Certification administered by Indiana State Department of Health would potentially qualify the individual to work in all counties. Registration would be valid for a defined period or until rule revision. Certified individuals must be on site during construction of septic system in order to retain the certification. Currently tests from several counties are being reviewed and consolidated. Alternative sewers may be a viable option if the population in an unsewered area is 50-100 homes or less per mile of sewer line, or homes are located in areas with hilly terrain, shallow bedrock or a high water table and conventional or other innovative systems are not feasible.
Alternative sewers are small diameter plastic sewers that are usually pressurized.
They work because the larger solids are removed by an on-site septic tank or broken up with a grinder pump prior to entering the sewer line. They do not have to flow downhill since they are not necessarily dependent on gravity and pipes can be routed around houses, ponds, and other areas. Since sewer lines are smaller they are usually easier to seal than large diameter gravity lines, so is less likely that wastewater will seep out or groundwater will infiltrate. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages for specific sites. Considerations for your community includes insuring watertight components, operation and maintenance requirements, electricity needs, and the possible disruption of service due to mechanical breakdown and power outages.