Michigan How To Remove Septic Tank? (Question)

• After spending a few minutes breaking up the sludge and mixing it with effluent, the contractor sticks a large vacuum tube down into the tank. Using the muckrake and the vacuum simultaneously, the contractor continues breaking up sludge and removing it through the tube until the tank is sufficiently empty.

Do you have to have a septic tank in Michigan?

Michigan is the only state without a statewide sanitary code … meaning it is left up to counties or townships to set standards. Time of Sale/Transfer ordinances which require local inspection of well and septic systems prior to the sale of a property.

Is it legal to install your own septic system in Michigan?

Homeowners are allowed to install their own septic system. All others must be licensed by District Health Department #10. District Health Department #10 recommends to pump your septic tank every 3 to 4 years.

How long do septic tanks last in Michigan?

Age of the System It’s pretty common for a septic system to last 40 years or longer, which means if you buy a new home, you might never need to replace it.

Are plastic septic tanks legal in Michigan?

Michigan Septic Tanks Save up to 50% on plastic septic tanks. These septic tanks are state approved for use in the state of Michigan.

How deep is a septic field in Michigan?

A typical septic drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36″; or per the USDA, 2 feet to 5 feet in depth.

How much is a septic system in Michigan?

The average septic system cost ranges between $10,000 – $25,000. This includes everything from the average price of the tank (which is often thousands of gallons) to the cost of labor to install it.

How many septic systems are in Michigan?

The regulations already in place The scale of the issue is large. Michigan has between 1.3 and 1.4 million onsite septic systems and 35 percent of its residents rely on septic systems, according to EGLE. And though Michigan does not have a statewide code, there are local ordinances that relate to septic systems.

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.

Do I need to replace my septic tank?

Under the new Environment Agency General Binding Rules, If you have a septic tank that discharges directly to a surface water (ditch, stream, river, etc.) you must replace or upgrade your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant as soon as possible, or when you sell your property.

How long does a drain field last in Michigan?

A well-maintained system, with its tank pumped every three years or so, whose users are very disciplined about what flows into it, can have a drainage field that lasts and continues to work effectively for about 20 years.

Are outhouses legal in Michigan?

Sec. 12771. (1) A person shall not maintain, or permit to be maintained, on premises owned or controlled by the person an outhouse unless the outhouse is kept in a sanitary condition, and constructed and maintained in a manner which will not injure or endanger the public health.

Do I have to replace my septic tank by 2020?

Under the new rules, if you have a specific septic tank that discharges to surface water (river, stream, ditch, etc.) 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.

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 do you know if your septic system is failing?

The first signs of a failing septic system may include slow draining toilets and sinks, gurgling noises within the plumbing, sewage odors inside, continuing drainage backups, or bacteria in the well water. The area of the strongest odor will point to the location of the failure in the septic system.

State License Search – Septic Tank Waste Removal, Transport and Land Application Licenses

According to Part 117 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act of 1994 PA 451, as amended, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is responsible for giving licenses and permits to individuals and businesses in Michigan. A primary goal of this Part is to regulate the disposal of septagewaste by licensing those individuals who are engaged in the servicing of portable toilets, septic tanks, seepage pits, cesspools, sewage lift stations, or other regulated enclosures; licensing their vehicles; and issuing permits authorizing the land application of septagewaste to agricultural land.

Part 117 also regulates the inspection of vehicles used to convey septage waste and land application sites, as well as the inspection of other vehicles.

NAME OF PERMIT OR APPROVAL: Authorization for Land Application ofSeptageWasteLicense to Remove and Transport Septic Tank WasteAuthorization for Land Application ofSeptageWasteLicense to Remove and Transport Septic Tank Waste The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Public Act 451 of 1994, as amended, grants authority under Part 117 of the SeptageWaste and Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

C.

D.SUMMARY OF THE PERMIT/APPROVAL PROCESS: PERMITS AND APPROVALS

1.Applicability (activities that require the permit)

• Individuals or businesses involved in the business of maintaining portable toilets, septic tanks, seepage pits, or cesspools, or who own or operate vehicles that transport waste from these enclosures

• Any site that has been utilized for the terrestrial application of septage wastes
• And

• Any location where septage wastes are applied to the ground

2.Pre-Application Requirements

• All personnel engaged in the service of portable toilets, septic tanks, seepage pits, cesspools, sewage lift stations, or other regulated enclosures, as well as the vehicles used to transfer waste from these enclosures, are needed to be properly licensed.

