Massachusetts Public Health Inspector Training Wastewater

MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program

Session 5 1

Massachusetts Public Health Inspector TrainingWastewater Certificate Program

(MA PHIT WW)

Session 5:Design and Plan Review—Non-Conventional Systems

Learning Objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to: Describe situations that require non-conventional

solutions

Explain non-conventional solutions and the required approval process for each

List and define the innovative/alternative (I/A) technology classifications

Describe certain I/A technologies

2MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5



Session 5 2

Non-Conventional Designs

Situation SolutionSoil too wet for percolation test Sieve test and analysis (upgrades

only) – part of Local Upgrade Approval (LUA)

Upgrade plan does not meet all Title 5 standards

Local Upgrade Approval or Variance*

Project is proposed for over 2,000 gallons per day

Assessment of the soil and ground-water conditions and pressure distribution (PE must be designer)

Domestic garbage grinder Oversize/multi-compartment septic tank and SAS

Upgrade is costly and waivers to standards are being sought

MassDEP Cost Guidance


Non-Conventional Solutions

Situation SolutionCannot meet new construction requirements of Title 5

Variance*

Shared system or components Application and approval process

Nitrogen concerns Nitrogen loading and aggregation

Variation from design flow table Site-specific flow determination

Severe limitations to conventional treatment

• Tight tank• Composting toilet• Innovative/Alternative (I/A)

Technology


Soil Is Too Wet to Perform a Percolation Test



Session 5 3

Upgrade Plan Does Not MeetTitle 5 Standards


Flow Over 2,000 GPD

1. Assessment of the soil and groundwater conditions beneath the proposed SAS


Flow Over 2,000 GPD, cont.

2. Pressure distribution or drip dispersal

(MassDEP Guidance)



Session 5 4

Pumping in General

Pumping to septic tank Permitted if comply with 310 CMR 15.229

If not, MassDEP approval is required (BRPWP67)

Pumping to SAS Pressure distribution

Required for all systems of 2,000 gpd or greater

Dosing vs. Pressure Distribution


Domestic Garbage Grinder

Under sink garbage disposal impacts the design of an onsite wastewater system


Upgrade is Costly



Session 5 5

Cannot Meet New Construction Requirements

Variances may be allowed

High standard

Application and review process


Shared System or Components

One or more properties sharing all or parts of an on-site wastewater system


Nitrogen Concerns

Nitrogen is a pollutant of concern in potable drinking water, and in coastal embayments which are not well flushed



Session 5 6

Design Flow Variations

Title 5 has a table for standard facilities but sometimes this table is not relevant. A site-specific assessment must be made, for design purposes. Examples?


Severe limitations

May install:

Tight tanks

Composting toilets

Innovative or Alternative (I/A) Technology


I/A Certification

There are four types of approvals

Remedial

General

Provisional

Piloting

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/water/wastewater/title-5-innovative-alternative-technology-approvals.html



Session 5 7

Limitations to Conventional Treatment


I/A Classification

Secondary treatment units

Buried filter units

Alternative disposal systems

Restorative treatment


Secondary Treatment Units



Session 5 8

Buried Filter Units


Alternate Disposal Systems


Restorative Treatment



Session 5 9

I/A Summary

Allowed by Title 5

Generally provide equal or better protection of the environment

Require more detail by designer

Require vigilant review by BOH

Use MassDEP website for approval lists and letters


Session Recap

After completing this session, you will be able to:

Describe situations that require non-conventional solutions

Explain non-conventional solutions and the required approval process for each

List and define the innovative/alternative (I/A) technology classifications

Describe certain I/A technologies


Documents

Massachusetts Public Health Inspector Training Wastewater