What Is an SSTS? Minnesota Septic Rules and License Types

What is an SSTS?

SSTS stands for subsurface sewage treatment system. It is the term Minnesota law uses for a septic system: a tank that holds the sewage and a drain field or mound where the soil treats the water.

House. Every drain leaves by one pipe.
Septic tank. Solids sink as sludge and grease floats as scum. Pumping removes both.
Drain field. The clearer water spreads through gravel trenches, and the soil below treats it before it reaches groundwater.

Who makes the rules

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) writes the statewide septic rules and licenses the businesses that do the work. Counties, cities and townships enforce the rules through local ordinances, issue the permits and run inspections. About a third of Minnesotans rely on septic systems, according to the University of Minnesota.

The five license types

MPCA says every private business that designs, installs, repairs, maintains, operates or inspects septic systems in Minnesota must be licensed. A business can hold more than one license.

MPCA license	What they do	Businesses now
Maintainer	Pump septic and holding tanks and check that the tank is sound.	359
Installer	Build new systems, replace failing ones and make repairs.	1,013
Inspector	Do compliance inspections, for example when a home is sold.	345
Designer	Study the soil on a lot and design the system that fits it.	511
Service provider	Operate, check and repair system parts, like pumps, alarms and treatment units.	123

Counts are businesses with a current license in MPCA's records on Nov 3, 2026. Designers and inspectors are licensed at basic, intermediate and advanced levels.

How to check a license

Search the business by name, license number or county on MPCA's SSTS license search. It shows the license types, the expiration date and the certified people who work there. Every business on this site held a current license on Nov 3, 2026.

Find licensed businesses by county

Sources: MPCA, SSTS license data · MPCA, SSTS license search · University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program

Questions

What does SSTS stand for?

Subsurface sewage treatment system. It is the term Minnesota law uses for septic systems.

Who makes the septic rules in Minnesota?

MPCA writes the statewide rules. Counties, cities and townships enforce them through local ordinances and issue the permits.

How do I check if a septic business is licensed?

Search the business on MPCA's SSTS license search. Every business on this site held a current license when we last pulled MPCA's records.

Does a septic business need a license in Minnesota?

Yes. MPCA says every private business that designs, installs, repairs, maintains, operates or inspects septic systems in Minnesota must be licensed.