Educating Homeowners about Septic Systems

Len Gilstrap, RSCarteret County Health

Department

Carteret County Onsite Inspection and Tracking Program

EPA Section 319 Program Grant

Regulations

Onsite systems permitted under the provisions of Laws and Rules for Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (15A NCAC 18A .1900)

http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/osww_new//images/Rules/1900RulesJune2006.pdf

Purpose

To allow the continued use of wastewater systems that are installed in a proper manner and suitable soils so they do not have a detrimental affect on the public health and environment through contamination of land, groundwater and surface waters.

Risk Management

Rules for onsite wastewater systems are based on the risk associated with the proposed application.

Risk of contamination is enhanced with limited suitable soils or space, higher flows, higher waste strength, proximity to drinking water supplies, and water bodies.

Site Evaluations

Topography Soil characteristics Soil wetness Soil depth Restrictive horizons Available space

Site Suitability

Based on site evaluation results Wastewater flow Wastewater characteristics Setbacks to wells, water bodies,

ditches, property lines, etc.

Depth of drainfield and water table

Minimum 12 to 18 inches separation between bottom of trench and groundwater, even during wet times of the year

Aerobic (air) soil removes bacteria

Type of Soil

Sandy – too fast and not purified Clayey – too slow and poor

treatment (ponds) Uniform texture, yellow, yellow-red

or bright red in color Gray soil indicates anaerobic

conditions

Septic System Responsibility

Belongs to the owner Protect your investment Replacement cost = thousands $

Septic System Failures

Unpumped and sludge filled tanks Clogged drainfields Hydraulic overloading Landscape modifications of

drainfield area Ageing systems, old technology

Septic system failure can result in contamination of land, surface waters, and ground waters which causes human disease through direct consumption, direct or recreational contact or ingestions of contaminated shellfish.

Why Do We Care?

Conventional System Maintenance

The typical onsite septic system consists of a septic tank and a soil absorption (treatment) drainfield.

Sounds Simple?Wow – Do we have something to tell you!

Conventional Septic System

No Operator Required What do you know about your

system? What do you need to know about

your system? What can you do to protect your

system and investment? Proper septic system management is

key to protection of environment, investments, and public health.

Drainage and Landscaping Surface water diversions for foundation

drains, driveway, gutters and other paved areas

Heat pumps and water softeners, and irrigation systems

System area mounded to shed water Settled area and depressions filled Open ditches and outlets

Water Use

Drainfields designed for 120 gallons per bedroom/day

Exceeding design capacity may cause system to fail

Reduce water use by:

Checking toilets and faucets for leaks

Use 1.6 gal. (or less) per flush toilets

Use faucet aerators at sinks and flow reducer nozzles at showers

Limit length of shower to 10 minutes or less

Reduce water use by:

Do not fill bathtub with more than 6 inches of water

Do not wash more that 1 – 2 loads of laundry per day

Match water load to size of load being washed

Do not use dishwasher until it is full

Garbage Disposal? Doubles the amount of solids added to

tank Increases solids to drainfield due to

suspended solids Suggest putting most of table scraps in

trash Restrict use when possible Increase frequency of pumping

Grease and Oil?

Greases, creams, butter, cheeses and cooking oils clog soils

Additives to break down grease are not recommended. They tend to keep grease and oils in suspension while in tank and become solid in the drainfield.

Drainfield replacement always required

Cleaning Products?

Use biodegradable products when possible

Use moderate amounts of cleaners Do not pour solvents or other

chemical down drain Do not use toilet cleaners meant to

be placed in the toilet tank

Cleaning Products?

Improper use of cleaning products and chemicals kill bacteria in the septic tank and the drainfield

DO NOT FLUSH: paints, varnishes, thinners, waste oils, photographic solutions, pesticides

Solid Waste?

Do not put items down the drain that may clog septic tank or other parts of the system

Cigarette butts, feminine products, condoms, disposable diapers, paper towels, facial tissues, egg shells, coffee grounds, dental floss, kitty litter, plastics

Septic System Protected from Damage? Prevent soil erosion from drainfield area Protect turn-ups on LPP’s from mowers Keep vehicular traffic off system Maintain natural (downslope) drainage

away from system Do not build over drainfield or repair

area Locate system area prior to telephone

or cable installation

Vegetation around System

Trees and shrubs closer than 100 feet to system may cause problems

Root infiltration into tanks, pipes and drainfield

Do not put water loving trees near drainfield

Keep plantings away from tank openings

Is Septic System Accessible?

