We can never put too much emphasis on septic tank security. Evidence of that is the recent deaths of two young children after they fell into open septic tanks. Unfortunately, I see news accounts of these tragic events every year and it seems like regulators, law enforcement and local governments are not finding effective ways to prevent them.

How can that be when we are well aware of the dangers of unsecured septic tanks? What will it take for all parties involved to get together and stop the neglect that allows children to die? It is up to the governments that oversee septic maintenance programs, concerned citizens and the septic service industry to push for stronger rules over securing access to underground tanks.

For years it has been a goal to bring access to the surface by utilizing risers and lids on existing and new septic tanks. Doing this makes it easier to perform routine inspections that are so important to maintaining quality systems for the long haul. And going back at least 15 years, I have seen our industry manufacturers selling secondary safety products — such as plastic screens — at the WWETT Show (formerly the Pumper & Cleaner Expo). These products are designed for installation inside risers to protect against children falling into tanks if the primary lid is damaged or removed.

So we are well aware of the issue of lid safety. Yet people interviewed in media accounts of these deaths always seem surprised that something like this could happen. Whether it’s a law enforcement spokesperson or a local government leader, they typically refer to these incidents as “accidents” as if they were unforeseen and could not be prevented. I think pumping professionals would take issue with that.

In the past I have repeated what I have heard from some really great pumpers and wastewater industry leaders: Never walk away from a septic tank until it is safely secured to protect passersby, especially curious children. This is the responsibility of septic service providers, but also of local health departments to regulate onsite system care, property owners and landlords, and the general public.

Let’s once again put a face on this problem.

Just a few months ago, 3-year-old Kenna Harper Wilson was at her babysitter’s house in Versailles, Indiana, when she went missing in the yard. She was found unresponsive in the septic tank. News accounts said it appeared the girl moved the septic tank lid and fell or climbed into the tank. No one quoted in the stories questioned how she could have removed the lid. According to her obituary, Kenna was “full of life” and that her “bright and joyous smile will be so missed by her family.”

According to a story in WXIX/Gray News, authorities said the death was ruled accidental. “My heart goes out to [Kenna’s mother], but there are some situations that are terrible accidents,” said Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel.

About the same time on the Caribbean island of Granada, 4-year-old Sharmon Gibbs was found unresponsive inside an open septic tank. His death remains under investigation.

Manufactured lids and risers are designed for safe and secure installation. Service providers must follow proper installation procedures when they close the tanks and should note any damage or missing screws and insist on fixing these problems before leaving the property. Property owners should be instructed on how to routinely inspect lids for safety. All state and local government codes should call for routine system inspections that include safe and secure access points.

Please do whatever you can to educate consumers and your local health departments about septic tank safety. Our children, in particular, are depending on us to be leaders on this important issue.

Idaho county has grim report on aging systems

A veteran health department inspector recently reported a poor performance record for the approximate 4,000 septic systems in Blaine County, Idaho. With growth in the area and new residential developments proposed to utilize septic systems, there is concern about the condition of existing systems and regulation of septic systems in general.

According to a story in the Idaho Mountain Express, former environmental health specialist Bob Erickson spoke at a public comment session, saying most residents knew very little about the function of their septic systems. Over many years, he worked with Blaine County officials to review and inspect all septic systems and found “about 75% of them had some issues. Some small and minor, but some major and some nonfunctioning.”

The county does not require routine inspection of septic systems that are used by about 35% of residents. County officials said a lack of monitoring leads to neglected septic systems and potential failures that could impact sources of freshwater. The county started an Onsite Wastewater Management Program in 2007, but that effort was discontinued in 2009 and never resurrected.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality recommends systems are pumped every three to five years, but whether it happens is left up to the homeowners.

People are just not thinking about it unless there’s a problem,” said Allison Kennedy, Blaine County planner. “But it’s a pretty important piece of infrastructure.”

Does this sound familiar? The same discussions might be happening in a county near you. Unless your state or local governing body is on top of this issue. In Wisconsin, where I live, all septic tanks require inspection or pumping every three years.

Be sure to lock your service truck

Coming into the busy season for most pumpers, a recent incident offers a good reminder about protecting your equipment from theft while you’re out working a route.

According to a report from Fox 61 in Hartford, Connecticut, an 18-year-old man, Donovan Beard, illegally took a septic service truck, hit a state trooper’s squad car and then took off on foot after a reported disturbance. Beard was arrested on two counts of criminal mischief, larceny, interfering with an officer, breach of peace, criminal attempt to assault and reckless endangerment.

I imagine the incident ruined the day of the owner of the vacuum truck. Your truck is your moneymaker, and pumpers need to keep them safely running down the road, especially in the busy spring and summer months. A case of theft and criminal damage to property like this one could threaten a pumper’s livelihood and unfairly hurt a good reputation.

It’s important to take security measures to protect your valuable equipment in the field. And now that many more trucks are built with automatic transmissions, be aware that more would-be thieves could actually drive your rig away if you leave the door unlocked and the key in the ignition. In the good old days, 10-speed manual transmissions offered more of a theft deterrence.

Keep those Classy Trucks coming

As spring comes along, it’s show-and-shine time for pumpers interested in appearing in our Classy Truck feature. As you get out more often to wash and wax your favorite rig, consider snapping some photos with your smartphone and sending them to us to run in Pumper magazine. We’re always looking for photos of new trucks produced by the quality craftsmen at our tank manufacturers, as well as great refurbish and restoration projects. Send photos to editor@pumper.com.

If your truck is chosen, we’ll send you a Classy Truck vinyl decal to display on your rig, demonstrating your commitment to running quality service vehicles. The monthly winners compete head-to-head in our Classy Truck of the Year contest. The annual winner receives a second vinyl decal as recognition.