house site, primary and secondary disposal sites.

3. We take this information back to the office and prepare a soil report with hydraulic loading rates and AutoCAD drawing showing the proposed lot sizes and disposal site locations.  

4. We submit the preliminary subdivision review plans in triplicate to the local Arkansas department of health unit along with the subdivision review fee.

5. One copy of the plans along with an approval letter are sent to the owner.

If you are looking for a high level idea of what Meinco does when designing an onsite wastewater permit, look no further!

1. We do a “site review” where we listen and learn about the project, verify boundaries, gather paperwork information and figure out where to park with trucks and equipment when we return.

2. We return to do the “site work” and excavate soil pits to classify the soil limiting horizons to determine the hydraulic loading rate. The soil pit is 2’ wide, 8’ long and 4’ deep excavated on contour and covered when we are done.

3. We take this information back to the office and submit a report to the homeowner with the results.

Do you have a wastewater system that requires monthly reporting or maintenance? Would you like to rest easy knowing your system is kept in proper working order per regulations of the state? Well, look no further! Meinco offers maintenance contracts to help with these very concerns! When our customers sign one of our contracts, they can expect the following:

1. Regular maintenance of a particular wastewater system per the manufacture's specifications.

2. Communication on the health of the wastewater system and recommendations for any preventative measures that may need to taken.

3. Preparation and submission of reports to the system's associated regulatory agencies (ADH, ADEQ, etc.) if applicable.

If you are interested in signing up for one of our maintenance contracts, click here!