(A) With the exception of divisions (A)(1) through (A)(4) of this section, all sewage facilities shall be pumped out by a licensed sewage hauler selected by the property owner, at least once every three years or whenever inspection reveals that the treatment tanks are filled with solids in excess of one-third of the liquid depth of the tank or with scum in excess of one-third of the liquid depth of the tank. For a new system, the three-year time period shall begin when the system is approved for use by BCHD. The property owner shall provide the township with a receipt documenting the date on which the septic tank was cleaned within 30 days of the occurrence.
(1) After at least one proof of pumping as required in division (A) of this section, OLDS serving lots or structures with no occupants shall be exempt from further pumping until such time as the property or structure is reoccupied, at which time a new three year period shall begin. Reoccupancy without notifying the township shall constitute a violation.
(2) After at least one proof of pumping as required in division (A) of this section, OLDS serving lots that become vacant prior to the date of the next required pump may have the pumping period suspended during the period of nonoccupancy. The minimum period of nonoccupancy that will be suspended is 90 consecutive days. Reoccupancy without notifying the township shall constitute a violation.
(3) After at least one proof of pumping as required in division (A) of this section, OLDS with septic tanks in good repair of at least 1,000 gallons and inhabited by not more than two persons shall pump every five years, unless inspection reveals that the treatment tanks are filled with solids in excess of one-third of the liquid depth of the tank or with scum in excess of one-third of the liquid depth of the tank. This exemption shall expire upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy in accordance with § 154.1204.3.B of this Code. Upon expiration of the exemption, unless the owner of record makes a new application for exemption, the pump period shall revert to three years from the date of the last pump. If requested, the start date of the new exemption shall commence on the same date as the exemption previously granted.
(4) After at least one proof of pumping as required in division (A) of this section, OLDS serving lots that have razed or demolished the principle structure with a valid permit from the township are exempt from further action until such time as a new certificate of occupancy is granted. The pumping period shall be suspended from the date of the demolition permit until a new certificate of occupancy is granted.
(5) Lot owners shall provide an affidavit attesting to the facts under which an exemption is claimed. Failure to provide an affidavit within 60 days of the commencement of the qualifying event shall constitute denial of the exemption.
(B) Surface contouring (grades) and other measures consistent with 25 Pa.Code Chapter 73, shall be maintained to divert stormwater away from treatment facilities and absorption areas and protect absorption areas from physical damage.
(C) Sand filters included within IRSIS, SFTF or other approved sewage system shall also be inspected by the property owner and repaired if necessary at least once every year.
(D) Where applicable pursuant to § 51.18(A), the sewage system shall be maintained in accordance with provisions of the operation and maintenance agreement executed for the system.
(E) Emergency repair or replacement of system components without prior approval/permit from BCHD shall be limited to pumping of a septic tank, tight tank or cesspool as frequently as necessary to prevent backup or breakout.
(F) All emergency repairs other than pumping shall be in accordance with requirements, and where applicable permit approval, from BCHD.
(G) Any non-routine maintenance or repairs required to the system must be reported to the Bucks County Department of Health and township by the property owner for approval/permit.
(Ord. 196, passed 10-27-2020)