Summit County Public HealthSewage system programs

My septic system is working just fine!

New State Wide RulesBegan 1st of 2015 replacing the 1977 codeGoals

Update system designs to currently available products.

Provide a menu of options for property ownersConsistent regulations across the StateProvide limited local customizationPromote good maintenance of septic systemsImprove water quality, estimated failure rates

up to 30%

SCPH Programs Impact Water Quality

Failing septic systems affect:

Ditches Streams Neighborhood green

spaces Home values Overall quality of life Drinking water quality

Summit County’s

What’s new in 2015?Some adjustments such as size of systems installedRequire state testing of STS contractors with minimum

insurance and bonding requirementsGrey water recycling systemsODH development of program formsReduction of isolation distance requirements from

septic systems to property boundariesOperation permits (can be phased in)Provides homeowner options for inspections by private

industryRequires notification for inspections not related to

nuisanceService contract requirements for new systems

Operation PermitsSCPH will issue an initial operation permit to

owners of each Sewage Treatment System over a 4 year period of time

Owners will need to periodically renew the permits

Owners may need to provide proof of compliance with the permit conditions

Operation Permit TermsSystem Type Service Contract

Maintenance RequirementsFrequency of Service

Permit Term

Pretreatment to ET Trenches or Leaching Trenches

1. Check diversion and distribution boxes2. Check for ponding and/or surfacing

sewage effluent over trenches3. Check that interceptor and curtain drains

are clear of debris and effluent4. Check distribution boxes for structural

integrity and surface water infiltration5. Must meet all manufacturer’s requirements

of the pretreatment components

Once every 2 years

2 years

Operation Permit TermsSystem Type Service Contract

Maintenance RequirementsFrequency of Service

Permit Term

NPDES 1. Check fail safe systems where applicable2. Check aerator, pump, and high water alarm3. Check sludge levels in trash trap/tank and

pump when needed4. Check UV light or chlorine disinfection to see

if functional; refill or replace chlorine or UV bulb as needed

5. Check and clean filters6. Evaluate final effluent quality to determine if

a nuisance is present7. Comply with all manufacturer requirements

for NPDES systems8. Comply with all EPA permit requirements

including sampling

2 times per year

1 year

Operation Permit TermsSystem Type Service Contract

Maintenance RequirementsFrequency of Service

Permit Term

Discharging aerobic treatment systems installed prior to January 1, 2007

1. Check sludge levels in trash trap/tank and pump when needed

2. Check fail safe systems where applicable3. Check aerator, pump and high water alarm4. Check UV light or chlorine disinfection to

see if functional, refill or replace chlorine or UV bulb as needed

5. Check and clean filters6. Check the inspection port 7. Check discharge pipe for obstructions and

damage8. Evaluate final effluent quality to determine

if a nuisance is present

Once every year

2 years

Operation Permit TermsSystem Type Service Contract

Maintenance RequirementsFrequency of Service

Permit Term

Discharging filter bed systems installed prior to January 1, 2007

1. Check sludge levels in trash trap/tank and pump when needed

2. Check distribution box3. Check the inspection port 4. Check discharge pipe for obstructions and

damage5. Evaluate final effluent quality to determine

if a nuisance is present

Once every 2 years

2 years

Operation Permit Costs NPDES operation permit will last 1 year and

cost $30.00On-lot septic systems with no pretreatment

operation permits will last 2 years and cost $20.00

All other system operation permits will last 2 years and cost $30.00

What is required of owners?All STS must be covered by an operation permit

NPDES (EPA) approved systems must have a service contract and be sampled yearly**

All other systems must have either the required maintenance or be subject to the SCPH routine inspection program

**requirement of NPDES permit

Inspections and Storm Water Monitoring

Summit County Public Health

How to maintain your home septic system

Warning Signs for Septic Systems ProblemsSlow drainsGurgling noises in pipesWet area in the yardSeptic odor in the yard or ditchExtremely lush grass growth

How does a septic system work?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPXMpLg7nPA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udBaGyzJyU8

Why is maintaining your septic system important?

The benefits of regular maintenance

Prevents premature failure of the septic system

Saves money on costly repair and replacement

Reduces contamination of surface and ground water

Prevents “back ups” into home

What to avoid with your septic system?

Septic tank additives are not recommendedReduce your water usage! All waste water

must be treated and dispersed, so try to conserve water

Do NOT put any of the following into your septic system: Diapers Coffee grounds Feminine products Paint, varnish, or paint thinners Cigarette butts Grease Oil or automotive fluids YOURSELF-Never climb into a septic tank!

What is the role of Summit County Public Health?

What is the role of Summit County Public Health?Evaluate lots for septic suitabilityReview design proposalsInspect new systemsTrain and advise installers, designers, service

providers, pumpersEducate system ownersMaintain recordsAssure good function of septic systemsWhen needed, enforce repairs/replacements

Questions?Summit County Public Health

Water Quality Program1867 West Market StAkron, Ohio 44313

330 926-5600