MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program

Transcription

1 Massachusetts Public Health Inspector Training Wastewater Certificate (MA PHIT WW) Session 7: Existing Septic Systems: Inspections and Corrective Action, Session 7 1 Learning Objectives After completing this session, you will be able to: Explain requirements to act as a Title 5 Inspector List the times when inspections are required Describe the inspection process and minimum requirements Name failure criteria List inspection result categories Explain acceptable corrective actions for each category, Session 7 2 System Inspection Inspection vs. Assessment Existing vs. New Local Regulations and Fees, Session 7 3 Session 7 1

2 Official Inspection Form Key Elements: Certification Inspection Results Passes Conditionally Passes Further Evaluation by BOH Fails Session 7 4 Inspectors 1. Automatic Approval MA Registered Professional Engineers with a concentration in civil, sanitary or environmental engineering MA Registered Sanitarians MA Certified Health Officers, Session 7 5 Inspectors 2. Application and Exam Board of Health Members and Agents Licensed Septic System Installers or Haulers Professional Home Inspectors Engineers in Training Others with 1 year experience, Session 7 6 Session 7 2

3 Inspection Purpose Protect Public Health and Safety and the Environment by identifying and correcting failed systems., Session 7 7 Discussion A new resident calls regarding their septic system. They moved in three months ago and they just discovered a sewage breakout in the backyard over the SAS. They have a passing Title 5 inspection report from when they purchased the house and are very upset. You obviously didn t review the report very well when it was submitted, and the system inspector did not do a thorough job! How do you respond?, Session 7 8 Timing Inspections are required by local and/or state codes and can be triggered in two ways: 1. Periodic inspections Large systems 10,000 15,000 gpd (every five years) Condominiums (every three years) Shared systems (annually), Session 7 9 Session 7 3

4 Timing 2. Event triggered Time of transfer of property (with exceptions) Change in use or expansion of facility Increase in flow to the system, Session 7 10 Inspection Process Minimum Requirements 1. Note general conditions 2. Locate and inspect all components prior to SAS 3. Determine high groundwater elevation Do I have to expose and inspect the SAS? Do I have to expose and inspect a cesspool, if present? MassDEP Guide: Session 7 11 Preparation File and Records Review Permits & System plans (incl. asbuilts) Groundwater information Water use records Private well information Previous inspection reports Pumping records Conservation Commission filings DigSafe Number, Session 7 12 Session 7 4

5 Starting the Inspection Once on site Sensory inspection Speak with homeowner Sump pump? Wet basement? Backups? Plumbing problems? Garbage disposal/grinder? Number of residents/bedrooms? Problems or issues?, Session 7 13 Inspection Requirements Locate and Inspect System Components Building Sewer Septic Tank Dig up and open both covers Distribution Box Dig up and open Soil Absorption System (SAS) Cesspool Dig up and open Water Well locate if applicable, Session 7 14 Building Sewer Locate and inspect all pipes exiting the building, Session 7 15 Session 7 5

6 Septic Tank Expose and remove manhole covers Determine material of construction Assess condition of tank and tees or baffles Measure tank dimensions, Session 7 16 Septic Tank, cont d Check inlet/outlet tees or baffles Assess liquid levels and movement (infiltration or exfiltration) Does the septic tank have to be pumped as part of the inspection?, Session 7 17 Septic Tank, cont d Measure & report sludge depth & thickness If within 12 of outlet invert recommend pumping Measure & report scum depth & thickness If within 2 of bottom of outlet or top of outlet recommend pumping, Session 7 18 Session 7 6

7 Distribution Box Expose and remove cover Is box level & flow equal? Any solids carry over or evidence of backup? Check static water level Is it watertight and structurally sound?, Session 7 19 Pump or Dosing Chambers Expose pump or chamber Evidence of backup? Is pump functioning? Is alarm functioning? Examine inlet/outlet piping Note float elevations, Session 7 20 Soil Absorption System (SAS) Assess the area where the SAS is located. This is not always easy to find or inspect! Is it damp? Is there ponding? Is it within the estimated seasonal high groundwater, Session 7 21 Session 7 7

