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Holding tanks in Pine County, MN
Sealed tanks that store wastewater until it is pumped out.
A holding tank stores wastewater and does not release it into the soil, so it has to be pumped on a schedule that matches how much water the property uses. Pine County allows holding tanks only in certain situations and attaches conditions to them.
When Pine County allows a holding tank
Under the county ordinance, a holding tank may be allowed on a legal lot of record where a standard system cannot feasibly be installed; where water use is limited, such as seasonal properties, sensitive sites, parks, and playgrounds; as a temporary measure during construction or repair, or to remove an imminent health threat; and for a temporary second dwelling for an elderly or impaired relative under state law.
The contract and records the county requires
The owner must keep a valid contract with an MPCA-licensed maintenance business to pump the tank and dispose of the septage under federal rules. For a holding tank installed after April 1, 2014, the owner must keep records of each pumping, the volume removed, and the water meter reading at the time, and the volumes removed should line up with metered water use. For older tanks, the pumping dates and volumes must be kept. The county can ask to see these records.
When an operating permit applies, holding tank owners must give the county a copy of a valid monitoring and disposal contract that guarantees timely removal so the tank never discharges illegally.
Living with a holding tank
Watch the level indicator and the alarm, and call for a pump-out before the tank is full, not after. Fixing leaks and dripping fixtures saves pump-outs. On seasonal properties, plan the last pump-out before the property closes for winter. Keep every receipt; they are the records the county asks for, and they show a buyer the tank has been cared for.
Holding tank service
- Scheduled and on-call pumping under a written contract
- Alarm and level checks
- Tank and lid condition checks
- Help keeping pumping and meter records
Read the Point-of-sale inspection guide for the point-of-sale rules and who handles septic where.
Sources: Pine County SSTS Ordinance (2025) §5.02.04, §6.03.02
Holding tanks: questions
Can I put in a holding tank instead of a drain field?
Only in the situations Pine County allows, such as a lot where a standard system cannot feasibly be installed or a property with limited water use. A licensed designer and the county or local unit decide.
What records do I need to keep for a holding tank?
Pumping dates and volumes removed, plus the water meter reading at each pumping for tanks installed after April 1, 2014.
Areas we serve
Each town page explains who handles septic rules there.
Other services
Frozen septic lines
Winter freeze-ups: slow drains, backups, and no flow.
Septic tank pumping
Routine pump-outs to keep solids from reaching your drain field.
Septic compliance inspections
Compliance inspections for home sales, permits, and bedroom additions, done by licensed inspectors.