No. 27944: R317-4. Onsite Wastewater Systems

DAR File No.: 27944
Filed: 10/13/2005, 02:09
Received by: NL

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The proposed changes are in response to the comments received during public comment period and hearing on the amendments to the Onsite Wastewater Systems rule. The amendments will allow installation of pretreatment systems in soils unsuitable for installation of conventional onsite systems.

 

Summary of the rule or change:

The proposed changes simplify, clarify and amplify the requirements of the proposed amendments to Sections R317-1, R317-2, and R317-11 of the Onsite Wastewater Systems rule for pretreatment systems and corresponding management requirements. (DAR NOTE: This change in proposed rule has been filed to make additional changes to a proposed amendment that was published in the June 15, 2005, issue of the Utah State Bulletin, on page 50. Underlining in the rule below indicates text that has been added since the publication of the proposed rule mentioned above; strike-out indicates text that has been deleted. You must view the change in proposed rule and the proposed amendment together to understand all of the changes that will be enforceable should the agency make this rule effective.)

 

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

Section 19-5-104

 

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

No impact to the state budget is anticipated. The rule applies to systems under the jurisdiction of local health departments.

 

local governments:

The proposed changes are made in response to comments received during the public comment period. The changes are of a technical and/or editorial nature and are not anticipated to result in costs or savings to local government beyond those identified in the original rule filing.

 

other persons:

The proposed changes are made in response to comments received during the public comment period. The changes are of a technical and/or editorial nature and are not anticipated to result in costs or savings to other persons beyond those identified in the original rule filing.

 

Compliance costs for affected persons:

The changes are of a technical and/or editorial nature and are not anticipated to result in additional compliance costs beyond those identified in the original rule filing.

 

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

The proposed changes are made in response to comments received during the public comment period. The changes are of a technical and/or editorial nature and are not anticipated to result in costs or savings to businesses beyond those identified in the original rule filing. Dianne Nielson, Executive Director

 

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Environmental Quality
Water Quality
CANNON HEALTH BLDG
288 N 1460 W
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84116-3231

 

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

Dave Wham at the above address, by phone at 801-538-6052, by FAX at 801-538-6016, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail]

 

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

12/01/2005

 

This rule may become effective on:

01/20/2006

 

Authorized by:

Walter Baker, Director

 

 

RULE TEXT

R317. Environmental Quality, Water Quality.

R317-4. Onsite Wastewater Systems.

R317-4-1. Definitions.

1.1. "Absorption bed" means an absorption system consisting of a covered, gravel-filled bed into which septic tank effluent is discharged through specially designed distribution pipes for seepage into the soil.

1.2. "Absorption system" means a device constructed to receive and to distribute effluent in such a manner that the effluent is effectively filtered and retained below ground surface.

1.3. "Absorption trench" means standard trenches, shallow trenches with capping fill, and chambered trenches constructed to receive and to distribute effluent in such a manner that the effluent is effectively filtered and retained below ground surface.

1.4. "Alternative onsite wastewater system" means a system for treatment and disposal of domestic wastewater or wastes which consists of a building sewer, a septic tank or other sewage treatment or storage unit, and a disposal facility or method which is not a conventional system; but not including a surface discharge to the waters of the state.

1.5. "At-Grade" System means an alternative type of onsite wastewater system where the bottom of the absorption system is placed at or below the elevation of the existing site grade, and the top of the distribution pipe is above the elevation of existing site grade, and the absorption system is contained within a fill body that extends above that grade.

1.6. "Bedrock" means the [solid ]rock, usually solid, that underlies soil or other unconsolidated, superficial material[ beneath the soil which is produced by the gradual weathering of bedrock, through physical and chemical processes leading to increasingly smaller and finer particles, loose sediments, or other unconsolidated material, and superficial rock].

1.7. "Bedroom" means any portion of a dwelling which is so designed as to furnish the minimum isolation necessary for use as a sleeping area. It may include, but is not limited to, a den, study, sewing room, sleeping loft, or enclosed porch. Unfinished basements shall be counted as a minimum of one additional bedroom.

