A PTI is needed when a person wishes to construct any wastewater collection, storage or treatment system or wishes to modify any existing wastewater collection, storage or treatment system.

A PTI is required by Ohio Revised Code 6111.44 and Ohio Revised Code 6111.45 and rules in Ohio Administrative Code 3745-42.

Permit-To-Install Tracking

To check the status of any pending PTIs , please click the below link.

• Permit-to-Install Tracking

What's New?

Updates

• Electronic PTI Submission Information
  • The following are procedures for submitting PTIs to the Division of Surface Water. Please select whether your PTI is less than or greater than 25 MB in size for more detail.

Rules

• The rules for PTIs are in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Rule 3745-42

Miscellaneous

• Common Errors: Common mistakes made on PTI applications and detailed plans.

Upcoming Training Events

• No training events available at this time - please check back! 

Files less than 25 MB

1. Documents which are less than 25 MB in size should be emailed. Please find your county name where the project will be located for the email of the appropriate district engineer.
 

CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE
Submit documents to CDO.DSW.PTISubmittals@epa.ohio.gov 

NORTHEAST DISTRICT OFFICE
All counties to be sent to this LiquidFiles website: https://fileshare.epa.ohio.gov/filedrop/nedo_dsw_submittals

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT OFFICE
Submit documents to SWDO.DSW.PTISubmittals@epa.ohio.gov

NORTHWEST DISTRICT OFFICE

SOUTHEAST DISTRICT OFFICE

Files greater than 25MB

2. Documents greater than 25 MB in size need to be submitted to the appropriate district office following the directions below. Liquid Files is the platform used by Ohio EPA. The written instructions can be found in the Electronic Submission of Data to Ohio EPA file, and YouTube instructions can be found in the How to submit large electronic files to Ohio EPA using LiquidFiles video.

CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE
Submit documents through Liquid Files and direct to John.Owen@epa.ohio.gov

NORTHEAST DISTRICT OFFICE
All counties to be sent to this LiquidFiles website: https://fileshare.epa.ohio.gov/filedrop/nedo_dsw_submittals

NORTHWEST DISTRICT OFFICE
Submit documents through Liquid Files:

• For publicly owned facilities, private sanitary systems, or if uncertain, direct to direct to Alex.Smaili@epa.ohio.gov

• For industrial owned facilities, direct to Thomas.Poffenbarger@epa.ohio.gov

SOUTHEAST DISTRICT OFFICE
Submit documents through Liquid Files and direct to Stephen.Lear@epa.ohio.gov

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT OFFICE
Submit documents through Liquid Files and direct to Geoffrey.Holmes@epa.ohio.gov

How to Obtain a PTI

Once you determine you need a PTI for your project, the following is a step-by-step process of “How to Obtain a PTI.”  If you are not sure that you need a PTI, please contact a Central Office staff member.

An application cannot be considered complete unless all applicable questions are answered and the required information submitted. Please make sure you have the most recent version when you prepare your application.

1. Fill out Form A. (Please note: Applicant needs to sign form. This is not the design engineer or consultant.)
2. Determine and complete appropriate B Forms, dependent upon if the project is a Sanitary Sewer Extension, Onsite System, Holding Tank, or Wastewater Treatment Plant.
3. Fill out an Antidegradation Addendum form for all PTI projects that meet the applicability criteria established under Ohio Administrative Code 3745-1-05(B)(1).  For sanitary sewer extensions with stream crossings, and for WWTP construction if there is work in or near a stream bed, also fill out a Stream Evaluation Addendum and worksheet.
4. Submit the following appropriate forms electronically in a PDF format to your respective District Office. Please see the What's New tab for current submission process.

• the detailed plans with PE stamp, signature and date;
• any separate equipment/construction specifications with PE stamp, signature and date. If the engineer wants an approved copy, notify the District. The pages of the specifications, if separate from the plans, must be a separate document with a cover page with the same project title/name as the plans. For smaller projects, the engineer is encouraged to include the specifications on the detailed plans.
• Form A;
• the corresponding Form B;
• the Antidegradation Addendum Form if the project is subject to the Antidegradation Rule (OAC 3745-1-05). See item 19 on application Form A.
• the Stream Evaluation Addendum and Worksheet, if appropriate, e.g. project involves work near a stream or there are stream crossings
• Options to pay the appropriate fees will be given by the District Office after submission of the PTI.
  • (a) $100 Application Fee
  • (b) $100 Plan Review Fee
  • (c) Construction/Installation Cost multiplied by 0.0065

Total Fee = (a) + (b) + (c)  (Not to exceed $15,100.00)

For specific requirements please see the Sanitary Sewer Extensions, Onsite Systems, Holding Tanks, or Wastewater Treatment Plants tabs.

