(A) System ownership. All individual sewage systems shall be owned and maintained by the owner of the lot the system is located upon. All community sewage systems shall be offered for dedication to the township or an agency designated by the township or owned and maintained by a community association or the owner of the lot the system is located upon. The operator of all community sewage systems must be certified by DEP and meet all applicable state statutes, rules and regulations.
(B) System operation. All sewage systems shall be operated by the user in a manner that is in full compliance with the terms of this subchapter and all other township, county, state and federal ordinances, statutes, codes, rules and regulations. The operation of all systems shall specifically comply with the following:
(1) Only sewage and normal domestic wastes shall be discharged into any sewage systems;
(2) The following shall not be discharged into sewage systems:
(a) Industrial waste;
(b) Fats and grease;
(c) Motor oil;
(d) Hazardous waste;
(e) Chemicals including, but not limited to:
1. Pesticides and herbicides;
2. Acids;
3. Paint, paint thinner and solvents, including latex or water based paints;
4. Wallpaper pastes and adhesives; and
5. Photo processing chemicals.
(f) Downspout and/or roof drain discharges;
(g) Sump pump and basement drain discharges; and
(h) Stormwater.
(3) All water used within a residence, including kitchen and laundry wastes and water softener backwash, and all sewage shall be discharged into a sewage system; and
(4) 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 to discharge has been obtained from the DEP.
(C) On-site pretreatment of effluents. The township may require the on-site pretreatment of effluents prior to their discharge to any sewage facilities operated or owned by the township or any other entity, to assure that the effluent’s chemical or biological constituents are compatible with the renovative methods employed by the receiving facilities. Such pretreatment shall meet the standards adopted by the BMA, if any, and shall include, where necessary, grease traps.
(D) System maintenance. The owner of a sewage system shall at all times maintain this system in such condition as will permit it to function in the manner in which it was designed and to prevent the unlawful discharge of sewage. An owner shall specifically comply with the following.
(1) The owner of a property upon which an on-lot system is constructed shall maintain the area around such system so as to provide convenient access for inspection, maintenance and pumping, and divert surface water and downspouts away from the absorption area and system components.
(2) In the event a landowner detects conditions that indicate or could reasonably be interpreted to indicate a malfunction, the landowner shall contact the BCDH and the township and, if repair or replacement is necessary, apply for a permit to repair or replace the malfunctioning system.
(a) Landowners who disclose to the BCDH in a timely manner the presence of a malfunction upon their lands shall not be penalized for the disclosure. These owners still must repair the malfunction.
(b) If an owner of a system with a malfunction fails to make voluntary repairs, the township may seek injunctive or other relief to compel the repair of the malfunction or cause the repair to be effectuated.
(3) Any owner of a sewage system that includes any electrically, mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated or controlled device, shall monitor, inspect and maintain the system in accordance with the respective manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and product specifications.
(4) Owners of sewage systems with components requiring periodic maintenance shall submit receipts as proof of maintenance to the township documenting maintenance/service was performed at the intervals called for and in a manner consistent with the various components’ manufacturers.
(5) The township may require additional maintenance activities including, but not limited to, cleaning or unclogging of piping, servicing or repair of mechanical equipment, leveling of distribution boxes, tanks and lines, removal of obstructing roots or trees, and diversion of surface water away from soil absorption areas, beyond what is normally recommended/required by manufacturer of the sewage system or this subchapter.
(E) Required pumping of sewage systems.
(1) All OLDS shall be pumped on the following schedule:
(a) Individual subsurface systems. Once every three years (minimum) or as recommended by the manufacturer, whichever period is shorter; provided, however, that if garbage disposal (grinder) is connected to the system, the system shall be pumped out once a year;
(b) Individual SRLA systems. Once per year;
(c) Community sewage systems (all types). Once per year;
(d) Alternate and experimental systems. Once per year; and
(e) More frequent pumping. In addition to the foregoing schedule, the township may order more frequent pumping when a system is found to be malfunctioning upon inspection by the township or the BCDH.
(2) All stream discharge systems shall be pumped as often as required by the system manufacture or operator. In all cases, such systems shall be pumped often enough to ensure that the treated effluent meets all state and federal statutes, rules and regulations.
(3) All aerobic unit systems shall be inspected annually for proper operation and certified to be in good working order.
(4) When a sewage system’s septic tank is pumped out, all dosing tanks, lift tanks and other tanks associated with the system shall also be pumped out.
(5) Holding tanks shall be pumped out at such intervals as will prevent overflow, leakage, backup, other malfunction or a public health hazard or nuisance, but no less frequently than one time per year.
(F) Transfer of properties with OLDS. Prior to the transfer of property containing an OLDS, the seller of the property shall ensure that the OLDS is pumped and inspected immediately prior to the transfer in compliance with the special procedures set forth in this subchapter.
(G) OLDS with O&M agreements. Where an OLDS is covered by an O&M agreement, the township shall send notice to the sewage system owner of the required pumping and/or inspection. The owner shall have 60 days from receipt of this notice to have the system pumped and inspected in compliance with the special procedures set forth in this subchapter.
(H) Special pumping and inspection procedures. These procedures shall be followed by the owner of the OLDs and the pumper when a transfer of property occurs and when the owner of an OLDS covered by an O&M agreement receives notice to have his or her system pumped and inspected.
(1) Upon completion of this required pumping, the pumper shall:
(a) Complete a township provided pumper report and inspection report;
(b) Deliver both original reports to the seller; and
(c) Deliver a copy of each report to the township within 30 days of the pumping along with the pumping/inspection fee that shall be established from time to time by separate resolution of the Township Board of Supervisors.
(2) Prior to the transfer the seller shall provide the buyer with copies of both the pumper report and the inspection report and shall provide at closing, if available, a copy of the manufacturer’s recommendations and owner’s manual to the buyer.
(3) At a minimum, the pumper report shall include the following information. This information shall be obtained by an inspection of the system conducted in accordance with the current inspection protocol of the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association:
(a) Name and address of system owner;
(b) Name of current occupant and number of system users;
(c) Property address where system is located, if different from owner’s;
(d) Permit number and date existing system was installed (month/year);
(e) Date of last previous pump-out (month/year);
(f) Date of current pumping, tank capacity and material;
(g) Amount (gallons) of septage, sludge and/or other material removed;
(h) Statement of general system condition;
(i) Description and diagram of the location of the:
1. Treatment tank;
2. Risers; and
3. Access hatches, pump tanks, filters, D-box, absorption areas and the like with distances relative to two fixed landmarks.
(j) Presence and condition of baffles in all tanks and compartments;
(k) List of other maintenance performed;
(l) Indications of system malfunction observed;
(m) List of recommendations for system rehabilitation;
(n) List of water conservation devices in use;
(o) DEP permit number and site name for destination of the septage; and
(p) The name, address, state certification number, township permit number, phone number(s) and signature of the pumper.
(4) (a) The inspection report shall include information regarding the presence of any or all of the following:
1. Defective tank components (lids, baffles, dividers and the like);
2. Water level above outlet pipe elevation prior to pumping;
3. Backflow from the absorption area following or during pumping;
4. Inflow from building(s) served to verify connection to the building(s);
5. Surface discharge, ponding or other signs of malfunction in the vicinity of the absorption area; and
6. Any other possible or potential problem with the sewer system.
(b) The report shall be signed and include the name, address, state certification number, township permit number, phone number(s) and signature of the pumper conducting the inspection.
(5) Persons undertaking the inspection of an OLDS shall have successfully completed the on-lot wastewater treatment system inspector program of the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association and be so certified.
(I) General pumping and inspection procedures. The following procedures shall be followed by the pumper during any pumping and/or inspection of an sewage system unless other, more stringent, standards are specified by the equipment manufacturer.
(1) At all times, the pumper’s personal safety, as well as protection of the environment and the landowners’ property, shall receive the highest priority.
(2) The septic tank and the effluent disposal areas (tile field trenches, seepage pits, elevated sand mound and the like) shall be located prior to inspection or pumping.
(3) The septic tank cleanout manhole shall be located and excavated so as to prevent soil from falling into the tank when the cover is removed.
(4) After removing clean-out manhole cover, the scum shall be broken up and pumped out. Solids can be broken up by backwashing (i.e., re-injecting the pumped liquid back into the tank or by injecting clean water into the tank). This method can also be used to mix the sludge at the bottom of the tank to facilitate its removal. When backwashing, care shall be taken not to fill/refill the tank to a level greater than 12 inches below the elevation of the outlet pipe. Mechanical means, such as scraping, raking and the like, to break up or mix solids and sludge are not necessary, but may be employed provided that appropriate safeguards are taken to prevent injury. It may be necessary to repeat this backwashing procedure to completely pump out the tank.