• Licenses are valid for five years from the date of issuance
• However, they are not renewable.

• Each licensed company is required to pay an annual fee in order to keep their licenses.

• The Department requires that all wastes collected from any portable toilet, septic tank, seepage pit, or cesspool be disposed of in a publicly owned wastewater treatment facility or other Department-authorized receiving station, provided that such a facility is available to receive the waste and is located within 15 road miles of where the waste is collected.

• Septagewaste may be disposed of by land application to designated locations, which must be approved by either a municipal health agency or the MEQ. The EGLE grants permits for the usage of these sites.

• Licensed persons are required to have on hand at their place of business at all times a detailed record of the amount of septic waste that they have carried and disposed of, as well as the site where any septic waste disposal has taken place.

• A new business license as well as a car license application can be obtained upon request.

• License reissue applications are distributed to firms around 60 days ahead to the end of their existing licensing agreement.

3.Application Submission Requirements

The MEQ must be notified of the application for license through the use of form EQP 5836, which needs the following information:

• Name and mailing address of the applicant
• Name and mailing address of the applicant’s business
• Vehicles to be utilized for carrying septage trash are described in detail.

Signatures of superintendents from all wastewater treatment facilities that are available to take septagewaste collected by the hauler are required on the document (in the areas where the licensed hauler collectsseptagewaste). All expenses that may be incurred If the applicant plans to dispose of septagewaste on land, he or she must additionally complete form EQP 5837 (Authorization for Land Application of SeptageWaste) as well. The following information is required on the EQP 5837 form:

• Business name and postal address
• Property description
• Landowner agreement
• Information on the disposal site
• And other pertinent information.

4.Procedures and Time-Frame for Obtaining Permit or Approval

• The applicant completes and submits the application form with all of the relevant information (EQP 5836 and EQP 5837). To apply for a license or permit, all septagewaste forms are available on the program’s website, and they should be utilized only while doing so.

• The applicant will be contacted by the local health department or the EGLE to schedule an examination of the vehicle(s) and the property location to see if all of the requirements of Part 117 have been satisfied

• To dispose of waste through land application, the applicant must submit form EQP 5837, which is available on the Department of Environmental Quality website. All applications for the septagewaste program are forwarded to EGLE for consideration. If the application is considered to be complete, EGLE contacts the local health department if the department has a contract with EGLE for the purpose of implementing the provisions of Part 117 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The EGLESeptageProgram has contracted with the health department to conduct program inspections and provide suggestions to the program. The EGLE takes these recommendations into account and is ultimately responsible for determining whether or not to issue the licenses or land application permits in question. The applicant must submit the completed application form, as well as a plat map, a soil survey map, and an Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service map to the DWEHD, EGLE, if the site is in a county where the local health department does not participate in the program’s administration. Each map must provide a clear outline of the planned location, which is required by law. The staff of the administering agency examines the material available to decide whether or not the proposed location satisfies the standards of the legislation in order to be approved. Applicants’ business licenses are valid for a maximum of five years, and approvals must be renewed at the time of license expiration in order to continue using the facility.

• The application shall simultaneously send a notice of application to the certified health department with jurisdiction, the clerk of the city, village, or township where the site is located, each person who owns a lot, parcel, or tract on which the proposed site is located or that would be contiguous except for the presence of a highway, road, or street, and the person to contact if there is an objection to the proposal.

• The applicant obtains signatures from all superintendents of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants (in the areas where the business collects septagewaste) and from the owners of private septagewaste receiving facilities (SWRFs) that accept septagewaste for treatment before proceeding with the application. In order to take septage waste for treatment, only EGLE authorized facilities can do so, and each facility has a different service area that can stretch as far as 15 radial miles from the center of the facility (this can extend as far out as 25 radial miles beginning FY 2010). Waste generated within the service area of an EGLE-authorized SWRF must be transported to that facility or another EGLE-authorized SWRF where it will undergo treatment. Septage and waste receiving facility operating plans are available on the program’s website, which may be accessed by selecting ‘ApprovedSeptageWaste Receiving Facility Operating Plans.’ In addition, the licensedseptagefirm should be aware that the county ordinance controlling septagewaste pumping and disposal may be more restricted than the state regulation.