1.8. "Building sewer" means the pipe which carries wastewater from the building drain to a public sewer, an onsite wastewater system or other point of disposal. It is synonymous with "house sewer".

1.9. "Chambered trench" means a type of absorption system where the media consists of an open bottom, chamber structure of an approved material and design, which may be used as a substitute for the gravel media with a perforated distribution pipe.

1.10. "Condominium" means the ownership of a single unit in a multi-unit project together with an undivided interest in common, in the common areas and facilities of the property.

1.11. "Conventional system" means an onsite wastewater system which consists of a building sewer, a septic tank, and an absorption system consisting of a standard trench, a shallow trench with capping fill, a chambered trench, a deep wall trench, a seepage pit, or an absorption bed.

1.12. "Curtain drain" means any ground water interceptor or drainage system that is gravel backfilled and is intended to interrupt or divert the course of shallow ground water or surface water away from the onsite wastewater system.

1.13. "Deep wall trench" means an absorption system consisting of deep trenches filled with clean, coarse filter material, with a minimum sidewall absorption depth of 24 inches of suitable soil formation below the distribution pipe, into which septic tank effluent is discharged for seepage into the soil.

1.14. "Division" means the Utah Division of Water Quality.

1.15. "Disposal area" means the entire area used for the subsurface treatment and dispersion of septic tank effluent by an absorption system.

1.16. "Distribution box" means a watertight structure which receives septic tank effluent and distributes it concurrently, in essentially equal portions, into two or more distribution pipes leading to an absorption system.

1.17. "Distribution pipe" means approved perforated pipe used in the dispersion of septic tank effluent into an absorption system.

1.18. "Domestic wastewater" means a combination of the liquid or water-carried wastes from residences, business buildings, institutions, and other establishments with installed plumbing facilities, together with those from industrial establishments, excluding non-domestic wastewater. It is synonymous with the term "sewage".

1.19. "Domestic septage" means the semi-liquid material that is pumped out of septic tanks receiving domestic wastewater. It consists of the sludge, the liquid, and the scum layer of the septic tank.

1.20. "Drainage system" means all the piping within public or private premises, which conveys sewage or other liquid wastes to a legal point of treatment and disposal, but does not include the mains of a public sewer system or a public sewage treatment or disposal plant.

1.21. "Drop box" means a watertight structure which receives septic tank effluent and distributes it into one or more distribution pipes, and into an overflow leading to another drop box and absorption system located at a lower elevation.

1.22. "Dwelling" means any structure, building, or any portion thereof which is used, intended, or designed to be occupied for human living purposes including, but not limited to, houses, mobile homes, hotels, motels, apartments, business, and industrial establishments.

1.23. "Earth fill" means an excavated or otherwise disturbed suitable soil which is imported and placed over the native soil. It is characterized by having no distinct horizons or color patterns, as found in naturally developed undisturbed soils.

1.24. "Effluent lift pump" means a pump used to lift septic tank effluent to a disposal area at a higher elevation than the septic tank.

1.25. "Ejector pump" means a device to elevate or pump untreated sewage to a septic tank, public sewer, or other means of disposal.

1.26. "Experimental onsite wastewater system" means an onsite wastewater treatment and disposal system which is still in experimental use and requires further testing in order to provide sufficient information to determine its acceptance.

1.27. "Final local health department approval" means, for the purposes of the grandfather provisions in R317-4-2 (Table 1, footnote a) and R317-4-3, the approval given by a local health department which would allow construction and installation of subdivision improvements. Note: Even though final local health department approval may have been given for a subdivision, individual lot approval would still be required for issuance of a building permit on each lot.

1.28. "Ground water" means that portion of subsurface water that is in the zone of soil saturation.

1.29. "Ground water table" means the surface of a body of unconfined ground water in which the pressure is equal to that of the atmosphere.

