- All new septic tank installations require an application be submitted to the County Health Board in the appropriate county. The application must contain plans, design, and the certified installer’s contact information. After the application is approved, the individual may continue with the installation.
Can a homeowner install their own septic system in South Carolina?
Construction, repair, maintenance, or cleaning of a septic system and any related work in South Carolina requires a valid license from the DHEC. But a person is allowed to construct or repair a sewage treatment and disposal system at his own place of residence for personal use without a license.
What are the new septic tank regulations?
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.
Do all septic tanks need to be registered?
Until recently, it was necessary for all septic tanks to be registered. A septic tank discharges water into the ground, and the quantity of such is important so as to avoid damage to the environment. If your septic tank discharges two cubic metres or less above ground, then you don’t need to register it.
How much does it cost to have a septic tank installed in SC?
A new septic tank system costs $3,918 to install on average, with prices ranging from $1,500 to upward of $5,000. Most homeowners spend between $3,280 and $5,040 for a 1,250-gallon system that supports 3 or 4 bedrooms.
How long is a perc test good for in SC?
How long is a perc test good for? An Improvement Permit/Construction Authorization issued by a Local Health Department is valid for 5 years. An evaluation by a Licensed Soil Scientist does not expire; the results will generally stay the same so long as the area evaluated does not physically change.
Who does SC perc test?
A perc test involves drilling or digging a hole in the ground, pouring water into it, and observing the rate at which water absorbs into the soil. It’s usually done by an official from the county health department with the owner of the property present and/or a licensed excavator.
Is my septic tank illegal?
No, septic tanks aren’t going to be banned. Septic tanks do a good job of holding back solids and separating solids from liquid, they also offer a small degree of biological cleaning, however the waste that is discharged from them is still very high in ammonia and requires treatment before entering the environment.
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.
How far should a septic tank be from a house?
Most importantly, a septic tank must be at least seven metres from a house, defined as a ‘habitable property’. Septic tanks are built underground and release wastewater slowly into the surrounding environment. For this reason, they must be a set distance away from a home.
Does a septic tank need a Permit?
Most small sewage treatment systems and septic tanks will be eligible for an exemption from Permit, but this does depend upon various factors (for example, if your property is close to a nature conservation area the Environment Agency may require that you obtain a permit) details of which can be obtained from the
Do septic tanks require planning permission?
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.
Do I need consent to discharge septic tank?
You will require a ‘Permit to Discharge’, however you may qualify for an exempt status if your system meets certain requirements such as amount of discharge, septic tank or sewage treatment plant model (only EN 12566-3 2005 Certified plants accepted), plant location, intended discharge point, installation and
Can I install my own septic system in Indiana?
The Indiana State Department of Health is the regulating body that is responsible for the framing of rules pertaining to home sewage disposal. Based on their guidelines, the local health departments issue permission for installing and operating private onsite septic systems.
What is the cheapest septic system?
Conventional septic system These conventional septic systems are usually the most affordable, with an average cost of around $3,000.
What is an alternative septic system?
An alternative septic system is a system that is different from the common traditional style septic system. An alternative system is required when the site and soil conditions on a property are limiting, or when the wastewater strength is too strong for the receiving environment (i.e. restaurants).
Septic Systems
The Union County On-site wastewater / septic program conducts site studies, provides permits, and inspects existing systems in order to safeguard the public health of Union County residents and property owners. By carrying out these responsibilities, we help to guarantee that the building, design, and monitoring of septic systems are completed properly. The Application and Permitting Process for Septic Systems Our septic system permit application process is described in detail in the next section.
- Use the Septic System Approval Application to submit an application for a site review (see Resources, right). Please keep in mind that once an application has been processed, the assigned Environmental Health Specialist will contact the applicant to provide an estimated time frame or to schedule the site evaluation appointment. Rainy weather and the number of applications submitted can both influence the length of time it takes to process an application. An Environmental Health Specialist will undertake the soil/site examination (EHS). In the event that a site has been approved for a septic system, our personnel will mark the site with flags labeled “Septic System Area.” Additionally, depending on the kind of permit that was requested in the application and the findings of our site examination, the EHS may seek additional information before issuing permits. Also, keep in mind that even if we are merely providing an Improvement Permit, we will require you to submit an application for a Construction Authorization (CA) before we can issue the CA. It is necessary to get a CA permit in order to install septic system components and to obtain a construction permit. Permits can be granted to applicants through email or can be picked up at the Environmental Health office.
