Horizontal distance to sewer: 200 feet. You are not allowed to build or use a septic system if public sewer service is available. Under Guam’s “Connection to Public Sewer Regulations” at 22 GAR Chapter 25, public sewer is considered to be available when the sewer is located in a roadway, street or easement abutting the lot on which the home will be located, and such home will be located within 200 feet (measured horizontally in a straight line) of the sewer line.
Vertical alignment: no more than 20 feet below existing public sewer: In addition to the horizontal distance requirement, connection to public sewer is also required even if the sewer is located at an elevation higher than your proposed home’s floor elevation, up to a limit of 20 feet. If your proposed home is located within 200 feet horizontally, and is less than 20 feet below the elevation of the existing sewer line, you are required to connect, and your connection will require the use of a pump. Exemptions to this particular requirement for new septic systems may be granted by the Administrator of GEPA under both 22 GAR §12104(c) when “by written findings it is determined that the public health and welfare will not be jeopardized.” Exemptions to this requirement for existing septic systems may also be granted the variances clauses of the Connection to Public Sewer Regulations at 22 GAR §25108(a)(2).
You should consult with your engineer or architect to determine whether to redesign your home to avoid the need for a pump, seek a variance, or move ahead with a pumped connection to sewer. Connection to sewer has several advantages including less long-term risk of expensive repairs, and enables a larger portion of the property to be developed (or even subdivided to allow more than a single dwelling to be built). Packaged sewage pump systems for single family homes are widely available and have been in use for decades world-wide, and have a good reputation for reliability. However, they are electrical and mechanical devices and will eventually require repair or replacement. The best solution is to design your home to have its lowest floor elevation above the elevation of the public sewer, so that a pump is not required. If you must install a pump, your engineer or architect must ensure the applicable design requirements under 22 GAR Chapter 25 are considered.
If sewer is not available: you may be able to construct a septic system, if all other requirements are met.
Permitting Tips Presentations: Contractors, Home Builders and Property Buyers
In case you missed our Construction & Industry Forum on March 29, 2023, you can click on the links below to access presentations about Guam EPA’s construction permitting process:
In Guam, the use of onsite wastewater disposal systems commonly referred to as ”septic systems,” is regulated through a number of laws and regulations. These laws and regulations cover specific requirements for the permitting, design and construction of septic systems in Guam. Guam EPA has developed this FAQ to help you understand the application of various requirements to the design, permitting, and construction of a septic system for a single family dwelling.
Guam Business License & Permit Center Window Hours
Guam Business License and Permit Center Agency Window Hours:
