Local Environmental Protection Program
The Local Environmental Protection Program, established in 1990, provided funding to enable local authorities to develop water protection plans that complemented other water quality efforts being waged by state and federal agencies. At the core of each plan was the adoption and enforcement of county environmental codes with an emphasis on onsite wastewater systems (OWWS) and private water wells (PWW). These plans were also designed to indentify broader responsibilities including the management of: county-wide water and wastewater, subdivision water and wastewater, NPS pollution, sanitary landfill planning, and public water supply protection. Between 1990 and 2012, 103 counties adopted environmental codes that meet the standards outlined in KDHE Bulletin 4-2, Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems.
In 2012, funding was discontinued for this program. KDHE-Watershed Management Section continues to support the LEPP by providing technical assistance to counties. The LEPPs are the primary point of contact for a wide range of services governed by county sanitary codes, state regulations, and federal regulations. Examples of some of these activities are:
- OWWS permitting and preliminary and final inspections to verify minimum county sanitary codes and state standards are met.
- Providing the technical oversight to assist County Conservation District (CCD) offices with the cost-share program for failing OWWSs.
- Licensing of OWWS installers and septage pumpers.
- Ensuring PWWs are properly sited prior to installation.
- Conducting inspections of OWWSs and PWWs that serve foster care homes and day care facilities as required by current KDHE regulations.
- Responding to environmental complaints and conducting follow up investigations for failing OWWSs, PWWs, and illegal dump sites that may include collaboration with KDHE.
- Providing education and technical assistance to elected officials and county residents.
- Maintaining databases of OWWS permits and inspections for present and future reference.
- Conducting inspections of OWWSs and PWWs when required for a real estate transaction.
Find Your LEPP County Sanitarian
Ann D'Alfonso, Topeka Office
- Ann.D'Alfonso@ks.gov
- 1000 SW Jackson St, Suite 420
- Topeka, KS 66612
- (785) 296-3015
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Rachel Marlett, Topeka Office
- rachel.marlett@ks.gov
- 1000 SW Jackson St, Suite 420
- Topeka, KS 66612
- (785) 296-8501
- 28-66. Local Environmental Protection Grant Program.
- KSA 65-159. Abatement of nuisances; failure to remove, penalties
- KSA 65-201. Public Health Local Boards of Health; Clinics
- KSA 19-3701 to 19-3709, Sanitation controls
- Bulletin 4-2: Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems
- Article 30 Water Well Contractor's License; Water Well Construction
- Environmental Health Handbook
- Waste Water Treatment Facilities Accepting Domestic Waste
- Wastewater Options for Small Communities in Kansas Manual
- Kansas EPA 503 Land Application of Septage
- EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment
- Floor Drain TGD
- Suspect Class V UIC Well Flowchart
- Inventory Report for Class V Well(s)
- Public Land Survey Section/Township/Range (STR) Finder
- Kennel Wastewater Permitting Technical Guidance Document
- Graywater Systems Specifications Memo
- Graywater Systems Specifications
- Graywater Systems Specifications Webinar
- Graywater Brochure
- Graywater Article
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Table of Certified Septic Tank Manufacturers (July 2016)
- Note: Effective July 1, 2002 all septic tanks installed in Kansas need to comply with Bulletin 4-2, Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems.