On-Lot Septic Systems
Why is an ordinance needed? Most of us don’t think about septic tanks, which are usually out of sight and out of mind. Sometimes, it is only after problems arise; such as sewage backups, contaminated wells, or problems in selling a home; that we give serious thought to our septic systems. The majority of homes in Amity Township with septic systems also have on-lot wells for drinking water. Failure to properly maintain a septic system can lead to premature failure of the septic system, contamination of area drinking water wells, and transmission of waterborne diseases. It is the supervisor’s desire to ensure that the Township’s groundwater resources are kept clean and safe for drinking water supply.Costs for repair of failing on-lot septic systems or extension of public sewers to rural areas are very expensive options that may be avoidable with proper system maintenance. Construction costs for a replacement sand mound system, assuming adequate soils and space is available, can be $5,000 or more. Construction costs for extension of public sewers to rural areas are even higher on a per household basis. The on-lot management ordinance will require that all owners of septic systems maintain their systems. Annual costs for regular system maintenance will generally be less than $200.
Why is Amity Township enacting an On-Lot Management Ordinance now? In October 2005, the Township updated its Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan. This plan is required by the State of Pennsylvania to insure that the Township is providing adequate sewage treatment facilities and protecting the public health by preventing the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated sewage. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requires that the Act 537 Plan address both public sewage facilities and private on-lot septic systems. DEP required that Amity Township’s plan include on-lot septic system management.
What are the homeowner’s responsibilities under the program? All septic system owners must have their septic tanks pumped out and inspected at least once every three years. You will be given notice at the beginning of the year directing you to have your septic systems pumped during that calendar year. Homeowners must contract with a pumper of their choice to have your system pumped and inspected either by the Township SEO or by a hauler that is PSMA certified.
How much will the program cost? The cost to administer the program is $65 per septic system if the Township’s SEO inspects the system, if your hauler is PSMA certified, they can inspect the system and the fee to the Township is then $40. Of course, you will have the actual cost of the pumping as well.
What if I just had my septic system pumped? Property owners having their septic systems pumped out within one year of receiving the initial notice from the Township do not have to have their system re-pumped. However, the homeowner will need to provide to the Township a copy of the pumping receipt as proof of pumping.
What if a problem is found by the pumper during the inspection? If the inspection indicates a problem with the system, the Township SEO will contact the property owners to arrange for a time to investigate the problem. The Township SEO is a fully trained professional who will work with the property owner to resolve the problem. Sometimes the solutions involve simple, inexpensive steps that do not require modification to the septic system. However, in other cases the solution may require system modification or replacement. The Township SEO will consider all feasible alternatives before issuing a repair notice.
What will happen if I do not comply with the ordinance? The Township Supervisors hope all citizens will fully comply with the provisions of the ordinance. The ordinance has been developed to protect the public health, the water resources of the Township, and the citizen’s investment in their on-lot systems. All on-lot system owners must comply with the ordinance in order for these goals to be reached. Any person that fails to comply with any provision of the ordinance shall, upon conviction by the District Justice, be subject to a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $5000 plus costs or imprisonment. This penalty provision is similar to the penalty provisions of other Township ordinances.
What else should I be doing to maintain my septic system? The most important action to properly maintain a septic system is to have the system pumped out on a regular basis. However, what is put into the system can also have an impact on its operation. Only sewage and normal domestic wastes should be discharged into the system. Industrial wastes, automobile oil and other domestic oil, excessive fats and grease, toxic and hazardous substances must not be placed down the drain. You should also consider either composting or disposing of food preparation wastes in the trash instead of relying on a garbage disposal unit, which greatly increases the loading to a septic system. Clean surface or ground water, including spring water, water from roof or cellar drains, and water from basement sump pumps must also be kept out of the system. The distribution field should be maintained with a grass cover and heavy equipment or automobiles should never be driven over the distribution field.
Where else can I get information about on-lot septic systems? There are several websites that deal directly with sewage, septic systems and on-lot management. These include National Small Flows Clearinghouse and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Penn State and the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association.