1.30. "Ground water table, perched" means unconfined ground water separated from an underlying body of ground water by an unsaturated zone. Its water table is a perched water table. It is underlain by a restrictive strata or impervious layer. Perched ground water may be either permanent, where recharge is frequent enough to maintain a saturated zone above the perching bed, or temporary, where intermittent recharge is not great or frequent enough to prevent the perched water from disappearing from time to time as a result of drainage over the edge of or through the perching bed.

1.31. "Impervious strata" means a layer which prevents water or root penetration. In addition, it shall be defined as having a percolation rate greater than 60 minutes per inch.

1.32. "Invert" is the lowest portion of the internal cross section of a pipe or fitting.

1.33. "Liquid waste operation" means any business activity or solicitation by which liquid wastes are collected, transported, stored, or disposed of by a collection vehicle. This shall include, but not be limited to, the cleaning out of septic tanks, sewage holding tanks, chemical toilets, and vault privies.

1.34. "Liquid waste pumper" means any person who conducts a liquid waste operation business.

1.35. "Local health department" means a city-county or multi-county local health department established under Title 26A.

1.36. "Lot" means a portion of a subdivision, or any other parcel of land intended as a unit for transfer of ownership or for development or both and shall not include any part of the right-of-way of a street or road.

1.37. "Malfunctioning or failing system" means an onsite wastewater system which is not functioning in compliance with the requirements of this regulation and includes, but is not limited to, the following:

A. Absorption systems which seep or flow to the surface of the ground or into waters of the state.

B. Systems which have overflow from any of their components.

C. Systems which, due to failure to operate in accordance with their designed operation, cause backflow into any portion of a building plumbing system.

D. Systems discharging effluent which does not comply with applicable effluent discharge standards.

E. Leaking septic tanks.

1.38. "Maximum ground water table" means the highest elevation that the top of the "ground water table" or "ground water table, perched" is expected to reach for any reason over the full operating life of the onsite wastewater system at that site.

1.39. "Mound System" means an alternative onsite wastewater system where the bottom of the absorption system is placed above the elevation of the existing site grade, and the absorption system is contained in a mounded fill body above that grade.

1.40. "Non-domestic wastewater" means process wastewater originating from the manufacture of specific products. Such wastewater is usually more concentrated, more variable in content and rate, and requires more extensive or different treatment than domestic wastewater.

1.41. "Non-public water source" means a culinary water source that is not defined as a public water source.

1.42. "Onsite Wastewater System" means an underground wastewater disposal system for domestic wastewater which is designed for a capacity of 5,000 gallons per day or less, and is not designed to serve multiple dwelling units which are owned by separate owners except condominiums. It usually consists of a building sewer, a septic tank and an absorption system.

1.43. "Percolation rate" means the time expressed in minutes per inch required for water to seep into saturated soil at a constant rate during a percolation test.

1.44. "Percolation test" means the method used to measure the percolation rate of water into soil as described in these rules.

1.45. "Permeability" means the rate at which a soil transmits water when saturated.

1.46. "Person" means an individual, trust, firm, estate, company, corporation, partnership, association, state, state or federal agency or entity, municipality, commission, or political subdivision of a state (Section 19-1-103).

1.47. "Pollution" means any man-made or man-induced alteration of the chemical, physical, biological, or radiological integrity of any waters of the state, unless the alteration is necessary for public health and safety (Section 19-5-102).

1.48. "Public health hazard" means, for the purpose of this rule, a condition whereby there are sufficient types and amounts of biological, chemical, or physical agents relating to water or sewage which are likely to cause human illness, disorders or disability. These include, but are not limited to, pathogenic viruses and bacteria, parasites, toxic chemicals and radioactive isotopes. A malfunctioning onsite wastewater system constitutes a public health hazard.

1.49. "Public water source" means a culinary water source, either publicly or privately owned, providing water for human consumption and other domestic uses, as defined in R309.

1.50. "Regulatory Authority" means either the Utah Division of Water Quality or the local health department having jurisdiction.

