- Historic City News reporters learned that a controversial statewide septic tank mandate, passed by the Florida Legislature in 2010, was eliminated when Governor Rick Scott signed HB-1263 into law Friday; over objections from the Sierra Club, who requested a veto.
When did septic tank regulations come in?
The General Binding Rules Regulations for small sewage discharges from Septic Tanks and Sewage Treatment Plants. New septic tank rules for small sewage discharges came into force on 1 January 2015. If your septic tank system was installed and in use before 31 December 2014, it is classed as an ‘existing discharge’.
Are septic tanks still legal?
Septic Tanks Explained… Septic tanks cannot discharge to surface water drains, rivers, canals, ditches, streams or any other type of waterway. you are required to upgrade or replace your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant by 2020, or when you sell a property, if it’s prior to this date.
Can I sell my house with a failed septic system NJ?
Are you selling a home or other property with a septic system in NJ? You should know that most lenders will not issue a mortgage if a septic system is failing or determined to be faulty. These types of delays can seriously impact your success in the swift sale of your property.
Can a farmer empty my septic tank?
It isn’t possible to empty your sewage treatment plant or septic tank yourself, this should be done by a licenced carrier. However, it is possible to spread treated waste (sewage sludge) on your land. This can be from your own sewage treatment plant or (more likely) imported from elsewhere.
Do you need building regulations for a septic tank?
The short answer is yes. You will need planning permission from a local authority in order to have a septic tank installed, no matter if it’s at your own home or on a business site.
How do I find out if my septic tank is compliant?
If you are unsure whether your septic tank has a new or existing discharge, contact Homeseptic or the Environment Agency who will be able to inform you if your system is compliant.
Does heavy rain affect septic tank?
It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system.
Can you sell a house with a septic tank?
If you currently have a septic tank that discharges to surface water then the sale will trigger the requirement to replace or upgrade the system. Buyers should satisfy themselves that any system is in good working order and does not cause pollution.
Can rainwater go into septic tank?
Why rainwater must not enter the septic tank. Septic tank systems and Sewage Treatment Plants cannot accept ANY rainwater, either from downpipes or surface drains. If rainwater enters the tank, then the flow rate through the septic tank increases and adequate settlement does not occur.
What is the most common cause of septic system failure?
Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables.
How long do septic tanks last?
A septic system’s lifespan should be anywhere from 15 to 40 years. How long the system lasts depends on a number of factors, including construction material, soil acidity, water table, maintenance practices, and several others.
Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?
The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.
Is it illegal to spread human waste on fields?
You must not spread sewage sludge on a field unless you have tested the soil according to the Sludge Regulations. This includes checking that the limit on the concentration of metals in the soil will not be exceeded by spreading the sludge. You must not spread sludge on land that has a soil pH of less than five.
Who is responsible for emptying septic tank?
It is not unusual for the tenant (you) to be responsible for the upkeep of the tank. That is, you will be responsible for ensuring you maintain the septic system and pay for pump-outs. This is, generally speaking, perfectly normal.
Is spreading sewage on farmers fields safe?
Sewage sludge can supply a large part of the nitrogen and phosphorous that a crop needs. Sludge is also an effective soil conditioner, as it is a good source of organic matter. The negatives are it can contain potentially toxic elements (PTEs) which are a risk to human, plant and animal health.
Septic Systems Guidance, Policy, and Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a number of publications detailing its goal, priorities, and regulatory authority, as well as guidance and technical information to assist towns in establishing complete septic (onsite) management plans.
- Provision of guidance in the form of voluntary national guidelines and implementation tools in order to enhance the overall management of septic wastewater systems The following are examples of policy and regulations: Congressman’s reports, program strategies, and regulatory requirements for Class V wells
Guidance
- Factsheet on the Decentralized Management Guidelines
- Presentation on Understanding the Decentralized Management Guidelines
A “how-to” guide for adopting the Environmental Protection Agency’s Voluntary National Guidelines for the Management of Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems is available in the Handbook for Managing Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems. In this tutorial, you will learn how to construct a step-by-step strategy to establishing a community program for managing decentralized wastewater systems. You will also find community examples, aspects for good management, and links to other resources.