8 Cesspool, Session 7 22 Cesspools Expose and remove cover Measure dimensions Identify material of construction Measure liquid level (adequate capacity?) Estimate seasonal high groundwater Is there adequate capacity for the current flow? Is it above the groundwater?, Session 7 23 Groundwater Determination, Session 7 24 Session 7 8

9 Groundwater Determination Determine by least invasive method: 1. System design plans on record 2. Observed at site 3. Checked with BOH 4. Checked with local excavators or installers (need documentation) 5. USGS database (need explanation), Session 7 25 Groundwater Determination Useful Resources: 1. Web Soil Survey mepage.htm 2. USGS Groundwater Watch aps/ma_017.html, Session 7 26 All Systems Failure Criteria 1. Backup into facility or system component 2. Discharge or ponding of effluent 3. Static level in D Box above outlet invert 4. Pumping more than 4 times/year (not caused by clogged pipe) 5. Metal septic or tight tank (in certain cases) 6. SAS, cesspool or privy within groundwater, Session 7 27 Session 7 9

10 All Systems Failure Criteria BOH may require further evaluation for drinking water protection ( (1)(c), Session 7 28 Failure Criteria Cesspools and Privies 1. Within 100 feet of a surface water supply or tributary to a surface water supply 2. Within a Zone I of a public well 3. Within 50 feet of a private water supply well 4. Less than 100 feet but 50 feet or more from a private water supply well without acceptable lab analysis 5. Less than 1/2 day s storage or less than 6 to invert 6. Design flow between 2,000 10,000 gpd, Session 7 29 Photographs Sewage Breakout on Abutting Property, Session 7 30 Session 7 10

11 Photographs, cont d Ponding Over SAS, Session 7 31 Photographs, cont d Leaking Tank, Session 7 32 Photographs, cont d Laundry Pipe Discharging into Lake Evidence of soap on rocks, Session 7 33 Session 7 11

12 Photographs, cont d Septic Tank Tee with Scum Stain, Session 7 34 Photographs, cont d Backup Into Riser of Tank, Session 7 35 Photographs, cont d Backup in D-box, Session 7 36 Session 7 12

13 Inspection is Complete now what? Certification options: Pass Conditionally Passes Fails Needs Further Evaluation by Local Approving Agency (LAA), Session 7 37 Next Steps Report must be filed within 30 days of inspection If system Passes Inspection is good for 2 years If pumped annually, report is good for 3 years If system Conditionally Passes Minor repair required (i.e. D box replacement) Once repair is complete and inspected, system Passes If Further Evaluation is Needed by BOH BOH must evaluate and render a decision If system Fails Failure must be corrected in 2 years max Time can be shortened by BOH, Session 7 38 Myths A house with a failed septic system cannot be sold. A cesspool automatically fails inspection. Someone who installs systems can t inspect them Cash sales do not require inspections, Session 7 39 Session 7 13

14 Inspection Did Not Pass Categories Conditional Pass Further Evaluation by BOH Fail, Session Connect to a Sewer Repair Options 2. Install a conventional system (or component) 3. Install a nonconventional system (or component), Session 7 41 Timeframes Failing systems must be corrected: Within 2 years Sooner if required by LBOH due to imminent hazard exists Owner to insure no backup or surface discharge Systems to be abandoned in accordance with regulations, Session 7 42 Session 7 14

15 Session Recap After completing this session, you will be able to: Explain requirements to act as a Title 5 Inspector List the times when inspections are required Describe the inspection process and minimum requirements Name failure criteria List inspection result categories Explain acceptable corrective actions for each category, Session 7 43 NEXT STEPS Evaluation Exam Additional MA PHIT WW training Online Course Guide APHITWW/index.html, Session 7 44 Session 7 15