OWTS Program Overview
A draft ordinance has been compiled that will serve as a basis for the program, and is almost ready for the public hearing process. The purpose of the program is to protect the high quality of life that exists in Trinidad by ensuring that sewage is adequately treated and disposed.
Currently, the City contracts with the Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health to oversee and regulate the permitting for siting, design and installation of septic systems in the City. This is the first major component of any OWTS management program. It is already in place, and may not change significantly as part of the new program.
The second major component, which Trinidad and most cities are missing, is the regulation of the use and maintenance of septic systems in order to avoid failure. Trinidad’s OWTS Management Program will establish a system of operating permits issued for every system in the City with certain maintenance and inspection criteria that must be completed in order to maintain the permit. An operating permit is a license to operate and maintain an onsite wastewater treatment system and will be required for all OWTS within the City. These permits will be issued by the City of Trinidad to require appropriate levels of management based on: types of occupancies generating wastewater; types of onsite wastewater treatment systems, and the potential for negative water quality impacts.
Other components of Trinidad’s OWTS Management Program will include a water quality monitoring program, public education and a Geographic Information System (computer software) to track, manage and analyze elements of the program and to provide easily retrievable parcel data. For more detailed information see: FAQs or contact City Clerk.
We welcome your questions and input on the development and implementation of this program. For further information please contact City Clerk and also see the Public Involvement section.