Which of the following is NOT a major step in the permitting process of OSSF?

Conducting a public hearing is not considered a major step in the permitting process for On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF). Typically, the permitting process includes several critical steps to ensure that the facility is compliant with health and environmental standards.

System planning involves understanding the needs of the site and the future demands on the septic system. This is essential for determining the most appropriate design and capacity. The site/soil evaluation assesses the characteristics of the land where the OSSF will be installed, including soil types, drainage capabilities, and seasonal groundwater levels. This step is crucial to ensure proper functioning and to avoid environmental issues such as pollution of groundwater.

Lastly, once the plans and evaluations are completed and approved, an authorization to construct is issued, allowing the installer to begin work on the system. This step formalizes the approval process and is vital for compliance with regulatory requirements.

In contrast, while public hearings can be a part of governmental processes for certain developments, they are not standard requirements in the permitting process for OSSFs unless there are specific local regulations that mandate such hearings for particular developments. Thus, this makes conducting a public hearing not a fundamental part of the typical OSSF permitting process.