National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Urban Areas are currently being developed.
A guide for tribal nations on how to build, manage, and control onsite wastewater treatment facilities is available at Tribal Management of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems.
Guideline for specifying management measures for nonpoint sources of pollution in inland and coastal waters Governmental guidelines on which environmental management methods to incorporate into state and territorial Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Programs are available.
Policy and Regulations
Report to Congress on the Prevalence Throughout the United States of Low- and Moderate-Income Households Lacking Access to a Treatment Works and the Use by States of Assistance Under Section 603(c)(12) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (pdf) Section 4107(b) of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018 requires that this report be submitted. It contains a review of the national data sources available on decentralized wastewater treatment use; the prevalence of low- and moderate-income households without access to a treatment works; a summary of four state examples that have robust data on the use of decentralized wastewater treatment systems; and, a description of databases that record the use of state assistance programs.
Studies the viability of decentralized wastewater treatment, which might be a lower-cost alternative for local communities with wastewater treatment requirements.
Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems: A Program Strategy A Class V well is a well that is regulated while a septic system is in use.
Seepage Pits Have the Potential to Degrade Ground Water Quality Fact sheet about the dangers of utilizing cesspools for sewage disposal, as well as the law against using them.
Septic Tank Inspection Program Delayed : NorthEscambia.com
The 20th of January, 2011 According to a new legislation in Florida that took effect on January 1, it is now required that septic tanks be inspected every five years, however the regulation has now been placed on hold. Gov. Rick Scott allowed a bill allowing for the postponement to become law this week without his signature, thus nullifying the contentious requirement in the process. The law, which was enacted during a veto override special session in November, is directed at a clause in a broad-ranging springs protection statute that was amended to add the requirement last year, according to the legislature.
- Scott’s desk had been occupied with the bill from the day he entered office on January 4.
- Among those who have contributed to SB 2A is Greg Evers, who represents the North Escambia region.
- What is the role of the state government in all of this?
- “It doesn’t make any sense,” Scott said.
- Listed in the category of News
What buyers and sellers need to know about septic systems
Dawn and Richard Schollin decided to have their septic system assessed as they prepared to put their Wyckoff house on the market, following the recommendation of their real estate agent. The bad news is that, according to state regulations, the system was out of date and needed to be rebuilt — a project that required the destruction of the Schollins’ front and back yards and took more than ten weeks. It didn’t come cheap, to be sure. ‘By the time we were through, it had cost us $35,000,’ said Dawn Schollin, a retired school media specialist who worked on the project.
- Septic systems, in contrast to sewers, are the responsibility of the property owner.
- Cesspools – an older sort of sewage system — must be replaced anytime a property is sold, according to the new legislation.
- Because of this, according to some North Jersey real estate brokers, older systems are failing inspection at a higher rate than in the past.
- Many mortgage lenders also require an inspection as part of the application process.
- According to Paul Frankel, a real estate agent at McBride Realty in Franklin Lakes, “it becomes part of the record for that particular property in this manner.” If a system fails, purchasers would often demand that it be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
- There is no legislation that specifies who is accountable for it, although real estate brokers believe that the seller is almost always responsible.
- “My client was adamant,” Frankel stated.
- Many agents stated that under the new state regulations, septic systems that are more than 10 to 15 years old frequently fail inspection because they are not up to code.
- Some purchasers are put off by the presence of septic systems.
- “However, she didn’t like it since it had a septic system,” Uvanni explained.
According to Frankel, “If someone wants to live in Franklin Lakes, that’s what you get.” According to Uvanni, “it’s not a huge issue as long as you keep up with it.” Once potential buyers have gained an understanding of how septic systems work and their role in keeping them in good working order, their primary concern becomes the condition of the system in the home they wish to purchase, according to Lynne Bigica, a real estate agent with Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty in Franklin Lakes.
- Before putting your house on the market, make sure everything is in working order.
- They will be able to deal with difficulties up front and avoid delaying a transaction in the process.
