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1. What is a wastewater permit?

A wastewater permit is a written authorization issued by the County Water and Wastewater Engineer, which authorizes the applicant to construct, install, or modify the small wastewater facility. A small wastewater system is any sewerage system, disposal system or treatment works having engineering needs which is intended for wastes originating from a single residential unit serving no more than four families or which distributes two thousand gallons or less of domestic sewage per day.

For more information, view the Albany County Regulations for Permit to Construct, Install or Modify Small Wastewater Facilities (PDF).

2. Why do I need a wastewater permit?

A wastewater permit is required to ensure that the wastewater system is installed in the best location on the property and that it meets a number of county, state and federal requirements.

3. Where can I find the wastewater permit application?

View the Wastewater Permit Application. Additionally, applications can be picked up in our office, located at 1002 S 3rd Street in the County Annex Building.

4. Who can I contact if I have any questions about the application?

For any questions regarding the wastewater applications, an existing system or a proposed system, please contact the Albany County Planning office at 307-721-2568.

5. What is required for a wastewater permit?

In order to receive authorization to begin a wastewater system, you (or your installer) must bring in the:

• Completed application
• Correct fees (cash/check only)
• Plans, specifications or design data

It is highly recommended that you call 307-721-2568 or email the Planning Department to schedule an appointment with the Wastewater Engineer when you wish to turn in your application.

Aquifer Protection Zone

If your property lies within an area designated as the Casper Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone (CAPZ), any septic field that is to be installed in that area will have to be designed by a Professional Engineer, licensed to practice in Wyoming and qualified to do such work. An electrical engineer, for example, may not have the requisite skills for this undertaking. The engineer should contact the County Water and Wastewater Engineer for guidance regarding what will be expected.

6. When and how will my wastewater permit be approved?

The wastewater application will be reviewed by the County Water and Wastewater Engineer and the applicant will be given permission to construct. At a later date, the County Water and Wastewater Engineer will schedule a time to approve the system before back fill.

7. Who can install wastewater systems in Albany County?

Wastewater systems must be installed by a licensed installer in Albany County.

8. Can I install my own wastewater system?

Property owners may install their own system under the guidance of the County Water and Wastewater Engineer.

9. When am I required to get a wastewater permit?

A wastewater permit must be applied for if you are installing, repairing or modifying a small wastewater facility.

10. How do I determine the size of my wastewater system?

The wastewater system is determined by the number of bedrooms in the structure, as well as other criteria. For more complete requirements, please call 307-721-2568 or email the Planning Department to schedule an appointment with the County Water and Wastewater Engineer.

11. When can I begin putting the system in?

The wastewater system can be begun when the applicant’s application has been reviewed by the County Water and Wastewater Engineer and the applicant has received a permission to construct letter. The installer cannot backfill until the County Water and Wastewater Engineer has come out to the site and given his final approval of the system.

12. What are the setbacks for a small wastewater system?

For domestic wastewater systems, with a flow of less than 2000 gallons per day, the following minimum isolation distance (in feet) shall be maintained:

From	To Septic Tank or Equivalent	To Absorption System
Wells (including neighboring wells)	50 feet	100 feet
Property lines (for properties originating on or after 1997)	50 feet	50 feet
Building foundation (without foundation drains)	5 feet	10 feet
Building foundation (with foundation drains)	5 feet	25 feet
Potable water pipes	25 feet	25 feet
Septic tank	N/A	10 feet
Stream or surface body of water (including seasonal and intermittent)	50 feet	50 feet

Location

Absorption systems shall not be located beneath buildings, parking lots, roadways or other similarly compacted areas.

Prior to 1997

For properties originating before 1997, the setback requirement was 10 feet.