(A) No person shall operate or maintain an on-lot sewage disposal system in such a manner that it malfunctions. All liquid wastes, including kitchen and laundry wastes and water softener backwash, shall be discharged to a treatment tank. No sewage system shall discharge untreated or partially treated sewage to the surface of the ground or into the waters of the commonwealth unless a permit for such discharge has been obtained from DER.
(B) A written notice of violation shall be issued to any person who is the owner of any property which is found to be served by a malfunctioning on-lot sewage disposal system or which is discharging sewage without a permit.
(C) Within seven days of notification by the township that a malfunction has been identified, the property owner shall make application to the sewage enforcement officer for a permit to repair or replace the malfunctioning system. Within 30 days of initial notification by the township, construction of the permitted repair or replacement shall commence. Within 60 days of the original notification by the township, the construction shall be completed unless seasonal or unique conditions mandate a longer period, in which case the township shall set an extended completion date.
(D) A sewage enforcement officer shall have the authority to require the repair of any malfunction by the following methods:
(1) Cleaning, repair or replacement of components of the existing system;
(2) Adding capacity or otherwise altering or replacing the system’s treatment tank;
(3) Expanding the existing disposal area;
(4) Replacing the existing disposal area;
(5) Replacing a gravity distribution system with a pressurized system;
(6) Replacing the system with a holding tank; and
(7) Any other alternative appropriate for the specific site.
(E) In lieu of, or in combination with, the remedies described in division (D) above, a sewage enforcement officer may require the installation of water conservation equipment and the institution of water conservation practices in structures served. Water using devices and appliances in the structure may be required to be retrofitted with water-saving appurtenances or they may be required to be replaced by water-conserving devices.
(F) In the event that the rehabilitation measures in divisions (A) through (E) above are not feasible or effective, the owner may be required to apply to DER for a permit to install an individual spray irrigation treatment system or a single residence treatment and discharge system. Upon receipt of said permit the owner shall complete construction of the system within 30 days.
(G) Should none of the remedies described in this section be totally effective in eliminating the malfunction of an existing on-lot sewage disposal system, the property owner is not absolved of responsibility for that malfunction. The township may require whatever action is necessary to lessen or mitigate the malfunction to the extent necessary.
(1987 Code, § 105-24) (Ord. 3-93, passed 6-8-1993) Penalty, see § 54.99