- It was a cesspool in Oakland, according to Kathleen Falco, a Re/Max realtor from Franklin Lakes, who just marketed a house in the neighborhood.
- In order to replace it with a new system, the vendor is paying for it.
- The Schollins’ system had to be replaced as well because it was in such poor condition.
- The system was eventually installed.
- It was the Schollins’ passion for gardening that brought them to Pennsylvania in the first place.
- “It made me sick to my stomach to see what they had done to the property,” Dawn Schollin said.
- It is necessary to size the systems in accordance with the number of bedrooms in a house.
- It is also recommended that they do not park cars or construct any structures on top of the system.
- Michael Acito, owner of Classic Septic Inspections in Midland Park, said that in some communities with lakes, the local governments are requiring homeowners to demonstrate that they are pumping out their septic tanks at least once every three years in order to prevent pollution of the lake.
“I’ve also had systems fail because the seller put loads of topsoil over the drainage fields to level out his yard.” [email protected] is the company’s email address. Kathy Lynn’s Twitter handle is @KathleenLynn3.
County Commission rejects state mandate for septic tank inspections
- There will be no looking into the septic tanks of any Marion County residents in the near future. During its meeting on Tuesday, the County Commission voted unanimously to reject a state mandate to establish a septic tank inspection program for the county’s approximately 90,000 septic tanks. State legislators were interested in learning how leaking septic systems may be hurting first-magnitude springs, which are classified as those that pump 65 million gallons of fresh water per day or more in the 19 counties that are home to such springs. Three of these springs may be found in Marion, out of a total of 33 across the state. The Legislature established a scheme requiring mandatory inspections in selected localities, with the assessment being performed at the expense of the property owner. Counties were expected to decide on whether or not to implement those programs by January 1, 2013. Despite this, ten counties have refused to comply with the rule since it was approved in April. On Tuesday, Marion made it 11 for the day. In an interview with The Associated Press, County Administrator Lee Niblock stated that the county was in the process of drafting management plans for the watersheds surrounding Silver and Rainbow springs. It was not considered essential to start an inspection program, according to Niblock, until after the state’s attempt to define maximum contamination limits for the springs was completed and until the plan was finalized. When it is determined that septic tanks are the source of pollution harming both springs, Assistant County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes, the county’s chief engineer, says that action will be taken immediately to mitigate the situation. Commission Chairman Stan McClain stated that “the science is still not certain as to the amount of loading that septic tanks are placing on ground water” and other such issues, and that “I believe it is a burden to the taxpayers that they do not need to incur at this time.” The state is anticipated to release the pollutant limits in the autumn. The County Commission also took action on Tuesday, voting to raise the cost of an ambulance transport. Before, the county assessed fees ranging from $300 to $575 for ambulance service, depending on the quality of treatment that was required. The increased prices, which range from $400 to $658, become effective on Tuesday. The unanimous vote of the board also resulted in an increase in the per-mile rate, which was raised from $8.50 to $10.16. In October 2008, the county took over the ambulance fleet from the now-defunct Emergency Medical Services Alliance, a public-private partnership. It was the first time prices for emergency services had been raised since then. According to county authorities, the part of the cost that is paid by insurance is dependent on the patient’s insurance plan. It is anticipated that the rate increases would produce an additional $880,000 each year. Contracts relating to two high-profile ventures were terminated. In June 2010, the county contracted with Aramark, a California-based company, to supply uniforms to the majority of government agencies that need them. The change was made in order to save money by bringing all of the uniforms under the control of a single vendor. Commissioners, on the other hand, cancelled the agreement on Tuesday after employees complained that they were receiving back incorrect or damaged uniforms that had been sent for cleaning — if they received them back at all. Second, the board fired VS Consulting, a Washington-based firm that had been recruited in December 2010 to assist the town in obtaining government financing to attract alternative energy enterprises to the area. Economic development director Rick Michael recommended the contract be terminated in order to avoid duplicating efforts by the newly formed Ocala-Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership, which was formed as a result of the merger of the Economic Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce. The contract had been in place since 2007. The