Which of the following is a major step in the OSSF permitting process?

A major step in the OSSF permitting process is the permit application. This step is crucial as it involves the submission of relevant documents and information that outline the specific details of the proposed on-site sewage facility. The permit application serves as the foundation for evaluating the site, the system design, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

During this phase, critical assessments such as site evaluations and determination of system feasibility occur. The information presented in the permit application influences the decision-making process of the regulatory authority, ensuring that the proposed facility meets health and environmental standards before installation is authorized. This is essential in safeguarding public health and protecting water quality.

Other steps such as distribution of permits, staff training, and annual reviews are important components within the broader context of OSSF operations, but they follow or support the initiation of the permitting process rather than constituting a major foundational step in obtaining approval for a new system.