The 2009 Connecticut Public Health Code proposes changes to septic tank and leaching system regulations. If passed, concrete septic tanks would need to include documentation of minimum strength when shipped within 14 days of manufacture. Approved manufacturers of non-concrete tanks would have to keep updated specifications and dated installation instructions on file with the state Department of Public Health.
Riser retrofits would be required only over cleanouts and outlet baffles if effluent filters were provided. Risers on tanks in paved areas would have to extend to grade. Riser and manhole extensions to grade would have to be built to prevent stormwater infiltration. The code would change single-family septic tank size requirements to 1,000 gallons for the first three bedrooms, and 125 gallons per additional bedroom.
Subsurface disposal system plans that include retaining walls would need to provide wall information and specifications, including the type of structure, groundwater control mechanisms (drains, weep holes), footings, and cross-sections showing existing and proposed grades. Walls within 50 feet down-gradient of drainfields would not be allowed to act as hydraulic barriers, and the inner wall edges would have to be at least 10 feet from the drainfield.
New language about manufacturer-authorized leaching systems under driveways and roads would require a one-foot minimum cover over stone trenches and H-20 load-rated precast concrete structures. Manufacturers would have to keep DPH-dated documentation on file.
Proprietary systems would need to be labeled by July 1 with identification information, such as company name and model number. When the code is released, the Connecticut Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association will post it at www.cowra-online.org.
Michigan
In 2010, Michigan law may require haulers within 25 miles (the regulation currently states 15 miles) of a septage facility to discharge there and no longer land-apply the material.
In preparation, Kalkaska County townships are considering creating a sewage authority board and paying for a feasibility study to determine if a potential $2 million-plus septage facility would be financially feasible. Solids would be pre-treated for use as commercial fertilizer, and liquid would go to the Kalkaska Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Six of 12 townships approved the authority board concept and agreed to pay for the $35,000 feasibility study to determine if the area has enough septic tanks to support the venture. Waste haulers support a facility for its convenience and especially if the discharge price is lower than in Traverse City.
Some state contractors with existing septage storage facilities may land-apply until 2024.
South Carolina
Two revisions affecting South Carolina setback requirements for onsite systems from wells or bodies of water went into effect on Jan. 1. One rule increases the distance between the onsite system and private well or surface water from 50 to 75 feet. The other increases the setback to 100 feet between public wells, surface water, or estuaries and systems with flows of more than 1,500 gpd. The regulations are at www.scdhec.net/administration/regs/docs/61-56.pdf.
Ohio
A bill in the state legislature may require rural homeowners to install onsite systems costing as much as $50,000. Based on recommendations from the House-hold Sewage Treatment System Study Commission, the bill would rescind the 2007 Public Health Council’s rules that provided greater leniency to rural onsite owners.
The new version states that if the cost of the onsite system exceeds the cost of a conventional septic tank and gravel drainfield and exceeds 50 percent of the home’s total cost, the owner is entitled to a variance.
The legislation would require the council to adopt rules prohibiting property owners from using onsite systems when central sewers are accessible. Before granting onsite systems for housing developments with more than 25 lots, local boards of health would have to submit written documentation stating that sewers are not accessible.
