1. Educating Homeowners about Septic Systems
Len Gilstrap, RS
Carteret County Health Department
Carteret County Onsite Inspection and Tracking
Program
EPA Section 319 Program Grant

2. Regulations
Onsite systems permitted under the provisions of Laws and Rules for Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (15A NCAC 18A .1900)

3. Purpose
To allow the continued use of wastewater systems that are installed in a proper manner and suitable soils so they do not have a detrimental affect on the public health and environment through contamination of land, groundwater and surface waters.
In 1977 the General Assembly declared rapid growth, faulty installations, unsuitable soils and population density adversely affect the efficiency and functioning of systems.

4. Risk Management
Rules for onsite wastewater systems are based on the risk associated with the proposed application.
Risk of contamination is enhanced with limited suitable soils or space, higher flows, higher waste strength, proximity to drinking water supplies, and water bodies.

5. Site Evaluations Topography Soil characteristics Soil wetness
Soil depth
Restrictive horizons
Available space

6. Site Suitability Based on site evaluation results Wastewater flow
Wastewater characteristics
Setbacks to wells, water bodies, ditches, property lines, etc.

7. Depth of drainfield and water table
Minimum 12 to 18 inches separation between bottom of trench and groundwater, even during wet times of the year
Aerobic (air) soil removes bacteria

8. Type of Soil Sandy – too fast and not purified
Clayey – too slow and poor treatment (ponds)
Uniform texture, yellow, yellow-red or bright red in color
Gray soil indicates anaerobic conditions

9. Septic System Responsibility
Belongs to the owner
Protect your investment
Replacement cost = thousands $

10. Septic System Failures
Unpumped and sludge filled tanks
Clogged drainfields
Hydraulic overloading
Landscape modifications of drainfield area
Ageing systems, old technology

11. Why Do We Care?
Septic system failure can result in contamination of land, surface waters, and ground waters which causes human disease through direct consumption, direct or recreational contact or ingestions of contaminated shellfish.

12. Conventional System Maintenance
The typical onsite septic system consists of a septic tank and a soil absorption (treatment) drainfield.
Sounds Simple?
Wow – Do we have something to tell you!

13. Conventional Septic System

14. No Operator Required What do you know about your system?
What do you need to know about your system?
What can you do to protect your system and investment?
Proper septic system management is key to protection of environment, investments, and public health.

15. Drainage and Landscaping
Surface water diversions for foundation drains, driveway, gutters and other paved areas
Heat pumps and water softeners, and irrigation systems
System area mounded to shed water
Settled area and depressions filled
Open ditches and outlets

16. Water Use Drainfields designed for 120 gallons per bedroom/day
Exceeding design capacity may cause system to fail

17. Reduce water use by: Checking toilets and faucets for leaks
Use 1.6 gal. (or less) per flush toilets
Use faucet aerators at sinks and flow reducer nozzles at showers
Limit length of shower to 10 minutes or less

18. Reduce water use by:
Do not fill bathtub with more than 6 inches of water
Do not wash more that 1 – 2 loads of laundry per day
Match water load to size of load being washed
Do not use dishwasher until it is full

19. Garbage Disposal? Doubles the amount of solids added to tank
Increases solids to drainfield due to suspended solids
Suggest putting most of table scraps in trash
Restrict use when possible
Increase frequency of pumping

20. Grease and Oil?
Greases, creams, butter, cheeses and cooking oils clog soils
Additives to break down grease are not recommended. They tend to keep grease and oils in suspension while in tank and become solid in the drainfield.
Drainfield replacement always required

21. Cleaning Products? Use biodegradable products when possible
Use moderate amounts of cleaners
Do not pour solvents or other chemical down drain
Do not use toilet cleaners meant to be placed in the toilet tank

22. Cleaning Products?
Improper use of cleaning products and chemicals kill bacteria in the septic tank and the drainfield
DO NOT FLUSH: paints, varnishes, thinners, waste oils, photographic solutions, pesticides

23. Solid Waste?
Do not put items down the drain that may clog septic tank or other parts of the system
Cigarette butts, feminine products, condoms, disposable diapers, paper towels, facial tissues, egg shells, coffee grounds, dental floss, kitty litter, plastics

24. Septic System Protected from Damage?
Prevent soil erosion from drainfield area
Protect turn-ups on LPP’s from mowers
Keep vehicular traffic off system
Maintain natural (downslope) drainage away from system
Do not build over drainfield or repair area
Locate system area prior to telephone or cable installation

