A countywide septic system ordinance was passed by the Cape Girardeau County Commission Thursday.

The ordinance, several months in the making, requires septic tank installers to be licensed with the county health department and requires that a permit be acquired before any construction, modification or repair of a septic system.

The ordinance gives more local control of septic systems. The Cape Girardeau County health department can revoke or suspend licenses for violations.

The state already regulates septic ordinances, but local officials say the state's Department of Natural Resources does not have the manpower to look into septic tank violations.

The local regulations are based on the state's rules.

The ordinance will go into effect on Dec. 1. A violation of the ordinance could result in a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in the county jail or a fine of up to $1,000.