Septic Permits Sussex County, NJ

Why Are Septic Permits Required in Sussex County?

Sussex County is dotted with its share of stunning lakes, rivers, and wetlands. These bodies of water are scenic and an essential part of local recreation, tourism, and property values. Despite their beauty, they’re also vulnerable and when septic systems are poorly maintained, they can leak nutrients and bacteria into the soil, which eventually seep into nearby waterways.

You can look to Lake Hopatcong as an example. Every summer, the lake is at risk of closing due to dangerous algae blooms. Many people assume the blooms are caused by farm runoff, but the reality is unmaintained septic systems are major contributors. When a tank hasn’t been pumped in years, solids and waste can overflow into the drain field and beyond, which creates the perfect conditions for algae growth.

Although the permit requirements can feel frustrating, they’re designed to keep area lakes, local habitats, and our way of life protected. Local septic tank requirements aim to safeguard our lakes from harm. Although they can be inconvenient, local municipalities that enforce a three-year pumping schedule help protect the lakes and keep them open for  swimming, boating, and fishing.

Which Towns Require a Septic Pumping Permit?

Whether or not you’ll need to pay a septic pumping fee will depend on which town you live in. Your best bet is turning to Wilson Services to handle the entire process for you, including pumping your septic system, completing the paperwork, and submitting it to the town—along with any applicable fees—on your behalf.

If you live in one of these towns, you’ll need a permit to pump your septic, submit paperwork, and pay a fee.

Towns with Permit + Fee Requirements

• • Oak Ridge

• • Lake Hopatcong

• • Jefferson

• • Randolph

• • Milton

• • Roxbury

• • Succasunna

• • Landing

• • Kenvil

• • Ledgewood

• • Netcong

These towns require a permit to pump your septic and file paperwork, but there is currently no fee.

Towns with Permit Requirements (No Fee)

• • Mount Olive

• • Hackettstown

• • Budd Lak

• • Flanders

• • Lake Mohawk

• • Mount Arlington

• • West Milford

• • Milton

• • Newfoundland

• • Oak Ridge

Locals should be aware that some towns in New Jersey, like Jefferson, are even taking residents to municipal court for missing the deadline. We’ve found that our customers are increasingly receiving enforcement letters, often worded bluntly and causing alarm.

How the Septic Permit Process Works

If you haven’t had to deal with a septic permit before, here’s what to expect from the process:

1. 1. Pumping: Your septic tank is not a DIY process and must be pumped by a qualified professional, like the team at Wilson Services.

1. 1. Paperwork: The pumping company will fill out a permit form confirming the date and service details.

1. 1. Submission: The permit (and fee, if required) is sent to the town for official recordkeeping.

Septic pumping is actually a simple process, but only if you stay ahead of the three-year deadline. If you wait too long, you could end up scrambling to find a last-minute spot on the schedule, paying extra costs, or getting legal trouble from your town for missing your deadline to pump your septic tank.

What Happens If You Ignore Your Notice to Pump Your Tank?

Beyond getting hit with potential court appearances and fines, neglecting to pump your septic system could create serious, expensive, and messy problems. Your home could experience wastewater backups, drain field saturation, and environmental contamination. These issues just scratch the surface. You could also be forced to replace the entire system, which far outweighs the cost and stress of simply investing in septic tank maintenance in New Jersey.

Call Wilson Services to Stay Compliant with Septic Permits in Sussex County, NJ

The team at Sussex County is here to take the stress of sept permits and notices off of your plate. From pumping your tank to completing and submitting the permit, we handle every step so you don’t have to juggle contractors, deadlines, or municipal requirements. Our team knows each of the surrounding towns’ rules, fees, and paperwork inside and out, ensuring everything is done right the first time. We can also help protect your property, and our county’s lakes and rivers, with regular septic pumping in New Jersey.

Have you already received a notice or is your deadline approaching fast? We can prioritize your service for a quick turnaround! Give us a call today to schedule your septic appointment.