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Divisions > Water Division > Programs/Bureaus/Units >

Subsurface Systems Bureau

To prevent pollution of all public or private water supplies, whether underground or surface sources.

The Subsurface Systems Bureau is responsible for the review and issuance or denial of permits that govern approximately 80-85% of all development that occurs within the state of New Hampshire. In particular, the bureau is responsible for the following activities:

• Reviews applications for the subdivision of land and the design of individual septic systems.
• Performs on-site inspections of all septic systems installed in order to ensure strict compliance with the approved plans.
• Implements and administers the program for licensing both designers and installers of septic systems. No individual may submit an application nor install a septic system without first obtaining a license from this bureau.
• Investigates written complaints received by the Department of Environmental Services relative to situations which are or may be causing degradation of the state’s waters.
• Coordinates other necessary permits involved in a particular project or development.

Hot Topics (Complete List)

• Subsurface E-permitting
• All permits, approvals, applicable recorded documentation and other information required for final septic system approval must be submitted to DES prior to receiving construction approval.
• Please make sure that all proposed well locations are accessible to well drilling rigs. This is especially critical on lots where well location can affect lot loading.
• Effective July 1, 2009, the fee for submission of Septic System applications (Construction and Subdivision Lots/Units) is $300.00.
• Expanding, Relocating, or Replacing Structures - Update
• How to Ensure Your Permit Application is Accepted
• New NH Designer & Installer Permit Renewal Requirements

Publications

• Disposal of Backwash from Water Treatment Devices at Single Family and Duplex Residences (Fact Sheet WD-DWGB-22-17)
• Drilling Wells within the Service Area of a Public Water System (Fact Sheet WD-DWGB-21-6)
• Subsurface Systems Fact Sheets
• On-Site Wastewater Disposal System Installation Manual

Rules/Regulatory

• Env-Wq 1000 Subdivision and Individual Sewage Disposal System Design Rules
• RSA 485-A Water Pollution and Waste Disposal

Education/Outreach

• Continuing Education
• Land Resources Management Update – Presented November 3, 2010
• Subsurface Seminar December 12, 2011

Technical Assistance (Complete List)

• Active Designers & Installers
• Application & Approval Status
• Designer and Installer Certification Schedules
• Individual Systems- List of Communities Requiring Local Approval Prior to RSA 485-A:32, I & II Review
• Septage Videos

Forms/Applications (Complete List)

• Individual Sewage Disposal System Application
• Subdivision Application
• Waiver Request

Permits

• Septic Systems: Approval for Construction
• Septic Systems: Approval for Operation
• Septic System Designer and Installer Permitting
• Subdivision Approval

Related Programs (Complete List)

• Alteration of Terrain Bureau
• Lakes Management and Protection
• NHDES Groundwater Discharge Permitting and Registration
• Rivers Management and Protection
• Shoreland Program
• Wetlands Bureau

Resources/Links

• New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
• US Environmental Protection Agency

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does my project need SSB approval under the Env-Wq 1004.15, the 'Expansion Rule'?

Contact Us

• NHDES Subsurface Systems Bureau
  29 Hazen Drive; PO Box 95
  Concord, NH 03302-0095
  (603) 271-3501
  (603) 271-6683 (fax)
  jo-ann.mckenney@des.nh.gov
• Subsurface Systems Bureau Regional Offices and Contacts

 

 

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NH Department of Environmental Services | 29 Hazen Drive | PO Box 95 | Concord, NH 03302-0095
(603) 271-3503 | TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964 | Hours: M-F, 8am-4pm