Forms

Each application form is available online as an Adobe Reader [PDF] file and a Microsoft Word [DOC] file. The PDF forms must be printed and completed by typewriter or by hand. The [DOC] forms can be completed by using your keyboard to type in the appropriate language or to make the appropriate selections. If the text of the [DOC] form jumps around while you're typing, switch to Normal View (under View on the Word toolbar or in the lower left hand corner of your screen).

View the PTI General Permits & the application forms for them.

Sanitary Sewer Extensions

Typical projects that fall into this category include, but are not limited to: gravity sanitary sewer line installation, force main installation, sewer/force main with pump station, etc. 

In addition to specific sanitary sewer extension requirements listed here, applicant must provide all material included in the How to Obtain a PTI tab.

Forms
Forms associated with sanitary sewer extensions projects.

• Form A: Applicant information
• Form B1: Sanitary sewer extension (use most recent flow data from publicly owned treatment works)
• Form B1 Attachment: Pump Station
• Antidegradation Addendum
• Stream Evaluation Addendum: If there is a stream crossing, or other work in or near a stream bed, a stream evaluation is needed; exclusions.

Additional Sanitary Sewer Extension Information

Permit-to-Install Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Projects

Pipe Specifications

Make sure the detailed plans include:

• a PE stamp, signature and date
• a site/vicinity map
• a City sign-off

For other related topics: OAC 3745-42

Onsite Systems

Onsite sewage treatment & dispersal systems are installed in areas where sanitary sewers are not available. The goal of these systems is the treatment of wastewater via mechanical and/or natural processes to the point where the treated wastewater can be safely released into the environment without causing harm to the surrounding environment and human health.

In addition to the specific onsite sewage treatment & dispersal system requirements listed here, applicant must provide all material included in the How to Obtain a Permit tab.

Interim Onsite Sewage Treatment System Guidance Document  

Listing of SFOSTS (as of 10/17/07) - On January 1, 2007, Ohio Department of Health's rules for Small Flow Onsite Sewage Treatment Systems went into effect. Please visit the link below for a list of counties that have or will take on the SFOSTS: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/sewage-treatment-systems/resources-and-education/smallflowchart.

Forms
Forms associated with onsite system projects.

• Form A: Applicant information
• Form B2: Onsite Sewage Treatment & Dispersal Systems
• Form B8: Holding Tanks
• Antidegradation Addendum

Additional Onsite System Information

• List of Pipe Specifications
• Soils Consideration - A soils evaluation must be submitted by a certified soil scientist or other qualified professionals.  They must:
• Determine the depth to limiting condition and what it is
• Identify soils classification
• Identify soil horizons
• Estimate soil permeability rates in each horizon
• Professional Soil Scientists - Consultants List provided by The Association of Ohio Pedologists

For other related topics: OAC 3745-42

Holding Tanks

Holding tanks for sewage are permissible when no sanitary sewers are readily available, when sanitary sewers are being proposed but will not be available for up to 12 months, or when an existing onsite wastewater treatment & dispersal system has failed and sewers are not available. Holding tanks for industrial wastewater are generally acceptable with proper permits and construction.

In addition to specific holding tank requirements listed here, applicant must provide all material included in the How to Obtain a PTI tab.

Forms
Forms associated with sewage holding tank projects.

• Form A: Applicant information
• Form B8: Holding Tanks
• Antidegradation Addendum

Additional Holding Tank Information
A PTI for a holding tank must also include:

• Audio/Visual High Water Alarm
• Copy of contract between applicant and hauler
• Copy of contract between hauler and POTW accepting the waste for sewage

For other related topics: OAC 3745-42

Wastewater Plants

Wastewater treatment plants are broken up into two main distinctions, >100,000 gpd and <100,000 gpd.

For plants >100,000 gpd see 10 State Standards

• PDF version

For plants <100,000 gpd see the Green Book.

In addition to wastewater treatment plant requirements listed here, applicant must provide all material included in the How to Obtain a PTI tab.

Forms
Forms associated with discharging system projects.

• Form A: Applicant information
• Form B3: Wastewater Treatment Plants Less Than 100,000 GPD
• Form B4: WWTP’s Greater Than or Equal to 100,000 GPD and All Pond Systems
• Form B4-1: WWTP Pumping Stations
• Form B4-2: Preliminary Treatment
• Form B4-3: Biological Treatment
• Form B4-4: Settling
• Form B4-5: Filtration
• Form B4-6: Disinfection
• Form B4-7: Sludge Treatment and Disposal
• Form B4-8: Ponds
• Form B5: Industrial Direct Discharger Facility
• Form B6: Industrial Indirect Discharger Facility
• Antidegradation Addendum
• Stream Evaluation Addendum: If there is work in or near a stream bed, a stream evaluation is needed

Semipublic Disposal System Inspection (HB110) Program
By implementing House Bill 110 (HB110) in 1984, the Ohio General Assembly created Ohio EPA's Semipublic Disposal System Inspection program (often referred to as the HB110 program). The program is a contractual partnership between local health districts (LHDs) and Ohio EPA, whereby LHDs conduct, on behalf of the Agency, inspection and enforcement services for commercial sanitary waste treatment/disposal systems discharging between 0-25,000 gallons per day (semipublics). 