• A completed application form and costs are sent to EGLE and DWEHD by the applicant.

• The application form(s) are reviewed by EGLE employees to ensure that they are complete and that the required payments have been submitted.

• EGLEstaff will return any form(s) that are not completed or that are not submitted with the required fees to the business, along with a note describing the problem. To remedy the situation, the applicant is urged to rectify it.

• If the application is considered to be complete, EGLE contacts the local health department if the department has a contract with EGLE for the purpose of implementing the provisions of Part 117 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The EGLESeptageProgram has contracted with the health department to conduct program inspections and provide suggestions to the program. EGLE takes these recommendations into account and is ultimately responsible for determining whether or not to issue licenses or land application permits.

• Employees of the EGLE give suitable licenses and car decals to applicants once it has been established by staff that all of the relevant information has been supplied, fees have been paid, and there is no other reason why a license should not be issued.

• Expect a wait of up to six weeks for individuals in the newsprint industry, as well as those requiring a license for new cars and land application sites.

5.Operational Requirements

Every part of Part 117 that applies to the licensee as well as any requirements contained in either the license or the land application permission must be followed to the letter.

6.Fees

• The owner of thisptagewaste company is needed to pay a yearly fee in order to keep his/her license active. It is customary for invoices to be sent during the second week of January of a given year.

• The cost of a vehicle license is $480 per car if the septagewaste business disposes of septage on land, and $350 per vehicle otherwise.

• Sites for new construction are priced at $500 per site. This is a one-time payment
• There will be no more payments.

• When a recognized health department performs functions under Part 117, it has the authority to charge a fee to pay the costs of carrying out such functions.

7.Appeal Process

• Administrative Procedures Act, 1969 Pennsylvania Act 306, as modified

• A new application has been filed for a contested case hearing and Judicial Review.

• The hearing on Roger’s license, the hearing on a contested matter, and the Judicial Review are all ongoing.

8.Public Input Opportunities

It is the EGLESeptageProgram Coordinator in the DWEHD who is in charge of making decisions in this process. Complaints or comments against a hauler may be made with the EGLE at any time without penalty. When a hauler submits an application for renewal or for the first time, the complaints are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the decision-making process. Furthermore, a notice of application must be sent simultaneously to the certified health department with jurisdiction, the clerk of the city, village, or township where the site is located, each person who owns a lot, parcel, or tract on which the proposed site is located or that would be contiguous except for the presence of a highway, road, or street, and the person who should be contacted if an objection to the proposal is raised.

The EGLE program website has a list of active land application locations, which may be accessed by clicking here.

ADMINISTRATORY AGENCY: Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, P.O.

Box 30273, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7773, Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, P

.O. Box 30273, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7773, Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, P

• Michigan’s Environmental Assistance Center can be reached at (800) 662-9278 or by email at [email protected].

Date of creation and revision: 12/2019

SWMPC

Frequently Asked Questions are included below. Why Should I Be Concerned About the Upkeep of My Septic System? To hear a radio advertisement on septic systems, press play. This advertisement was broadcast on 97.5 FM! To view a video on septic systems, please click here! A special thanks to Two Rivers Coalition for making this video available. A septic system will fail if it is not maintained on a regular basis. (It is the homeowners’ obligation to keep the system in good working order!) Protect your drinking water as well as the surrounding environment.

1. coli), and other contaminants.) Save money while while protecting your financial investment in your property.
2. How Can I Ensure That My System Is Properly Maintained?
3. Reduce the amount of water you use in your house.
4. The use of expensive chemicals is not required, and they do not completely eliminate the necessity for pumping!
5. ·Yes!
6. (For a list of licensed septic pumpers in Berrien County, please see this link.) Search the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s List of Licensed Pumpers by county!
7. Every three years, you should get your septic system examined.

Maintain a thorough record of all repairs.

Water sources such as roof drains, foundation footing drains, and sump pumps should be diverted away from the septic system.

toxic gases in the tank can kill in minutes if not treated immediately.

Anything other than grass should be planted over or near the drain-field.

Make or enable repairs to take place without first getting the necessary health department approval.

Various Financial Assistance Programs are available.

To access the SWCAA’s website, please click here.

The Septic System: A Guide for Homeowners A Guide for Homeowners Regarding Septic Systems To see a presentation about septic systems from the Berrien County Health Department, please click here!

Contact the Berrien County Health Department at (269) 927-5623 or visit their website for more information.

How to Properly Care for Your Septic System, according to the Environmental Protection Agency MSU Extension provides septic system education. Video from Michigan State University about septic systems: “Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind” This page was last modified on September 17, 2019.

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

Septic System Basics

For homeowners who live in locations where public sewer is not accessible, they must establish septic systems (also known as sewage systems) on their property, which will treat any wastewater that comes from their home. Septic systems must be linked to all facilities that create sewage, including but not limited to: toilets, sinks, bathtubs, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, and any other device that generates sewage. It is not recommended that footing drains, roof drains, storm water pipelines, or water softening waste be connected to septic systems.

Additionally, effluent from water softeners should not be discharged near wells or surface water.

A significant difference between septic systems and municipal sewers is that they often have a limited life expectancy, which may be substantially decreased if the system is misused or neglected.

Aging, failing septic systems polluting Michigan waters, harming public health

A home inspector’s finding of an odd pipe design during a normal house inspection at a property closing earlier this summer forced Susan Daly to conduct an assessment of the home’s septic system, which she later learned was faulty. According to Daly, “it was only by chance that we ever had it checked.” Oakland County health inspectors, like those in most other parts of Michigan, normally only assess septic systems when they are first installed; there is no duty to check on their operation when a property is sold or transferred.

Eventually, the house inspector discovered a simple pipe stretching from the cottage out the side of the hill, which had been leaking raw sewage into the surrounding countryside for an unknown amount of time, according to Daly.

“I had no idea they still had that type of activity going on in the area.

I don’t believe that the proprietor was aware of it.” Daly, who is temporarily residing with her brother, said the sale of her new house has been halted since it does not appear that the owner would be repairing the problem promptly – a job that is expected to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In Michigan, there are an estimated 1.4 million septic systems, which are independent waste disposal systems for houses or businesses that are not linked to a municipal sewage line, still in use.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that approximately 10% of Michigan’s septic systems are failing, allowing bacterial pathogen and unwanted chemicals to enter groundwater and surface water — resulting in the release of 31 million gallons of raw sewage per day into groundwater and surface water in Michigan.

1. There have been several scientific studies that link the existence of surrounding septic systems to an increase in the number of instances of diarrhea in children as well as to local norovirus outbreaks.
2. It was discovered in all 64 rivers investigated in the Lower Peninsula, with greater amounts in locations with a higher density of septic systems, according to a research published in 2015 by the Michigan State University Center for Environmental Health.
3. coli, a potentially harmful bacteria that has been linked to beach closures in the past.
4. Michigan, on the other hand, is the only state in the United States that does not have standard, statewide septic system regulation.

In most cases, after a system has been constructed and the initial permitting and inspection by the health department has taken place, there is nothing that would necessitate a revisit to see how they are doing, according to Regina Young, an environmental quality analyst with the EGLE division in charge of monitoring onsite wastewater.

• The Environmental Group for Land Environmental (EGLE) reports that just ten out of 43 county or regional health agencies in Michigan have mandates that septic systems be assessed for adequate operation at the time of a property sale or transfer.
• As part of a $500 million water infrastructure project, Gov.
• But the idea has not been accepted by the state’s legislative body.
• “Septic systems are a chronic problem that Michigan has failed to address statewide,” he said.

Ideally, it should be able to be used for both drinking water and as a trash disposal container at the same time. We don’t allow people to simply dump their trash into streams, but that’s essentially what’s happening with septic systems, although in slow motion.”

A failure to maintain and inspect

A well functioning septic system integrates science, technology, and nature to safeguard groundwater and surface water. Traditional septic systems, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, have all of the water from a residence running into one main drainage pipe that feeds to a septic tank that is normally underground. The tank is designed to store wastewater for an extended period of time, allowing particles to sink to the bottom and create sludge, while oil and grease float to the top and produce scum.