county has paid VS Consulting a total of $307,723 since December 2010 as part of Niblock’s 25-point Doing More for JOBS economic development strategy, which included one of the initiatives. For his long and distinguished career in local law enforcement, Chief Towles Bigelow of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was recognized. It was decided to proclaim Tuesday as “Towles Bigelow Day” in honor of Bigelow, who will be celebrating 51 years as a local crime fighter later this month, according to the board. The Sheriff’s Office has been in Bigelow’s family for 40 years. He previously served as Chief Investigator of State Attorney’s Office for a period of time from 1973 and 1984. He will be leaving the company at the end of the year. removed itself from consideration for top-level positions. At least as far back as 1992, county regulations required the board of commissioners to confirm the choices of the county administrator for department heads. However, the commission’s board of directors voted Tuesday to eliminate that clause, stating that they preferred to hold the administrator — one of just two workers who work directly for the commission — responsible for the staff’s performance. The Marion County Fire Rescue Department has received a donation of rescue equipment worth $20,000 from groups who use the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. The grant, which included a matching contribution from the state, was used to purchase all-terrain vehicles and trailers, which will make it simpler to transfer persons who become ill or wounded while hiking or biking along the Greenway’s more than 100 miles of paths. Several groups from inside and beyond Marion County contributed to the equipment, according to Doug Shearer, executive director of the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation. This demonstrates the facility’s appeal as a regional leisure center, Shearer said. Marion County’s population increased by an estimated 1,244 persons between April 2011 and April of this year, bringing the county’s total population to 332,989. In unorganized Marion, sixty percent of the additional people came from incorporated Marion. The data, which were estimated by the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research, are largely used to determine the county’s proportion of state-shared income. Call or email Bill Thompson at 867-4117 or [email protected] for further information.
Septic Tank Pump Out Program
The Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Board ruled at its meeting on June 16, 2008 that Suffolk required to execute the septic tank pump out rules in order to be found in compliance with the requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Act. It is required by the Bay Act, which is a mandatory Virginia Code that all private septic systems located within the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) must have their tanks flushed out or their systems checked at least once every five years by a sewage hauler who has been certified by the Virginia Department of Health.
State Water Control Board and Department of Environmental Quality are now in charge of enforcing and monitoring these regulations, as mandated by the State Water Quality Improvement Act of 1997 (Section 10.1-2117) and the State Administrative Code Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Management Regulations (9VAC25-830).
City of Suffolk Septic Program
Because of requirements set out by the Chesapeake Bay Act, the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area has been separated by the City of Suffolk into five zones, each of which is obliged to treat its septic systems on a rolling five-year cycle. In 2014, the City concluded its first five-year cycle of operations. Homeowners in each zone are notified by letter at the beginning of a City fiscal year (on July 1st) and have until the end of the fiscal year (on June 30th of the following year) to comply with the requirements.
Owners of property who have been recognized as being within the City’s scheduled plan to be supplied by sanitary sewer within the next 5 years will not receive a notice letter in this regard.
The Ins and Outs of Septic Systems in Pennsylvania
Septic systems on private land are used by approximately 26% of Pennsylvania houses for the treatment of domestic sewage. The majority of these residences also have their own private well for drinking water. If you have a septic system, be sure to operate it properly! If you understand how your system operates and how to maintain it, you will be able to do the following:
- Safeguard your drinking water supply and your health
- Maintain the longevity of your system—and prevent spending thousands of dollars on a new system
- Protect the value of your home
- And contribute to the protection of Pennsylvania’s groundwater, streams, rivers, and lakes.
Because of Pennsylvania’s geology, soils, land development patterns, and outdated septic systems, there is a danger that poor septic systems may contaminate our groundwater and surface waters—our streams, rivers, and lakes—as well as our groundwater and surface waters Surface waters that have been polluted with viruses and bacteria from sewage pose a greater risk of swimmers being ill with eye and ear infections, acute gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and other infectious disorders.