Do not cover any part with asphalt or concrete

Keep all construction away from system

For proper function and maintenance entire system must be accessible

Protect repair area

Pump that Tank

Use Table to determine pumping frequency

Inspection of solids and scum in tank is best method to determine if pumping is needed

Rule of Thumb: Pump if outlet end has 12 inches of solids and/or 4 inches of scum

Septic Tank

Effluent Filter

Image courtesy of USEPA

One Compartment tank

NC Rules require two compartments

Number of Years for Pumping your System

Tank size

(gallons)

Number of people using the septic tank system

1 2 4 6 8

900 11 5 2 1 1

1000 12 6 3 2 1

1250 16 8 3 2 1

1500 19 9 4 3 2

Find the tank and uncover opening

Use only approved wastewater haulers

Remove lid. This tank is past due for maintenance.

The pumper will break up the solids and mix with liquid so the entire contents of the tank can be removed.

Restoring the yard to the prior condition is not always possible. To prevent disturbance of landscaping a riser should be installed on the tank to allow for easy access.

Pump that Tank

Pump out both sides of septic tank The type of toilet paper, the

cleaning products, along with the habits of the system owner will affect how frequently a tank needs pumping.

Inspect annually

Pump that Tank

Good time to clean effluent filter

Improve the System Add effluent filters to older systems Add risers to tanks that require digging

up to inspect Add aluminum lids to pump tanks

openings and effluent filter openings Add float trees Contact septic system contractor or

certified operator to make improvements.

Risk Management

Higher risk applications require: Increased vertical and horizontal

setbacks from surface waters, water tables, property lines, wells, etc.

Higher levels of treatment

Risk Management

New wastewater technologies are quickly overcoming many limitations by creating systems with advanced pretreatment.

Risk Management

Septic tank influent350 mg/l BOD200 mg/l TSS

Pretreated effluent<10 mg/l BOD<10 mg/l TSS

Advanced pretreatment systems can produce effluent qualities that require less separation to ground waters, surface water and smaller disposal areas.

Peat Biofilter

Type B Peat Biofilter

Recirculating Sandfilters

Recirculating Sandfilter

Bioclere Pretreatment Filter

Bioclere

Filter Media

Advantex Pretreatment System

Filter media of an Advantex

Risk & Responsibility

More complex wastewater systems require more monitoring and management

Alternative & Innovative Systems Require contracts with certified

operators for operation and maintenance of system

Contract must be retained for as long as the system is required

Operation Permit specifies frequency of inspections

Health Department inspections and permit renewals

Owner Responsibilities Be knowledgeable about system

and it’s operation and maintenance requirements

Be supportive of Operator and maintain contract

When selling property provide new owners with information on septic system

Operator Responsibilities

Check septic tank and pump tank for solids

Inspect drainfields for adequate cover, surface water diversions, and surfacing effluent

Purge drainlines, check and set floats and pressure head

Operator Responsibilities

Check alarm, record readings in control panel, adjust timer settings

Perform performance measurements

Control Panel

Operator Responsibilities Use performance measurements to

evaluate system performance Take preventative measures when

deficiencies are noted Provide repairs when needed Available when needed Notify owner and health

department of condition of system

Alternative & Innovative Systems

Systems are more sensitive to water use, detergents, cleaning products and oils and greases

Replacing the system will be expensive – protect it now.

The Future Ignorance and neglect of your

septic system will insure costly, difficult and disruptive repairs.

Preventive maintenance rewards and protects your investment

Proactive governments can assist property owners to assure appropriate maintenance is provided.

“Management efforts at the local level can help assure these elements of infrastructure are managed positively and as assets which protect community values and investment, homeowner investments, public health and environmental quality.”

Dr. A.R. Rubin

Opinion Paper for Carteret County /Pine Knoll Shores Wastewater Management Workshop

References

USEPA, 2005; Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual, EPA 625-R-00-008

USEPA, 2005, Handbook for Onsite and Decentralized System Management, EPA 832 D 05 016)

USEPA, 2002, A Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems; EPA 832-B-02-005