1. A drain field is a shallow, covered trench with a network of pipes where liquid wastewater, or effluent, is discharged after it has been treated.
2. This allows for pockets of air to be created and helps eliminate unwanted coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients from the water.
3. With proper maintenance, including tank pumping every three to four years, and users who are extremely conscientious about what goes into the system, a drainage field that lasts and continues to function successfully for around 20 to 30 years can be achieved by using a well-maintained system.
4. In addition, system maintenance is frequently poor.
5. “There are a lot of things that are a little shaky that start breaking more quickly when everyone is at home and utilizing it,” he explained.
6. Despite the fact that septic system inspections are not required in most regions of Michigan when a property is sold, many people choose to have them done at a cost that may run into the thousands of dollars.
7. “Quite often, the Realtors and the property owners will be present, and we will dig down until we reach the drain field, and it will be black and muck — it will be sewage,” he explained.
8. According to Wellman, a rebuilt septic drain field may cost anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000, with specialized system requirements potentially driving the cost up to more than $20,000 or more.
9. It’s for this reason, in part, that people search for a statewide program: “to try to locate some more resources for such sorts of circumstances,” says the expert.
10. The particular system owner must be in a “teachable moment,” which she defined as a serious, apparent problem, “very frequently” in order to be engaged, she explained.
11. In Charlotte, Brandon Eldridge, the business manager of Ball Septic Inc., stated that he sees many inadequately managed septic systems on a regular basis.

According to him, “it isn’t simply folks who are relocating from the city to the country.” “These old agricultural mindsets like, ‘If something is working, don’t interfere with it,’ come into play. A drain field is not the type of place where you want to have that kind of mentality.”

A widespread impact on health

Some residents in central Wisconsin were concerned that rules for pumping holding tank septic systems were not being followed, and that this could have negative consequences for the environment and public health. Holding tank septic systems are those that, for a variety of reasons, do not or cannot have a drain field, but instead require regular pumping to empty the holding tank. After a while, their concerns were brought to the attention of Mark Borchardt, a research microbiologist with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

• And I couldn’t discover any scientific literature – there just wasn’t anything out there that I could find “he explained.
• According to a peer-reviewed research published in 2003, after controlling for other relevant causes, the density of holding tank systems in the area was responsible for around 20% of viral diarrhea cases among local children and 19% of bacterial diarrhea cases.
• For every extra holding tank on a 40-acre parcel, the incidence of infant sickness caused by bacteria increased by 22 percent, the study found.
• Borchardt’s study has also shown a link between faulty septic systems and outbreaks of sickness.
• The source of the problem was determined to be the restaurant’s plentiful supply of drinking water, where anorovirus was discovered, a highly infectious virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting and is frequently transmitted through food and water.
• Tests using dyes injected at two places in the septic system revealed that effluent was moving from the septic tanks to the restaurant’s water well field due to a leaking fitting, which was discovered during the investigation.
• Borchardt found a relationship between the number of septic systems in the vicinity of a well and the possibility of well users having human fecal germs in their wells in a separate investigation.
• It raises difficult concerns that policymakers, as well as the general public, must consider.
• People are prepared to tolerate what quantities of human waste byproducts are present in their drinking water if they are not beyond regulation limits to safeguard public health.

According to Borchardt, “I share my findings with the homeowners for each family that participates in our study.” Some people go out and purchase a reverse osmosis water filtering system when they receive the results.