For other related topics: OAC 3745-42

General Permits

• Gravity Sanitary Sewer Extensions
• Land Application of Hydro-Demolition Wastewater

Documents

Policies

See the DSW Policy Documents. Currently, there are no PTI related policies. However, past rescinded policies are still available on-line for your information.

Guidance / Manuals

Final Division of Surface Water guidance documents are on the DSW Guidance Documents page.

Guidance documents/manuals on the topics below are being assembled. They are reference materials used by Ohio EPA staff when reviewing PTIs. Please note that there are other reference materials out there to be used. Ohio EPA is not strictly endorsing any. The list is provided to show what guidance is being used to help aid in the review of PTIs.

Wastewater Treatment Plants and Collection Systems

• Recommended Standards for Wastewater Systems (Ten States Standards)
• Design Standards for Systems ≤ 100,000 gpd (Greenbook)
  • This document is an update to the technical design manual previously referenced to as "Sewage: Collection, Treatment and Disposal Where Public Sewers Are Not Available". The updated design manual is the compilation of research and experience of Ohio EPA staff and design engineers. It reflects a representation of what has been learned through the oversight of the operations and maintenance of these smaller wastewater treatment plants (less than or equal to 100,000 gallons per day capacity). The Greenbook defines typical design parameters for these wastewater treatment plants and highlights operating conditions that may be appropriate to be considered. Though the standards established within this design manual are not regulations or requirements, the standards expressed are a starting point and highlights Ohio EPA’s expressed opinion as to proper design considerations.

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (General)

• Interim Onsite Sewage Treatment System Guidance Document
• OSU Bulletin 896 “Suitability of Ohio Soils for Treating Wastewater”
• U.S. EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual
• Ohio Counties Soils & Water Links

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Mound Systems)

• OSU Bulletin 813 “Mound Systems for On-site Wastewater Treatment”
• OSU Bulletin 829 “Mound System: Pressure Distribution of Wastewater Design and Construction in Ohio”

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Drip Distribution)

• Ohio EPA Guidance Document for Drip Distribution Systems
• Iowa Department of Natural Resources : Drip Dispersal Systems Technology Assessment and Design Guidance

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Leach Fields)

• Interim Onsite Sewage Treatment System Guidance Document

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Constructed Wetlands)

• Ohio EPA Guidance Document for Small Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands with Soil Dispersal System
• U.S. EPA “Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment”

Sand Filters

• OSU Bulletin 876-99 “Sand Bioreactors for Wastewater Treatment for Ohio Communities”

Sanitary Sewer Extension

• Ohio EPA “Greenbook”
• Ten State Standards 

Pump Stations

• Ten State Standards 

Fact Sheets

• Wastewater Permit-to-Install Applications - Tips for When Timing is Critical
• Permit-to-Install Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Projects
• Wastewater Permit-to-Install and Plan Approval Fact Sheet

Other Documents

• Common Errors on Wastewater Permit-to-Install Applications This is a list of items that frequently result in comments and revisions to PTI applications. Please review this list and proof your application to avoid costly delays.

FAQs

Q:  What is a PTI?
A:  A permit to install is required by law under Ohio Revised Code 6111.44 and 6111.45, and Ohio Administrative Code 3745-42.

Q:  Do I need a PTI?
A:  A permit to install is needed for any installation or modification of wastewater treatment, conveyance or disposal system, except as exempted by rule. See rule 3745-42-02 for rule exemptions.

Q:  How do I get a PTI?
A:  See the How to Obtain a PTI tab.

Q:  What do I need to include in my PTI application?
A:  For every PTI submitted you must include:

• the appropriate fees;
• detailed plans with PE stamp, signature and date;
• Form A;
• the appropriate Form B; and
• the Antidegradation Addendum Form.

For specific forms and information, see:

• The Sanitary Sewer Extensions tab
• The Onsite Systems tab
• The Holding Tanks tab
• The Wastewater Treatment Plants tab
• Pipe Specifications

Q:  Where do I submit my PTI Application?
A:  Please see the What's New tab for how to submit a PTI.

Q:  What are the most common mistakes made when filling out PTI Forms and Detailed Plans?
A:  See Common Errors on Wastewater Permit-to-Install Applications.