(5) Tanks shall only be pumped from/through the manhole/access port, i.e., the largest tank opening. Tanks shall not be pumped from/through the observation port, since this may damage the tank’s baffles and will not permit the tank’s contents to be thoroughly mixed for pumping.
(6) No liquids or solids are to be discharged into/through the outlet pipe.
(7) Tanks shall be deemed to be clean when all organic solids are removed and the total average liquid depth remaining in the tank is less than one inch.
(8) Every pump-out shall include a visual inspection of the interior of the tank for cracks, leaks, deterioration and the presence and condition of baffles. The presence and condition of observation port(s) shall also be inspected. The tank shall not be entered to make the inspection, but a mirror and light should be used to see inside the tank. Any observed problems shall be noted in the inspection report. The tank shall not be cleaned with acid or chemical cleaner.
(9) Once the tank has been completely pumped out and inspected, the manhole cover shall be carefully and securely replaced. If the tank is buried deeper than one foot, risers shall be installed over the clean-out manhole and inspection port to facilitate future cleaning and inspection. The riser clean-out manhole must be at least 24 inches in diameter.
(10) The manhole cover or the risers shall be backfilled.
(11) The absorption area shall be visually inspected for seepage, breakouts and the like. Any observed problems shall be noted in the inspection report.
(12) The pumper shall inform the system owner of any problems encountered with any of the components of the system and, if possible, suggest corrective measures.
(13) The pumper shall clean up any spillage and dispose of the septage at a DEP approved disposal site.
(14) At all times, and in all phases of operations, pumpers shall comply with all laws and regulations regarding the activities associated with sewage system maintenance and disposal of materials removed from sewage systems.
(J) Aerobic treatment tank inspection procedures. Aerobic systems shall not be pumped but shall be inspected by a qualified person to determine that they are in good working order.
(K) Cracks, leaks and/or leaking or inoperable baffles. In the event that cracks, leaks and/or leaking or inoperable baffles are found by the pumper, or in the case of an aerobic system, a malfunction is found by the inspector, the damage or malfunction must be repaired within 30 days and the owner must submit a certification by the person performing the repairs that they have been completed. The township or the BCDH may inspect the system to confirm that the repairs have been completed.
(L) Compliance. The owner of a sewage system shall not prevent a pumper or an inspector from complying with any of the requirements of this subchapter.
Table 3: Organizational Format for Township Sewage Management Program1 | ||||||
Type | Ownership | Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Responsibility | Construction Escrow Amount2 |
Maintenance Escrow Amount | Inspection Frequency3 | |
BCDH4 | Township4 | |||||
Table 3: Organizational Format for Township Sewage Management Program1 | ||||||
Type | Ownership | Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Responsibility | Construction Escrow Amount2 |
Maintenance Escrow Amount | Inspection Frequency3 | |
BCDH4 | Township4 | |||||
A. Individual Sewage Systems | ||||||
1. Subsurface or sand mound | Landowner | Landowner | None | None | Upon complaint | As required |
2. Drip irrigation or micromound | Landowner | Landowner | None | $500 | Upon complaint | As required |
3. IRSIS, A/B or stream discharge | Landowner | Landowner | None | $500 | Upon complaint | As required |
4. Replacement system | Landowner | Landowner | None | $500 | Upon complaint | As required |
5. Holding tank | Landowner | Landowner | None | $500 | Upon complaint | As required |
6. Other types of alternate sewage systems | Landowner | Landowner | None | $2,500 | Upon complaint | Annually |
7. Experimental sewage system | Landowner | Landowner | None | $5,000 | Upon complaint | Annually |
B. Community Sewage System | ||||||
1. Community systems servicing 4 EDUs or less | Township, BMA, landowner or community association | BMA, landowner or community association | $5,000 | $7,500 | Upon complaint | Annually |
2. All other community systems | Township, BMA, landowner or community association | BMA, landowner or community association | 110% of estimated construction costs | 50% of estimated construction costs for first 2 years, then 10% | Upon complaint | Annually |
Notes for Table 3: | ||||||
1. This table is a summary only; please refer to other sections of this subchapter for a more comprehensive discussion of restrictions and requirements | ||||||
2. All unused funds shall be returned to the applicant | ||||||
3. Inspection fees will be established by separate township resolution | ||||||
4. Landowner or community association shall pay for all costs involved in on-site inspections | ||||||
(Ord. 207, passed 12-14-2011; Ord. 231, passed 8-9-2017)