1.51. "Replacement area" means sufficient land with suitable soil, excluding streets, roads, and permanent structures, which complies with the setback requirements of these rules, and is intended for the 100 percent replacement of absorption systems.

1.52. "Restrictive layer" means a layer in the soil that because of its structure or low permeability does not allow water entering from above to pass through as rapidly as it accumulates. During some part of every year, a restrictive layer is likely to have temporarily perched ground water table accumulated above it.

1.53. "Rotary tilling" means a tillage operation - working land by plowing, harrowing and manuring in order to make land ready for cultivation - employing power driven rotary motion of the tillage tool to loosen, shatter and mix soil.

[1.53]1.54. Scarification - loosening and breaking up of soil.

[1.54]1.55. "Scum" means a mass of sewage solids floating on the surface of wastes in a septic tank which is buoyed up by entrained gas, grease, or other substances.

[1.55]1.56. "Seepage pit" means an absorption system consisting of a covered pit into which septic tank effluent is discharged.

[1.56]1.57. "Septic tank" means a watertight receptacle which receives the discharge of a drainage system or part thereof, designed and constructed so as to retain solids, digest organic matter through a period of detention and allow the liquids to discharge into the soil outside of the tank through an absorption system meeting the requirements of these rules.

[1.57]1.58. "Septic tank effluent" means partially treated sewage which is discharged from a septic tank.

[1.58]1.59. "Sewage holding tank" means a watertight receptacle which receives water-carried wastes from the discharge of a drainage system and retains such wastes until removal and subsequent disposal at an approved site or treatment facility.

[1.59]1.60. "Shall" means a mandatory requirement except when modified by action of the Department on the basis of justifying facts submitted as part of plans and specifications for a specific installation.

[1.60]1.61. "Shallow trenches with capping fill" means an absorption trench which meets all of the requirements of standard trenches except for the elevation of the installed trench. The minimum depth of installation is 10 inches from the natural existing grade to the trench bottom. The gravel and soil fill required above the pipe are placed as a "cap" to the trenches, installed above the natural existing grade.

[1.61]1.62. "Should" means recommended or preferred and is intended to mean a desirable standard.

[1.62]1.63. "Single-family dwelling" means a building designed to be used as a home by the owner or lessee of such building, and shall be the only dwelling located on a lot with the usual accessory buildings.

[1.63]1.64. "Sludge" means the accumulation of solids which have settled in a septic tank or a sewage holding tank.

[1.64]1.65. "Soil exploration pit" means an open pit dug to permit examination of the soil to evaluate its suitability for absorption systems.

[1.65]1.66. "Standard Trench" means an absorption system consisting of a series of covered, gravel-filled trenches into which septic tank effluent is discharged through specially designed distribution pipes for seepage into the soil.

[1.66]1.67. "Waste" or "Pollutant" means dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, and industrial, municipal, and agricultural waste discharged into water (Section 19-5-102).

[1.67]1.68. "Wastewater" means sewage, industrial waste or other liquid substances which might cause pollution of waters of the state. Intercepted ground water which is uncontaminated by wastes is not included.

[1.68]1.69. "Waters of the state" means all streams, lakes, ponds, marshes, watercourses, waterways, wells, springs, irrigation systems, drainage systems, and all other bodies or accumulations of water, surface and underground, natural or artificial, public or private, which are contained within, flow through, or border upon this state or any portion thereof, except that bodies of water confined to and retained within the limits of private property, and which do not develop into or constitute a nuisance, or a public health hazard, or a menace to fish and wildlife, are not "waters of the state" (Section 19-5-102).

 

R317-4-2. Onsite Wastewater Systems-- Administrative Requirements.