Process for Evaluating a Site The soil is analyzed in order to identify whether or not it is suitable for the installation of an on-site wastewater / septic system. It is necessary to do a soil evaluation for any new development as well as for any existing properties that may be added onto the current structure or dwelling. Inspections of the existing system These inspections are only performed upon request. These inspections are necessary before any new construction can be done on a property that already has a septic system in place.
On the right-hand side of this page, you will find a link to a download page for a program.
Prior to granting a repair permit, the Environmental Health Specialist will conduct a site visit to examine the condition and provide suggestions to the building official.
Program for Preventative Maintenance Maintaining on-site wastewater and septic systems is a state-mandated program that defines inspection frequency for various types of on-site wastewater and septic systems.
A homeowner’s handbook, a certified operator list, and a sample inspection sheet are all accessible under the “RulesGuides” part of the website for LPP systems and pre-treatment systems, respectively.
Onsite Sewage Programs
Septic tanks, as they are commonly known, are wastewater treatment and disposal systems that may be used in both residential and commercial settings where a central sewerage system is not readily available. Permits from the Florida Department of Health in Union County are required for any planned new installations, repairs, changes, and approvals of existing systems. In person, applications can be obtained at the Environmental Health office, which is located at 495 E Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida.
Fees
Permits for the first time: $400.00 Permits for Modifications: $345.00 Permits for Repairs: $350.00 Permits that are currently in effect: $35.00 Permits for Abandonment are $50.00.
Links
Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems on-site, according to the Florida Department of Health The Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Program of the Florida Department of Health is described in detail on the website linked above, which also includes information and connections, as well as application forms. In addition, you will find a link to Chapter 64E-6 of the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). Union County’s Real Estate Appraiser Soil Survey on the Internet
Homeowner Manual Septic Tanks
Septic Tanks and Leach Fields for the Homeowner’s Reference THE FOLLOWING IS INCLUDED: The purpose of this manual is to guide you through the process. What is Wastewater and why is it important? What is the operation of a septic tank? Soil Absorption as a Means of Wastewater Removal What Causes Septic Systems to Fail? How to Restore a Failing System: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options Septic System Upkeep and Repair Myths regarding Septic Systems That You Should Know THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS MANUAL IS TO This wastewater management system was invented in 1881, and now, more than 50 million people in the United States rely on it for their wastewater disposal.
- As more individuals relocate from metropolitan regions to rural residential communities that are not serviced by sewers, the likelihood of septic system failure grows.
- Additional considerations include a discussion of probable causes of septic system failures, as well as recommendations for various treatments.
- Parcel-by-parcel completion of the design of septic tanks and leach fields, as well as the examination of septic system failures is required.
- It is also necessary to consult with the El Dorado County Environmental Health Division prior to the building of a new septic system or the replacement of an existing septic system in order to avoid fines.
- Wastewater, often known as sewage, is produced by the use of toilets, bathroom sinks, showers, and bathtubs, kitchen sinks, garbage disposals, dishwashers, and washing machines, among other appliances.
- The wastewater comprises dissolved organic and inorganic components, suspended and settleable particles, as well as microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, among other things.
- In order to safeguard the environment, the vast majority of un-sewered homes employ septic tanks to remove solids and greases, and leach fields or other forms of soil absorption systems to dispose of wastewater.
Historically, wastewater treatment and disposal systems for households with indoor plumbing consisted of underground bottomless containers, often known as cesspools, that collected and treated wastewater.
As a result, septic tanks were erected between the houses and the soil absorption systems in order to protect the soils and prevent public health threats.
Septic tanks are incapable of removing significant amounts of bacteria and viruses from the environment.
It is necessary to install baffles within the tank to promote solids settling and to prevent the scum layer of lightweight solids (e.g.
Biochemical digestion of the settling solids is carried out by bacteria that can survive in an environment with little or no oxygen (anaerobic bacteria).
It is through the plumbing vents in your home that gases are released from your septic tank.
Organic materials and non-biodegradable materials can be digested by the microorganisms present in the septic tank, but do not accumulate in the sludge or scum layers.
If you use appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and garbage disposals, the quantity of sludge in your septic tank will rise, and you will have to clean it more frequently.
In the soil, wastewater effluent is absorbed by soil particles and flows through the soil pores in both the horizontal and vertical directions.
Because of the changes in temperature and chemical features of wastewater as it flows through the soil, most bacteria and viruses find themselves in an unfavorable environment.
Wastewater percolates downhill through the soil and finally reaches a groundwater aquifer in the majority of instances.
A leach field is made up of a network of four-inch diameter perforated distribution tubes that are laid out in trenches that are two to three feet wide.
