Permitting changes to existing subsurface wastewater systems with increased field accuracy, efficiency, and safety

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Wake County is growing rapidly with an average net increase of 62 people per day. This results in a public demand for permits for both new wastewater systems and adjustments to current lot use and systems. Existing septic system location records extend back to the 1940s and in some cases may not be available at all. To approve accessory structure permits on lots with septic systems or permit modifications to existing systems, staff previously needed to repeatedly use a probe rod to locate subsurface components of onsite wastewater systems. Locating existing system components was time consuming, physically demanding and often inaccurate. In April 2021, the Wake County Water Quality Division (WQ) implemented a program to decrease turn-around time for issuance of these State-mandated permits by utilizing ground penetrating radar equipment (GPR). This maximizes in-field productivity and decision-making and facilitated the reduction of turnaround time for permitting by 1.5 hours per application. The risk of personal injury and property damage that can be caused by probing was also decreased. Staff embraced the process change. Implementing this technology improves customer service by reducing permit turnaround time and ultimately helps protect public health and natural resources by accurately identifying subsurface wastewater system locations.