It is possible that groundwater contamination will poison your own and others’ drinking water supplies, resulting in the transmission of illness to humans and animals.
In 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection stated that septic system failure was responsible for 202 impaired stream miles and 3,192 damaged lake acres in the state.
Septic system maintenance should be performed in accordance with industry standards to preserve your health, your money, and Pennsylvania’s waterways.
Who Has Oversight of Your Septic System?
In Pennsylvania, local governments (for example, boroughs and townships) are responsible for ensuring that private septic systems with a capacity of 10,000 gallons or less comply with Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations. In the event that you have any queries regarding an existing septic system on your land, or about the construction of a new system on your property, you should contact your local government office first. Many towns have a Sewage Enforcement Officer who ensures that all septic systems are correctly sited, permitted, and inspected throughout their installation to verify that they follow all regulations.
Soil Is Your Best Friend: How Your Septic System Operates
Not only does your household transmit human waste into your septic system, but it also sends all other liquid wastes into it, including bath water, kitchen and bathroom sink water, laundry water, and water softener backwash. Consequently, here’s what occurs underground when you flush the toilet, wash your clothes, use the sink or bath: The heavier solid stuff descends to the bottom of the septic tank, where microorganisms feed on the waste and break it down as a result of their activity. Fatty oils and greases that are lighter in weight float to the top of the tank, where they congeal to create a scum that may ultimately break down or be skimmed off during system maintenance.
- Disease-causing bacteria and viruses are present in the wastewater as it exits the tank, in addition to other impurities.
- Sewage travels through a pipe to a drainfield, which is a bed of gravel or other material used to collect the waste.
- Therefore, soil is the most significant component of a septic system because of its filtering abilities and the bacteria that it contains!
- Several factors influence the sort of septic system that may be installed, including the soil depth to bedrock or groundwater, how fast or slowly water travels through soil, and soil type and texture, to mention a few.
Keep Things Moving Underground
It is believed that the typical lifespan of a septic system is between 15 and 40 years, although it may live much longer if it is properly maintained. Maintaining your septic system is similar to changing the oil in your automobile. It is a low-cost investment compared to the high cost of constructing a new system, which may cost up to $15,000 and more. Don’t overburden the commode with your thoughts when you’re at the sink.
Take into consideration what you flush down the toilet and down the sink. Reduce the amount of time you use your garbage disposal. It is best to avoid utilizing common household objects that might clog your system or kill the bacteria underground that are necessary for wastewater treatment.
- D diapers, baby wipes (including those labeled as “flushable”), cat litter, cigarettes, coffee grounds, fats and grease, solids (including feminine hygiene items), and prophylactic devices are all examples of “system cloggers.” “TreatmentKillers” include household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, paint, and excessive concentrations of anti-bacterial soaps and detergents, among other things.
Don’t put too much pressure on your drain. The less water that you use, the less work your septic system needs to do to keep up with you. Use water-based appliances in small batches, install high-efficiency plumbing fittings, and address any leaks that may exist in your house. Protect your playing field. Keep anything that weighs more than your lawnmower away from your drainage field. Rain and surface water should be diverted away from it. Root clogging in the drainfield might cause the system to fail, therefore avoid planting trees or shrubs in close proximity to the drainfield.
- It should be safeguarded and regularly inspected.
- According to Pennsylvania laws, this should be done whenever the tank is more than one-third full of solids or scum.
- Inspections and pumps may be required under the terms of your local sewage management program, which may be more strict.
- It is important to be aware of the following warning signals of a failing septic system:
- Backing up or bubbling of wastewater into residential drains
- There is an unpleasant smell, or there is some black sludge surrounding the septic tank or drainfield. In the vicinity of your drainfield, you may notice bright green vegetation or spongy conditions.
If your sewage system is not operating properly, contact your local Sewage Enforcement Officer right away. It is important to respond quickly since the less pollution that occurs, as well as the lower the expense of repair work, the better. Your septic system will serve your house and contribute to the protection of Pennsylvania’s waterways for many years to come if it is operated and maintained properly. Do your part and learn about septic systems!