A patchwork approach

• When inspecting malfunctioning septic tanks that may be producing water quality issues, there is one guideline that must be followed: You will find what you are looking for if you look hard enough. When it comes to inspecting septic systems, the Macomb County Health Department is one of the few in Michigan that requires inspections at the point of sale. It conducts around 1,200 system inspections every year through third-party evaluators. County health department head Andrew Cox said that on average, around 15 percent of the evaluations he has conducted have resulted in a failure. “A septic failure does not necessarily imply that a person must replace their tank or their field – just approximately half of those determined to be in failure require the system to be replaced entirely.” The requirement for septic inspections at the point of sale in Benzie County has assisted in maintaining better water quality in Crystal Lake, near Beulah, according to Ellen Herscher, a secretary with the nonprofit Crystal Lake and Watershed Association, whose family has owned a cottage on the lake since the 1940s. In the area surrounding the lake, there is a mixture of very ancient cottages with failing septic systems and bigger, modern structures, both on the lake and in ringed tiers further out from the shore. “All of the new ones must comply with current septic system regulations,” she explained. “I personally don’t care for all of these McMansions, but there is one beneficial component to it,” says the author. Among the services provided by the group are aerial drone surveys of the Crystal Lake shoreline, water testing, and the reporting of problem areas to the county health department. Residents in this area are unlikely to accept statewide septic regulation, according to Herscher, because it would likely result in a lowering of Benzie County’s requirements. According to her, “we attempt to convey the point to individuals that although you’re concerned about costs, your property values would suffer if the lake becomes polluted.” This is quite beneficial because the more we can test and the more we can truly have these data to illustrate what is going on, the more it will be beneficial. Herscher believes that septic education is essential on northern lakes such as Crystal Lake, where many people come from metropolitan areas downstate and abroad, among other things. According to her, “these folks are from the city.” ‘I had no idea what I was doing with a septic system – I just flushed the toilet and it operated exactly the same as it did when I lived in Midland.’ Other areas, on the other hand, are less supportive of point-of-sale septic inspections, concerned about the expenses they can impose on property owners in comparison to the benefits they can provide. In 2018, the counties of Barry and Eaton withdrew their obligation for point-of-sale inspections. Mr. Geiger, a Republican who served as chairman of the Barry County Board of Commissioners as well as the Barry-Eaton board of health at the time, said the policy was “extremely difficult to enforce,” as well as “extremely difficult for policymakers to get through scientific evidence and defend the policy.” According to him, the disparity in obligations placed on property owners as a result of the legislation was a source of concern and was difficult to explain. The group, according to Geiger, “didn’t have any sanitation specialists.” The difficulty arises when someone says, “I’m being asked to put in a $20,000 drain field when I could put one in for $5,000 across the street,” and it’s tough to describe why that is good science. Even though I believed it was a worthy undertaking, we were eventually left on our own to figure things out. If this were a legislative issue, our environment would extend beyond the boundaries of our counties. This was something that we believed — on all sides of the issue — was something that Lansing needed to take care of.” According to Cox, funding is a major concern in this area. As a state, “we must seriously consider proactive financing options to assist homeowners — particularly the elderly, who are on fixed incomes and who recognize that they have a problem but cannot afford to remedy it,” he added. Some locations have already had progress as a result of limited money to address the issues. The Ottawa County Conservation District in west Michigan was discovering alarming E. coli percentages in several of its watersheds, and they tracked the problem back to faulty sewage treatment plants. The district implemented a system that reimburses homes for up to 75 percent of the cost of repairing or replacing septic systems, using federal money made available under the Clean Water Act and controlled by the state. Since 2016, the initiative has resulted in the refurbishment or replacement of approximately 60 septic systems that were either failing or on the verge of failing. A watershed technician with the district, Benjamin Jordan, explained that “we’re discovering a few of locations where water quality has certainly improved.” The district is perpetually playing catch-up with the rest of the world. He claims that for every five septic systems that are rebuilt, another five or six fail in the same watershed. In the 25 years that Jordan has worked at the hospital, he has heard individuals say things like, “I’ve never had my system pumped out.” According to the report, “We’re also discovering that some folks have what’s basically called cheater pipes, which are pipes that were linked from their tank to a neighboring stream or into a nearby agricultural field because someone’s sewer system or drain field was not operating properly.” Climate change, which has been exacerbated by human activity, demonstrates that “it’s challenging for people to pay attention to slow-motion calamities,” according to Dempsey. That holds true for Michigan’s groundwater and the issues it confronts, such as failing septic systems, according to Mr. Johnson. “What’s aggravating is that, despite the passage of time, we continue to operate under an out-of-sight, out-of-mind philosophy,” he remarked. In order to catch people’s attention, it has to be visible and terrible at the same time. For further information, contact Keith Matheny at 313-222-5021 or [email protected].