The gravel aids in drainage and prevents root development in the vicinity of the pipeline.
The use of construction paper or straw has little effect on reducing evapotranspiration of wastewater.
WHAT CAUSES SEPTIC SYSTEMS TO FAIL?
The failure of the leach field is more common than the failure of the septic tank, which may have been the cause of the failure.
As part of the soil treatment process, minimum separation lengths have been defined between leach fields and fractured bedrock; between groundwater; between streams; between cut banks; between wells; between water supply pipes; and between dwellings or between property boundaries.
In order to avoid such failures, particular design standards for septic systems in places with bedrock and/or steep slopes should be followed.
Lower soil percolation rates are the most common source of sewage pooling on the ground or obstruction of domestic plumbing systems, and this is the most preventable of these problems.
It is necessary to know the percolation rate in order to calculate the amount of sewage that may be applied per square foot of leaching surface.
Some areas within the county that may require bigger leach fields owing to the presence of clay soils are Pollock Pines, Sly Park, the acreage south of Placerville, Diamond Springs, and Shingle Springs, among others.
The mat is used as part of the wastewater treatment process; however, it also has the additional effect of slowing down the percolation rate.
Additionally, particles that flow from septic tanks that have not been flushed and flooding caused by high groundwater or sewage spilling from adjoining leach fields can limit percolation rates. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO REPAIR FAILING SYSTEMS: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND MEDICATION
- Water will not drain from showers and toilets, and wastewater will pool on the surface of leach fields. Solids or scum obstructing the inflow and exit of a septic tank: Pump the septic tank on a regular basis. If there is an effluent filter, it should be kept clean. Pipelines are being obstructed by roots: Obtain the services of a commercial root remover. Many substances have the potential to affect the septic system. The hydraulic system has been overloaded: Water conservation might help you save money on your water bill. Reduce the amount of landscape irrigation applied to soils near the leach field. Increase the design capacity of the leach field in order to accommodate the actual use of the septic system. Groundwater levels are high: Upstream of the leach field, surface and subsurface drainage diversion facilities should be constructed. Build a new leach field in a region where there is no excessive groundwater. Gravel that has been jammed with fine soil: During wet weather, soils become smeared owing to obstruction: Heavy vehicles or items have caused the following damage: Leach field should be replaced. Creating a downslope surface: Excessive Slopes Bedrock that has been fractured The system was built too near to the bank, causing it to fail. Activity by gophers or rodents Leach field should be replaced. Repair of the suspicious region, including the possibility of replacing the leach field
- Typical odors emanating from the home vent or leach field include: It’s not a problem During the early morning and late afternoon hours, atmospheric conditions may impede the dispersal of scents. Increase the height of the home vent to allow for greater dispersion of the air
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SEPTIC SYSTEMSeptic tanks and leach fields are a feasible and permanent wastewater management solution provided they are planned, erected, and maintained appropriately. SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE Maintenance of a septic system is largely concerned with the removal of accumulated sludge on a regular basis from the system. The depths of the sludge and scum layers should be checked at least once every three years. When the bottom of the scum layer is within three inches of the bottom of the outlet pipe, or when the distance between the top of the sludge layer and the bottom of the outlet pipe is within the parameters indicated below, the septic tank should be pumped.
| Volume of Septic Tank | 3 ft. | 4 ft. | 5 ft. |
| 800 gallon | 6 in. | 10 in. | 13 in. |
| 1150 gallon | 4 in. | 6 in. | 8 in. |
| 1500 gallon | 4 in. | 4 in. | 6 in. |
In addition, users of a septic system must adhere to the following fundamental guidelines in order to guarantee that the system operates properly: DO.
- Every three years, inspect and pump the septic tank
- Restrict the quantity of water used during the winter and spring months when groundwater levels are high
- And reduce or eliminate the usage of trash grinders. Percolation testing should be performed during the rainy weather season before a new system is installed since this device introduces more particles and water to the septic system.