2.1. Scope. This rule shall apply to onsite wastewater systems.

2.2. Nothing contained in this rule shall be construed to prevent the permitting local health department from:

A. adopting stricter requirements than those contained herein, but not limited to, for separation from physical features consistent with watershed, source water and ground water quality protection plans; or, requiring design modifications or additional technologies for nutrient management;

B. issuing a renewable operating permit at a frequency not exceeding five years with an inspection showing a satisfactory performance of the permitted system by the department's staff before renewal;

C. taking necessary steps for ground water quality protection through adoption of a ground water quality protection management policy based on a ground water management study, or a onsite systems management planning policy and land use planning through the county's agency;

D. prohibiting any alternative system within the department's jurisdiction;

E. assessing fees for administration of alternative systems

F. requiring the conventional and alternative system in its jurisdiction, be placed under an umbrella of:

1. a responsible management entity overseen by the local health department; or,

2. a contract service provider overseen by the local health department; or

3. a management district, body politic, created by the county for the purpose of operation, maintenance, repairs and monitoring of alternative or all onsite systems;

G. The local health department having jurisdiction must obtain approval from the Utah Water Quality Board to administer an alternative systems program, as outlined in this section, before permitting alternative systems.

H. The local health department request for approval must include:

1. A description of its plan to properly manage these systems to protect public health. This plan must include:

a. A description of review, inspection and monitoring procedures of these systems;

b. Resolutions of the Local Board of Health and the County Commission supporting this request

c. A description of the technical capability and training plans of the staff, and availability of resources to adequately manage the increased work load; and,

d. A statement from the county attorney of the county's legal authority to implement and enforce correction of malfunctioning systems and its commitment to exercise this authority.

I. An agreement to:

1. advise the owner of the system of the type of system, and information concerning risk of failure, level of maintenance required, financial liability for repair, modification or replacement of a failed system and periodic monitoring requirements;

2. ensure the existence of the alternative system is recorded on the deed of ownership for that property;

3. provide oversight of installed systems;

4. inspect all installed systems at frequency specified in this rule, through:

a. the department's staff, or,

b. a contracted service provider, or,

c. a responsible management entity, or,

d. a management district body politic created by the county for the purpose of managing onsite systems:

e. maintain records of all installed systems, failures, modifications, repairs and all inspections recording the condition of the system at the time of inspection such as, but not limited to, overflow, surfacing, ponding and nuisance;

5. Submit an annual report on or before September 1 of the calendar year, to the Utah Water Quality Board showing:

a. A summary of a ground water quality protection management policy based on a ground water management study, or a onsite systems management planning policy and land use planning through the county's agency, including steps taken or planned to be taken for implementation of the policy.

b. type and number of systems approved, installed, modified, repaired, failed, inspected;

c. a summary of enforcement actions taken, pending and resolved;

d. a summary of performance of effluent quality showing concentrations of five-day total or carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, nephelometric turbidity units, total nitrogen and Escherichia Coli of all installed systems except for at-grade, earth fill and mound systems;

e. a summary of the performance of contractors, responsible management entities, or management districts operating, maintaining and monitoring alternative systems; and,

f. management options followed in the reporting year and planned to be followed in the period after the reporting period.

J. Description of Management options to be followed:

1. Using the health department staff for all inspections and monitoring of permitted alternative systems; or,

2. Contracting with a responsible management entity employing qualified service providers for operating, maintaining and monitoring alternative systems, certified in accordance with R317-11; or,

3. Using a management district, body politic created by the county for the purpose of managing onsite systems with an annual performance review;, or,

4. An appropriate combination of contract providers or a District, body politic.

K. All alternative systems will be inspected as follows:

1. All at-grade, earth fill and mound systems annually by

a. the local health department staff, or,

b. a contract service provider overseen by the local health department, or,

c. a responsible management entity overseen by the local health department, or,

d. a management district, body politic created by the county for the purpose of managing onsite systems.

2. All packed bed media systems at least twice a year by:

a. the local health department staff, or,

b. a contract service provider overseen by the local health department, or,

c. a responsible management entity overseen by the local health department, or,

d. a management district, body politic created by the county for the purpose of managing onsite systems.

2.3. Failure to Comply With Rules. Any person failing to comply with This rule will be subject to action as specified in Section 19-5-115 and 26A-1-123.