Aging septic systems fouling Michigan waters

According to experts, hundreds of thousands of septic systems in Michigan are likely to be worn out, failed, or failing. Furthermore, according to study, they are poisoning rivers throughout the state. In Michigan, there are an estimated 1.4 million septic systems, which are independent waste disposal systems for houses or businesses that are not linked to a municipal sewage line, still in use. More than 21 million households in the United States still make use of them. In Michigan, which is the only state in the United States that does not regulate septic systems on a statewide level, septic systems discharge a total of 280 million gallons of effluent every day into the environment.

• coli linked to people could be discovered in all 64 rivers tested in the Lower Peninsula, with greater amounts reported in locations with more septic systems.
• coli, a potentially harmful bacteria that has been linked to beach closures in the past.
• More on the environment in this week’s news: The absence of statewide regulations further complicates the situation.
• Septic systems must be evaluated when a property is sold in at least 11 counties in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
• “The sanitary code addresses issues such as site selection, design, and installation standards,” she explained.

Consider all of the rural, lakefront homes and cottages in the Up North, either directly on or near a lake or river, or above groundwater that is very closely tied to nearby surface water, with septic systems that are 50 years or older and that are rarely, if ever, maintained, according to Thommasey.

” The waterways will begin to exhibit indications of stress if this is allowed to continue for another 10 or 15 years, according to the experts.

onsite wastewater program at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Cotton added that in the past, people who had houses or businesses on septic systems didn’t give much thought to how long they would last.

However, because of the high expense of connecting to a public sewer system – $60,000 or more per property — as well as financial constraints in local governments, Cotton believes “the sewer will not be coming.” In his words, “Onsite septic systems are no longer regarded a transitory solution; they are long-term components of our infrastructure requirements.” They require long-term upkeep, keeping this in mind.” Problems that might arise As technology advances, it is becoming possible to extend the life of a septic system.

For example, diverter valves may be installed to divert septic wastewater to a new drain field while the old field “rests” and rejuvenates, according to Laura Pobanz, Macomb County environmental health supervisor.

To this end, Tip of the Mitt is collaborating with local residents and government officials to assess the scope of potential problems associated with failing septic systems, determine what is working in other areas, and consider alternatives such as mandatory septic tank pumping or system inspections.

In addition to the fact that a new septic system will cost between $5,000 and $20,000, there are other more considerations to take into account.

She said that the idea is to strive toward something nice and useful rather than something punishing or difficult.

According to Thomassey, “we believe it is simply the cost of owning a home – it is the same as having a decent roof.” If you want to get in touch with Keith Matheny, call 313-222-5021 or email [email protected]. Follow Keith Matheny on Twitter at @keithmatheny. More information may be found at:

Do’s and don’ts of septic system maintenance

• Every two to three years, hire a qualified operator to pump out the septic tank at your home or business. Do:Ask the operator to confirm that the septic tank’s exit is fitted with a tee or a baffle before closing the lid. This prevents scum from drifting into the disposal field and plugging it with debris. If you suspect that you may be experiencing septic system issues, contact your local health department for assistance. The health department can provide assistance with questions regarding operation, maintenance, and design. Prepare by learning where your septic tank, drain field and well are located. This is something that your local health agency may be able to assist you with. Keep a sketch of their positions on hand, along with your maintenance records, in case service visits are required in the future. Do: Divert other types of water, such as roof drains and sump pumps, to grass areas where they will not interfere with the septic system’s operation. A saturating drain field will be unable to provide proper waste water treatment. What to Do: Take any remaining hazardous home chemicals to a hazardous waste collection location that has been certified for disposal. What to Do: Trim the grass around the dumping field. Evaporative transpiration (plant activity) is increased when grass is kept at a height of around 2-3 inches. During this process, nutrients from the disposal field are removed by the root system, while evaporation is increased. Don’t: Go down into a septic tank, or even spend an excessive amount of time looking over the open lid. Toxic gases are created by natural treatment processes, and they have the potential to kill a human in minutes. Allowing large trucks to drive over or park on a drain field is strictly prohibited. Don’t: Planting trees or bushes on a drain field is not recommended. Their roots have the potential to cause harm to septic system infrastructure. Using a hard surface such as concrete, asphalt, or a wooden deck to cover the drain field is not recommended. The only vegetation that should be present is grass. Don’t: Make any repairs to your system without first consulting your local health agency to determine whether a permit is required. Don’t: Excessively utilize a waste disposal device in the kitchen. Massive amounts of sediments are produced by heavy use, which shortens the interval between septic tank pumpings. Don’t: Add commercial septic tank additives to your system. These products are ineffective, and some may even be harmful to your system in the long term. Don’t: Treat your toilet as if it were a garbage can. Chemicals and cleaners that are harmful to the environment should not be flushed down the toilet. Coffee grinds, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, cigarette butts, paper towels, dental floss, grease, or oil should not be used in the production of biodiesel. The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project is the source of this information.