Advisory Legal Opinion – Sewers-mandatory connection sewerage system
AGO 2000-71 is the reference number. Date: Thursday, December 14, 2000 System of sewers that must be connected is the subject of this article. The Nassau County Attorney, Mr. Michael S. Mullin, Post Office Box 1010, Fernandina Beach, Florida, 32035-1010RE:COUNTIES-SEWER SYSTEMS-residential owners whose property is served by an on-site septic system are required to connect with an investor-owned sewerage system after receiving written notification of the system’s availability. Florida Statutes s.
Mullin: You are posing the following question on behalf of the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners, which is basically similar to the following: The question is whether Section 381.00655 of the Florida Statutes requires that residential property owners whose properties are currently served by an onsite septic system connect to an investor-owned wastewater treatment system, and whether costs associated with such a sewerage line can be assessed to the property owners who do not connect to the system.
In a nutshell: According to Florida Statutes, Section 381.00655, requires residential property owners whose property is served by an onsite septic system to connect with an investor-owned sewerage system after receiving written notification from the owner of the investor-owned sewerage system indicating that the system is ready for connection.
According to Florida Statutes § 381.00655, which was adopted by the Legislature, all property owners who currently have onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems are required to link to accessible central sewerage systems.
In accordance with the statute: “Within 365 days of receiving written notification from the owner of an available publicly owned or investor-owned sewerage system that the system is ready for connection, the owner of an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system.must connect the system or the building’s plumbing to a publicly owned or investor-owned sewerage system that is properly functioning.
The owner of the onsite sewage treatment and disposal system must be notified of the availability of the central sewerage system by the publicly owned or investor-owned sewerage system, whichever is the case.
.” (e.s.) It is the owner’s responsibility to connect to an available publicly owned or investor-owned sewerage system within 90 days after receiving written notification from the department if an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system needs to be repaired in order to function or to comply with the requirements of sections 381.0065-381.0067, Florida Statutes, or rules adopted thereunder.
- There are several cases in which the need for an obligatory sewer hookup may be waived, and the legislation acknowledges that this is possible.
- Although the Department of Health must approve any waiver of the required connection restrictions of Section 381.00655 of the Florida Statutes, it is the publicly operated or investor-owned system that determines whether the provisions of Section 381.00655 can be waived.
- In accordance with Florida Statutes Section 381.00655(1)(a), a property owner has the option of prepaying the amortized value of needed connection charges in equal monthly payments for a period of not more than 2 years following receipt of the initial notification of expected availability.
- Despite the fact that the Act mandates sewage hookup and makes provision for the payment of hookup costs, there are no statutorily mandated consequences for failing to connect to the system within the specified time period under consideration.
Such charges may be collected or enforced in accordance with relevant tariffs, rules and regulations of the sewage system, or in any other manner authorized by applicable law or regulation.” There are no such provisions in the Senate Bill that was approved as Chapter 93-151, Laws of Florida, which created Section 381.00655, Florida Statutes, and became effective.
Although this office has indicated that a county or a municipality may take local legislative action allowing for the implementation of Section 381.00655 of Florida Statutes under home rule authorities, this office has declared that this is not the case.
Further under Florida Statutes Section 381.0065(5)(b)1, the Department of Health may issue citations containing an order of correction or a fine, either alone or in combination, for violations of sections 381.0065-381.0067 or the rules adopted by the department when a violation of these sections or rules is enforceable through an administrative or civil remedy, or when a violation of these sections or rules is a misdemeanor of the second degree.
- In Florida, a citation issued according to Sections 381.0065-381.0067 of Chapter 386, Part I, or Part III, of Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, is a notice of intended administrative action.
- Sincerely, Robert A.
- The Florida Statutes (Fla.
- 10, Ch.
- In addition to package sewage treatment facilities and other treatment works controlled by Chapter 403, this term does not encompass other treatment works.
- Section 2 of House Bill 2133 from the 1993 legislative session.
- Atty Gen Fla.
- Op.
