They are commonly referred to as septic systems or onsite wastewater systems. All ISDS have two basic components, a two-compartment septic tank and a disposal field. The septic tank serves to separate and store solid material and the disposal field allows wastewater to percolate into the ground. In Ventura County there are two general types of ISDS, conventional and alternative.
Conventional systems use leach lines, leach beds or seepage pits for the disposal field component.
Alternative systems use an above ground mound or below ground gravity sand filter for the disposal field component. Due to the potential adverse impacts to public health and the environment from improperly designed or constructed sewage disposal systems, ISDS must be designed by a registered civil engineer, registered geologist, or a registered environmental health specialist. When proposing a repair to an existing ISDS a design by a registered professional may not be required. The time required to review an ISDS design is approximately 3 to 4 weeks, and depends on the number of applications that were submitted before your application. Additional time may be required if the application package submitted is incomplete or if there are deficiencies in the information contained in the soil engineering report.