Michigan’s Aging Septic Systems

E. coli is a serious bacterial contaminant in the water supply of Michigan. When it comes to E. coli, most people think of sewage overflows and large-scale agricultural activities. But there is another big source of E. coli in our water that every state in the country but Michigan has worked hard to eliminate: leaking and failing septic tanks. In the current state of affairs, Michigan is the only state that does not require regular inspections of septic systems, and the situation is only becoming worse with time.

1. At the present time, eleven of Michigan’s 83 counties have adopted septic codes, which are managed by county health departments in each county.
2. As a result, for the first 20 to 30 years after a house is built, the septic system is not required to be examined, and is frequently not for the first 20 to 30 years after it is built.
3. It is believed that there are 11,250 failed septic systems in Kent County alone, with each system spilling nearly 1 million gallons of raw sewage into groundwater sources every day.
4. There are more than 100,000 septic systems in Oakland County, which contains more inland lakes than any other county in Michigan.
5. At the moment, Oakland County does not mandate septic system inspections, despite the fact that the county frequently has E.
6. These two counties are not the only ones experiencing recurrent difficulties with high levels of E.
7. All 64 rivers tested for E.

coli that were greater than the nationally permitted threshold.

coli.

The Michigan Legislature is well aware of the issue at hand, though.

Clean Water Action is devoted to improving septic rules at the county level and advocating for the passage of a statewide septic code in order to safeguard our drinking water and the public health.

The board is now evaluating its septic policy.

Residents of Oakland County may participate in this initiative at the county level by signing up to be a Clean Water volunteer! Every fourth Tuesday of the month, at 6:30 p.m., we host our monthly meetings. If you would like to learn more, please contact us using the form below.

Michigan has nation’s weakest regulations on septic systems

When it comes to water pollution in Michigan, E. Coli is one of the most significant bacterial contaminants. However, while E. coli is most commonly associated with combined sewer overflows and large-scale agricultural operations, there is another major source of E. coli in our water that every state in the country, with the exception of Michigan, has worked to eliminate: leaking and failing septic systems. In the current state of affairs, Michigan is the only state that does not require regular inspections of septic systems, and the situation is only becoming worse with time.

There are now septic codes in place in eleven of Michigan’s eighty-three counties, which are overseen by county health departments.

As a result, for the first 20 to 30 years after a home is built, the septic system is not required to be examined, and is frequently not done for the first 20 to 30 years after the house is finished building.

There are an estimated 11,250 failed septic systems in Kent County alone, with each system spilling nearly 1 million gallons of raw sewage into groundwater supplies each day, according to the county.

There are more than 100,000 septic systems in Oakland County, which has more inland lakes than any other county in Michigan.

As a result of the lack of septic system inspection requirements in Oakland County, E.

It is not only these two counties that are experiencing recurrent issues with high levels of E.

All 64 rivers tested for E.

coli levels greater than the nationally permitted threshold.

coli, according to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Recent beach closures have occurred on approximately one out of every five monitored beaches as a result of bacterial polluting.

Septic code legislation has been introduced by Republicans and Democrats in recent years, but Michigan is the only state that does not have a statewide code.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners is aware of the situation as a result of our organization and the lobbying of citizens around the county.

We need citizens like you to speak up and make your voices heard in order to create a precedent for the state.

Residents of Oakland County may participate in this initiative at the county level by signing up to be a Clean Water volunteer. Every fourth Tuesday of the month, at 6:30 p.m., we have our meetings. Contact us using the information provided below if you would like to learn more!