25. Vegetation around System
Trees and shrubs closer than 100 feet to system may cause problems
Root infiltration into tanks, pipes and drainfield
Do not put water loving trees near drainfield
Keep plantings away from tank openings

26. Is Septic System Accessible?
Do not cover any part with asphalt or concrete
Keep all construction away from system
For proper function and maintenance entire system must be accessible
Protect repair area

27. Pump that Tank Use Table to determine pumping frequency
Inspection of solids and scum in tank is best method to determine if pumping is needed
Rule of Thumb: Pump if outlet end has 12 inches of solids and/or 4 inches of scum

28. Septic Tank NC Rules require two compartments One Compartment tank
Effluent Filter
Image courtesy of USEPA
One Compartment tank

29. Number of Years for Pumping your System Tank size (gallons)
Number of people using the septic tank system 1 2 4 6 8
900 11 5
1000 12 3
1250 16
1500 19 9

30. Use only approved wastewater haulers
Find the tank and uncover opening

31. Remove lid. This tank is past due for maintenance.

32. The pumper will break up the solids and mix with liquid so the entire contents of the tank can be removed.

34. Restoring the yard to the prior condition is not always possible
Restoring the yard to the prior condition is not always possible. To prevent disturbance of landscaping a riser should be installed on the tank to allow for easy access.

35. Pump that Tank Pump out both sides of septic tank
The type of toilet paper, the cleaning products, along with the habits of the system owner will affect how frequently a tank needs pumping.
Inspect annually

36. Pump that Tank
Good time to clean effluent filter

37. Improve the System Add effluent filters to older systems
Add risers to tanks that require digging up to inspect
Add aluminum lids to pump tanks openings and effluent filter openings
Add float trees
Contact septic system contractor or certified operator to make improvements.

38. Risk Management Higher risk applications require:
Increased vertical and horizontal setbacks from surface waters, water tables, property lines, wells, etc.
Higher levels of treatment

39. Risk Management
New wastewater technologies are quickly overcoming many limitations by creating systems with advanced pretreatment.

40. Risk Management Septic tank influent 350 mg/l BOD 200 mg/l TSS
Pretreated effluent
<10 mg/l BOD
<10 mg/l TSS
Advanced pretreatment systems can produce effluent qualities that require less separation to ground waters, surface water and smaller disposal areas.

41. Peat Biofilter

42. Peat System Type B – Note Flush With Ground
Type B Peat Biofilter

43. Recirculating Sandfilters

44. Bioclere Pretreatment Filter
Covered - Note Second Unit
Bioclere Pretreatment Filter

45. Bioclere
Filter Media

46. Advantex Pretreatment System

47. Filter media of an Advantex

48. Risk & Responsibility
More complex wastewater systems require more monitoring and management

49. Alternative & Innovative Systems
Require contracts with certified operators for operation and maintenance of system
Contract must be retained for as long as the system is required
Operation Permit specifies frequency of inspections
Health Department inspections and permit renewals

50. Owner Responsibilities
Be knowledgeable about system and it’s operation and maintenance requirements
Be supportive of Operator and maintain contract
When selling property provide new owners with information on septic system

51. Operator Responsibilities
Check septic tank and pump tank for solids
Inspect drainfields for adequate cover, surface water diversions, and surfacing effluent
Purge drainlines, check and set floats and pressure head

52. Operator Responsibilities
Control Panel
Check alarm, record readings in control panel, adjust timer settings
Perform performance measurements

53. Operator Responsibilities
Use performance measurements to evaluate system performance
Take preventative measures when deficiencies are noted
Provide repairs when needed
Available when needed
Notify owner and health department of condition of system

54. Alternative & Innovative Systems
Systems are more sensitive to water use, detergents, cleaning products and oils and greases
Replacing the system will be expensive – protect it now.

55. The Future
Ignorance and neglect of your septic system will insure costly, difficult and disruptive repairs.
Preventive maintenance rewards and protects your investment
Proactive governments can assist property owners to assure appropriate maintenance is provided.

56. “Management efforts at the local level can help assure these elements of infrastructure are managed positively and as assets which protect community values and investment, homeowner investments, public health and environmental quality.”
Dr. A.R. Rubin
Opinion Paper for Carteret County /Pine Knoll Shores Wastewater Management Workshop

57. References
USEPA, 2005; Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual, EPA 625-R
USEPA, 2005, Handbook for Onsite and Decentralized System Management, EPA 832 D )
USEPA, 2002, A Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems; EPA 832-B