Approximately 10% of the sites the department evaluates do not meet the minimum requirements of the Central Michigan District Environmental Health Code. Many of these sites are replacement sites with existing houses. Alternative systems to the Code may be granted to permit the best possible sewage system on lots with or without existing houses.
 

Technology is currently available that is capable of treating sewage effluent to a higher degree than a conventional septic tank and drainfield. The Central Michigan District Health Department allows some of these newer "engineered" systems to be installed on parcels of property that would otherwise be unsuitable for an on-site sewage system under the Sanitary Code. Our Alternative Policy requires that an "Alternative Request Form" be filled out, signed, dated and returned to the appropriate health department office. Maintenance for these systems is crucial.

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Some examples of alternative systems are: elevated gravity mound, pressure distribution mound, plastic septic tanks, shredded tire chips in place of stone, aerobic pretreatment units, infiltrator units in place of stone, EZ-Flow units in place of stone and re-circulating sand filters.