- Rule 64E-6.022(1)(p), Fla.Admin.C., which establishes disciplinary guidelines for the installation, modification, or repair of an on-site sewage treatment and disposal system in violation of the standards of section 381.0065 or section 381.00655, Fla.
Stat., or chapter 64E-6, Fla.Admin.C.: First violation: $500 per specific standard violated; repeat violation: 90-day suspension or revocation
Septic System Ordinances
Septic inspection and pumping are required at the point of sale (POS) or at the time of sale/transfer (TOST). Michigan is the only state that does not have a statewide sanitary code, which means that requirements are imposed by individual counties or townships. According to Michigan’s public health code, municipal health departments are in responsibility of drafting and enforcing regulations governing water wells and sewage treatment facilities. The adoption of Time of Sale/Transfer (TOST) septic regulations is becoming more common in local municipalities across the state (also called Point of Sale, or POS).
Such inspections are intended to detect well and septic systems that are no longer operating as intended (or that were installed in violation of the code), and to take corrective action if necessary.
Nevertheless, if it is discovered that a system is deteriorating, it will be necessary to fix or replace it.
Additional References
| Organization | County | Resource Description | Resource Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council | Charlevoix County | Article: “The Septic Question” | Click here |
Additional Ordinance Examples
| Municipality | County | Resource Description | Resource Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milton Township | Antrim County | Septic Inspection and Property Transfer Ordinance | Click here |
| Barry County | Barry County | Sanitary Code | Click here |
| Benzie County | Benzie County | Sewage and Well Evaluation Form | Click here |
| Eaton County | Eaton County | Sanitary Code | Click here |
| Long Lake Township | Grand Traverse County | Ordinance 107: Inspection of on Site Sewage Disposal Systems | Click here |
| Kalkaska County | Kalkaska County | Sanitary Code Chapter 5: Wastewater and Sewage Disposal | Click here |
| Village of Empire | Leelanau County | Ordinance 135: Septic Inspection at Time of Sale | Click here |
| Manistee County | Manistee | Sanitary Code Chapter 5: Wastewater and Sewage Disposal | Click here |
| Springfield Township | Oakland County | Section 40-639 (b): Lots abutting waterbodies- septic tankminimum setback regulation | Click here |
| Shiawassee County | Shiawassee County | Click here | |
| Washenaw County | Washtenaw County | Time of Sale Inspection Requirements Program | Click here |
What to expect at a well and septic inspection
In the United States, more than one in every five houses is reliant on some form of septic system, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is common for potential buyers to be concerned when they learn that a house has a well and septic system, because these systems are expensive to fix or replace. You may, however, protect yourself by ensuring that you have a professional inspection performed; but, what exactly does it entail? In locations where there is no access to centralized sewer systems, a septic system is a type of underground wastewater treatment system that is prevalent.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 15 million houses rely on private wells for drinking water.
In fact, in certain counties, an inspection is necessary before a building permit may be issued.
These regulations are not in effect in other counties like as Clinton and Jackson, according to the report.
When it comes to a real estate transaction, it is in everyone’s best interest to complete the deal as quickly and efficiently feasible.
What is the significance of an inspection?
Foote estimates that a reasonable replacement well will cost between $6,000 and $6,500, while a new drain field for a septic system will cost between $7,500 and $25,000, depending on the situation.
Their inspection will include checking the well to ensure it is properly constructed and compliant, as well as conducting water tests for bacteria, nitrate, and arsenic in accordance with local regulations.
The contractor will also create a thorough map of the property indicating the position of the well, as well as the placement of the septic tank, the tank lid, and the drainfield.
What is the age of the building?
When the report is submitted to the county, the health department evaluates it and determines whether or not the system should be authorized or disapproved.
According to Foote, the cost of a well and septic check normally ranges between $600-$700, which includes the inspection procedure as well as laboratory expenses.
Repairs, if any, can be quite expensive, and while the burden for repairs is normally on the seller’s shoulders, everything is contingent on the outcome of the discussions.
Do your homework and ask around for suggestions to find a qualified specialist.
Visit the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® website for a list of local agents and inspectors. You may find the website at.
