On-site Septic System

The Environmental Health Division receives applications for the construction or expansion of individual septic systems. When a septic system fails, the staff also reviews applications for repairs.

Application Process

• Complete perc testing (new construction or repair)
• For all new construction, a site plan by a Maryland-registered land surveyor must be submitted for review. For replacement onsite septic systems, a surveyed site plan may be required
• Upon approval of a site plan, a septic construction application may be submitted
  • Septic Construction Application – Contractor use only
    • Septic Replacement Drawing
  • Standard Operating Procedure: Septic Construction Application Submission
  • Standard Operating Procedure: Septic Contractor Requirements
• Septic construction applications must be submitted to the Division of Environmental Health either in person, via email to smchd.env@maryland.gov, or by mail to:
  • St. Mary’s County Health Department
    Environmental Health Division
    P.O. Box 316
    Leonardtown, MD 20650
• Construction of the onsite septic system may begin upon approval of the septic construction application.
• Contact the health department to conduct an inspection of the septic system before covering
  • Standard Operating Procedure: Septic Inspection Request

For more information, please contact the health department at smchd.env@maryland.gov or call 301-475-4321.

Learn More About Septic Systems

Additional Resources

• Applications & Forms
• Permits & Licensing 
• Appeal Process: Well, On-Site Sewage Disposal, Subdivision, and Shared Facility Decisions