- Semi- or non-biodegradable goods, such as paper towels, newspapers, writing paper, rags, disposable diapers, or cat litter, should be flushed into the septic tank. When the septic tank is pumped, it is also important to wipe down the edges of the tank. The residual slime includes bacteria that will be required to digest the wastewater
- Flush huge volumes of chlorine bleach or lye products into the septic tank to prevent the slime from growing. In contrast, regular home practices such as pouring spent motor oil into the septic tank and discharging salt water waste from self-regenerating water softeners into the septic tank will have no negative impact on microorganisms. Because of the high salt concentrations in the soil, it is necessary to connect roof drains and yard drains to septic tanks. Adding sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide to the septic tank will prevent the tank and leach field from becoming flooded. Due to the impact of these chemicals on solids settling, sludge will flow into the leach field if the leach field is not constructed next to another leach field. Plant small or medium-sized trees within ten feet of leach fields, and large-sized trees within twenty feet of leach fields to avoid soil saturation and failure of both systems
- Construct leach fields in impervious soils, near fractured bedrock, on steep slopes, or on flood plains
- And construct leach fields in impervious soils, near fractured bedrock, on steep slopes, or on flood plains. In addition, planting plants that demands large quantities of water on top of the leach field, driving cars over septic tanks, and placing heavy things, such as portable swimming pools, on top of leach fields, are all bad ideas. Additionally, plant pegs and supports for children’s swings should not be put over septic tanks or leach fields, and washing machines should not discharge water straight to the ground surface or leach fields. It is likely that the wash water would contain chemicals and germs that will contaminate surface waterways and pose a threat to human health. Fine particles and soapscums are present in the wastewater, and they will clog the soil pores as a result. if the present septic system is unable to handle the water from the washing machine, a new septic tank and leach field will need to be erected
Myths regarding septic systems include the following:1. Septic systems are indestructible and never need to be replaced. Response:Septic systems require routine maintenance, which includes pumping the septic tank once every three to five years and replacing the leach field on a regular basis. A well planned, constructed, and maintained leach field will only need to be replaced once every 15 to 30 years if it is properly cared for. A leach field, on the other hand, that is not properly built and constructed, or that is not well maintained, may need to be replaced before it reaches the age of 15 years.
- In addition, if a house is being enlarged to include more bedrooms, the leach field will need to be increased as well.
- 2.
- In response, it has long been standard practice to flush extra organic waste into septic tanks that service vacation houses or other properties that are only sometimes occupied by residents.
- This organic substance has no effect on the operation of a septic system that is utilized on a consistent basis.
- Therefore, periodic pumping of the septic system is required in order to prevent sediments from blocking the leach field.
- A washing machine is available.
- Response: The water from the washing machine includes microorganisms that have been cleaned from the garments and will pollute surface streams and groundwater.
Water from the washing machine is considered wastewater and should be cleaned and disposed of in the same manner as water from the sinks and showers, among other things.
Response: Accumulated particles in the septic tank or plugged soil pores are the primary causes of septic system failures.
It is possible to prolong the saturation of soils by flushing water into a blocked leach field, and to avoid oxidation of organic material in the soil pores by doing so.
Using commercially available lye chemicals on a weekly basis will “clean up” the pipes and septic tank.
Response: As a result, the septic tank will need to be pumped multiple times each year in order to prevent sediments from spilling into the leach field.
My septic system is in good condition since the grass above the leach pipes has a vibrant green color.
A brilliant green leach field region on the surface of the soil might indicate that the effluent is not percolating into the soil, according to the answer. In the event of a failure, look for obvious symptoms such as standing effluent above the leach lines or marshy regions.
Building Codes
We allow for online submissions through CitizenServe. You will get access to the following resources:
- The following services are available: administrative appeals, mobile home set-up permits, building permits, plan review uploading, encroachment permits, plat approvals, FOIA requests, special Exceptions, inspection requests, subdivision reviews, land use permits, variations, mobile home moving permits, and zoning permits, among other things.
**The Tax Map Number of your property will be required for all building permit application submissions. ***If you do not know what your Tax Map Number is, you may look it up on the Assessor’s Office website.
What We Do:
- As required by state law, the County is responsible for administering the building permits and inspection procedures. Interpret, direct, and coordinate the execution of the International Code of Civil Procedure in its current accepted edition
- Provide administrative support to the Board of Appeals for the Construction Industry
- Establish that contractors are appropriately licensed in the State of South Carolina before they begin working on your project
What We Don’t Do:
- Contractor licenses are issued. For further information on licensing requirements, contact SC LLR. Design, inspect, or approve septic or waste disposal systems. For more information about septic systems, call the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services at 864-638-4185. Construction of new prefabricated homes should be certified. For more information about prefabricated houses, see the Manufactured Housing Board’s webpage on the Department of Land Resources’ website.
Our county’s objective is to deliver high-quality services to our present and future inhabitants and tourists while safeguarding our communities’ cultural and historical legacy as well as the environment and natural resources. We do this in an ever-changing world. It is our goal to make Oconee County a varied, expanding, safe, and dynamic community led by rural traditions and sculpted by natural beauty; a place where jobs, education, and leisure provide a great quality of life for all generations, both now and in the future.
