One advantage of using an irrigation system is that it requires few permits. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) issues a Permit to Install (PTI) before a treatment plant and irrigation system can be constructed. The agency staff reviews the plans to insure the system is adequately designed. An operation and maintenance plan needs to be submitted with the permit application. This plan will likely require revision after the first irrigation season. Plans for intermittent operation should be described to insure that the soil remains aerobic.
Monitoring requirements and effluent limitations are specified in a PTI. Monitoring results must be submitted regularly to OEPA. If the irrigation area has or will be served with subsurface drains, a discharge permit (NPDES permit) will also be required. Any discharge from the drainage system must be sampled.
Early contact with the district OEPA office is highly recommended. By obtaining the necessary application forms early and discussing the desire to reuse wastewater, the planning process can be streamlined.