(A) Minimum subsurface seepage field sizing. The minimum equivalent trench bottom absorption area for a subsurface seepage field system serving any dwelling or building shall be 300 square feet.
(B) Piping under driveways. Building sewer piping and treatment unit effluent lines which are located under driveways, parking lots, or other vehicular traffic areas shall be constructed of Schedule 40 PVC or stronger and encapsulated within a second pipe of equal strength to prevent crushing and to improve insulation against freezing.
(C) Gravel-less seepage fields. Where a gravel-less subsurface seepage field system or chambered leach field is to be installed, in conjunction with a septic tank, the installation contractor shall advise the property owner of this fact prior to construction. In addition, the installation contractor shall install one or more access ports within the seepage field system to facilitate inspection and cleaning.
(D) Aerobic treatment plants. Aerobic treatment plants require periodic maintenance to achieve performance consistent with demonstrated capabilities. It is recognized that assured professional maintenance is imperative.
(E) Continuing service policy required. All aerobic treatment plants shall have in force, at all times, a service policy from either the manufacturer or distributor through the dealer, or other person or agency qualified and duly licensed to perform the necessary service for as long as the unit is in operation. This service policy shall provide:
(1) For an inspection or service call, at least once every six months, which includes inspection, adjustment, and servicing of the mechanical and electrical component parts to ensure proper function;
(2) For an effluent quality inspection consisting of a visual check for color, turbidity, scum overflow, and an examination for odors, and a chemical test for chlorine residual; and
(3) For improper operation which cannot be corrected at the time, it shall be reported to the owner immediately. This shall be followed with a written report which includes the date for the condition to be corrected.
(F) Responsibility of manufacturer and/or service dealer.
(1) The manufacturer, distributor, or dealer shall be required to assure that continuous service policy is available to the property owner for as long as the unit is in operation.
(2) The service dealer shall provide a written statement to the property owner for each inspection or service call made. The statement shall indicate the specific type of service performed.
(3) The service dealer shall assure that semi-annual inspections are being conducted on a timely basis. Upon the request of the Health Authority, the service dealer shall provide the service and inspection history of each system under the dealer’s care.
(4) Service by the dealer shall be available within 48 hours following a request.
(5) An owner’s manual shall be provided by the manufacturer with each unit. The manual shall include the unit’s model and serial number, warranty, and service policy, detailed operation and maintenance requirements, and rated daily service flow. A clearly visible, permanently attached label or plate giving instructions for obtaining service shall be placed at the visible and audible alarm.
(6) When a continuing service policy is not renewed by a property owner, the service dealer shall notify the Health Authority within 30 days after expiration of the policy. The service dealer shall identify the name of the property owner and the property address.
(F) Responsibility of the property owner.
(1) The property owner shall be responsible for maintaining and operating the aerobic treatment plant in accordance with this subchapter and the manufacturer’s specifications.
(2) Property owners of aerobic treatment plants shall be required to obtain and maintain at all times a continuing service policy which provides qualified service.
(G) Sizing of aerobic treatment plant. A four-bedroom residential property shall be sized with an NSF listed, Class 1 Aerobic Treatment Plant with a minimum rated treatment capacity of 600 gallons per day.
(H) Surface discharges.
(1) Surface discharges from buried sand filters and Class 1 aerobic treatments plants shall be permitted only on properties which are deemed unsuitable for a subsurface seepage field or seepage bed system based upon on-site investigation by the Health Authority.
(2) Factors which could qualify a lot as unsuitable for a subsurface seepage field or seepage bed system include: inadequate soil permeability, insufficient usable area, inadequate separation distances from wells, the presence of shallow creviced limestone formations, an excessively high seasonal groundwater table, request flooding, or poor surface draining. Other limiting factors will be considered by the Health Authority on an individual basis.
(J) Effluent receiving trenches and beds. If the final discharge point of the effluent from a buried sand filter or Class 1 aerobic treatment plant is to be ground surface or body of water with limited inflow, then an effluent receiving trench or bed shall be installed prior to discharge in order to minimize potential adverse health or nuisance conditions. The effluent receiving trench or bed shall be designed as a conventional subsurface seepage field or bed, except that the entire trench or bed shall be designed to completely fill with liquid prior to discharge. The sizing of the effluent receiving trench or bed shall be determined by the Health Authority and based up on soil and other physical site conditions.
(K) Common drains. The use of common drains for the discharge of effluent from a buried sand filter or Class 1 aerobic treatment plant shall be prohibited, except in cases when a variance is granted by the Health Authority. A COMMON DRAIN is defined as an underground, enclosed conduit designed to carry liquids. Examples of common drains include storm tiles, field tiles and village tiles.
(L) Disinfection. The effluent from any buried sand filter or Class 1 aerobic treatment plant discharged to a watercourse, lake, pond, or to the ground surface shall be disinfected in the manner provided in this subchapter.
(Prior Code, § 4-4-9) (Ord. passed 6-16-1992; Ord. passed 3-21-1995; Ord. passed 12-22-1998; Ord. passed 8-19-2003)