For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALTERATION. Any modernization, modification or change in the size, type, or flow of an existing septic system, including but not limited to any work performed in connection with a building renovation and/or change of occupancy of that building.
BASELINE INSPECTION. A thorough evaluation of an operating septic system to determine whether the system is functioning as designed, is not exhibiting signs of failure, and is being operated properly. A pump out of the system is required for a baseline inspection to properly examine the interior of the tank and to check for leaks from the house or saturated conditions in the drainfield. All inspections and pump outs must be performed by inspectors and pumpers with valid SCDHEC licenses.
BEDROOM. Any room in a residential structure which is: greater than 70 square feet in area; susceptible to present or future use as a private sleeping area; has at least one egress window or door per fire code; has at least one interior method of entry and egress, excluding closets and bathrooms, which allows the room to be closed off from the remainder of the residence for privacy; and has a closet. In determining the number of bedrooms contained in any residence, it shall be presumed that all residences contain a living room, kitchen, bathroom and at least one bedroom.
CHANGE IN OCCUPANCY. Refers to any change in the occupancy classification of a structure that is likely to result in an increase in sewage flow into the system.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (or FBDPW). The Department of Public Works, City of Folly Beach.
DRAINFIELD. A system of trenches or beds, or other such seepage systems approved by SCDHEC, designed to disperse septic tank effluent into the soil for treatment.
FAILED SYSTEM. Any septic system that does not adequately treat and dispose of sewage that consequently creates a public or private nuisance or threat to public health and/or environmental quality, as evidenced by, but not limited to, one or more of the following conditions:
(1) Failure to accept sanitary sewage;
(2) Discharge of sanitary sewage to a basement, subsurface drain, surface drain or surface water unless expressly permitted by SCDHEC;
(3) Sanitary sewage rising to the surface of the ground over or near any part of a septic system or seeping down-grade from the drainfield at any change in grade, bank or road cut;
(4) Any deterioration or damage to any a septic system that would preclude adequate treatment and disposal of wastewater (for example, damage from a vehicle driven over the drainfield or septic tank);
(5) A septic tank that is not constructed to be watertight (such as bottomless tank) as required to hold wastewater for primary treatment prior to discharging to a drainfield;
(6) The presence of a grease trap to which kitchen waste is discharged and which is not connected to the septic tank or drainfield;
(7) Exposure, reduction, or elimination of the drainfield area or holding tank through erosion;
(8) Repeated and prolonged inundation by floodwaters resulting in leakage of sewage;
(9) Water quality testing of adjacent and nearby waters that reveals a septic system as the source of contamination.
GOOD OPERATING CONDITION. A state in which the septic system, upon inspection, is determined to function in a sanitary manner, prohibits the discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater onto the ground surface, into surface water, or into groundwater, and allows building plumbing to discharge properly.
GREASE TRAP. An interceptor tank used to trap grease and oils from kitchen waste. If the tank is not plumbed so that the remaining liquid enters the septic tank or a drainfield, it is in violation of this chapter.
INSPECTOR. An individual who has who has been approved by SCDHEC to inspect septic systems.
LICENSED INSTALLER. Any individual who holds a valid SCDHEC license for the installation and repair of septic systems. LICENSED INSTALLERS may hold a dual license for installation/repair and cleaning of septic systems; installers with a dual license are also classified as licensed pumpers.
LICENSED PUMPER. Any individual who holds a valid SCDHEC license to clean septic tanks and self-contained toilets.
MAINTENANCE. The clearing of stoppages in pipes and the regular cleaning of any septic tank, grease trap, building sewer, distribution lines or any other component of a septic system for the purpose of removing any accumulated liquid, scum and/or sludge without removing, replacing, or rearranging of pipes or surrounding soils. The term MAINTENANCE shall also be held to include any regularly required servicing or replacement of related mechanical, electrical or other equipment.
OCRM. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.
OWNER. Any person who alone or jointly or severally with others holds legal title to any real property or has possession or control of any real property through any agent, executor, administrator trustee, or guardian of the estate of a holder of a legal title or has possession or control through any lease or purchase and sale agreement. Each such person is bound to comply with the provisions of these rules and regulations.
REGULATION 61-56 (R.61-56) INDIVIDUAL WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS. Statewide regulation that governs the permitting, design and installation of septic systems.
RENOVATION. Any addition, replacement, reconstruction, or modification of an existing structure that adds bedrooms.
REPAIR. Work performed on a septic system in order to mend or remedy a specific defect or deficiency after the failure, injury, deterioration, or partial destruction of a previously existing septic system or component thereof. A REPAIR shall not include any alteration work performed on an existing septic system that increases the flow capacity of the system.
RESIDENCE. Any structure used for housing purposes, including but not limited to single- or multiple-family dwellings, duplexes, tenements, apartment buildings, condominiums, mobile homes, recreational vehicles or trailers.
SANITARY SEWAGE or WASTEWATER. Any human or animal excremental liquid or substance, any putrescible animal or vegetable matter and/or any garbage and filth, including but not limited to any black water discharged from toilets, or grey water discharged from laundry tubs, washing machines, sinks and dishwashers, as well as the content of septic tanks or privies.
SEPTIC SYSTEM. Any system of piping, tanks, drainfields, alternative toilets or other facilities designed to function as a unit to convey, store, treat and/or dispose of sanitary sewage by means other than discharge into a public sewer system. This may be either an on-site sewage disposal system (OSDS) or an engineered specialized onsite wastewater system (SOWS) permitted by SCDHEC pursuant to Standard 610 of Regulation 61-56. All new septic systems must be located on the same parcel as the structure to be served.
SEPTIC TANK. A watertight receptacle that receives the discharge of sewage from a building sewer and is designed and constructed to permit the deposition of settled solids, the digestion of the matter deposited and the discharge of the liquid portion into a leaching system (such as a drainfield).
SHORT-TERM RENTAL. Uses in which overnight accommodations are provided in dwelling units to guests for compensation for periods of less than 30 days.
(Ord. 11-19, passed 4-9-19)