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65.35   DISCHARGING SYSTEMS.
   1.   Septic systems that are designed to discharge effluent as per specifications of this ordinance shall meet effluent parameters identified below. Septic systems with laterals as tertiary treatment are not considered discharging systems, and do not need to be sampled. There are two classifications of discharging systems, based on where they discharge:
      A.   If the system discharges to a designated surface water of the state or a subsurface drainage tile, the owner of the septic system shall submit a Notice of Intent to the IDNR, and obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit #4. These septic systems shall meet the effluent parameters identified in the permit issued by IDNR.
      B.   Those septic systems that DO NOT discharge to a designated surface water of the state or a subsurface drainage tile shall meet the effluent parameters identified in Table 2, below. Sampling is required upon request by the Sanitarian to verify that a discharging system is properly treating the effluent, or for a time-of-transfer inspection. Annual sampling is not required.
Table 2
 
Effluents Discharging To
E. coli cfu/100 mL
CBOD5 mg/L
TSS mg/L
Class "Al","A3" waters
235
25
25
Class "A2"waters
2880
25
25
Ground surface
2880
25
25
2.   Sampling location and procedure.
      A.   Effluent samples must be collected from an approved sampling port (accessed from ground surface) or from the end of the discharge pipe (if accessible) following the final treatment component of the system. Sample results shall be sent to EH.
      B.   If the system is not discharging at the time of sampling, but appears to have been discharging, water must be added to the system through the building plumbing to create a discharge.
   3.   Only a "qualified sampler" shall conduct effluent sampling for compliance monitoring. "Qualified samplers" include the following:
      A.   EH personnel - fees for sampling conducted by EH shall be set by the Board of Health.
      B.   An Iowa-certified wastewater treatment operator.
      C.   An individual who has received training approved by IDNR.
      D.   IDNR certified Time of Transfer inspectors.
   4.   Effluent samples must be analyzed by an Iowa certified lab. A list of certified laboratories is available from the State Hygienic Lab. Sample containers provided by the laboratory must be used for the sample. The sample must be collected from a free-falling effluent pipe or sampling port where the effluent is flowing. Samples shall not be taken from a pooled location. Sample submission shall follow the lab's instruction.
   5.   If a sample does not meet the effluent limits stated in Table 2 above, the owner must work with EH to investigate the potential causes of the problem, and a repeat sample must be taken within 30 days for the specific parameter that was out of compliance. If the second sample is noncompliant, the owner must take corrective actions to bring the system into compliance.