2.4. Onsite Wastewater System Required. The drainage system of each dwelling, building or premises covered herein shall receive all wastewater (including but not limited to bathroom, kitchen, and laundry wastes) and shall have a connection to a public sewer except when such sewer is not available or practicable for use, in which case connection shall be made as follows:

A. To an onsite wastewater system found to be adequate and constructed in accordance with requirements stated herein.

B. To any other type of wastewater system acceptable under R317-1, R317-3, R317-5, or R317-560.

2.5. Flows Prohibited From Entering Onsite Wastewater Systems. No ground water drainage, drainage from roofs, roads, yards, or other similar sources shall discharge into any portion of an onsite wastewater system, but shall be disposed of so they will in no way affect the system. Non domestic wastes such as chemicals, paints, or other substances which are detrimental to the proper functioning of an onsite wastewater system shall not be disposed of in such systems.

2.6. No Discharge to Surface Waters or Ground Surface. Effluent from any onsite wastewater system shall not be discharged to surface waters or upon the surface of the ground. Sewage shall not be discharged into any abandoned or unused well, or into any crevice, sinkhole, or similar opening, either natural or artificial.

2.7. Repair of a Failing or Unapproved System. Whenever an onsite wastewater system is found by the regulatory authority to create or contribute to any dangerous or insanitary condition which may involve a public health hazard, a malfunctioning system, or deviates from the plans and specifications approved by such health authorities, the regulatory authority may order the owner to take the necessary action to cause the condition to be corrected, eliminated or otherwise come into compliance.

2.8. Procedure for Wastewater System Abandonment.

A. When a dwelling served by an onsite wastewater system is connected to a public sewer, the septic tank shall be abandoned and shall be disconnected from and bypassed with the building sewer unless otherwise approved by the regulatory authority.

B. Whenever the use of an onsite wastewater system has been abandoned or discontinued, the owner of the real property on which such wastewater system is located shall render it safe by having the septic tank wastes pumped out or otherwise disposed of in an approved manner, and the septic tank filled completely with earth, sand, or gravel within 30 days. The septic tank may also be removed within 30 days , at the owners discretion. The contents of a septic tank or other treatment device shall be disposed of only in a manner approved by the regulatory authority.

 

. . . . . . .

 

R317-4-11. Alternative Systems.

11.1. General Requirements.

A. The health department will review and approve sufficient design, installation and operating information to produce a successful, properly operating installation from a designer certified at Level 3 in accordance with the requirements of R317-11.

B. The designer must submit:

1. detailed basis of design of all components with:

a. necessary and relevant calculations, and,

b. justification of process design variables with statistically significant and demonstrated performance among coorelated variables, from the existing installations, and sensitivity evaluation of performance variables, where required to supplement or substitute design criteria stated in this rule.

2. operation and maintenance instructions for the system to the health department and to the owner[.], [ The instructions must]which describe the activities necessary to properly operate and maintain and troubleshoot the system.[ Trouble shooting information must also be included.]

C. All requirements stated elsewhere in this rule for design, construction and installation details, performance, failures, repairs and abandonment shall apply unless stated differently for a given alternative system.

11.2. At-Grade Systems.

A. Design Requirements.

1. Absorption trenches and absorption bed type absorption systems may be placed in the at-grade position provided:

a. Invert of effluent distribution pipe or the bottom of the absorption trench is placed at the native ground surface.

b. the elevation of the anticipated maximum ground water table shall be:

i. at least 24 inches below the bottom of the absorption system excavation; and,

ii. at least 48 inches below finished grade.

c. at least 48 inches of suitable soil percolating between:

i. 1 and 60 minutes per inch for absorption trench, or,

ii. 1 to 30 minutes per inch for absorption beds is available between bedrock or impervious strata and the bottom of the absorption system excavation.

d. The native ground surface does not slope more than four percent for installation of an at-grade system.

e. all other requirements of this rule for:

i. minimum horizontal distances from the stated feature to the toe of the finished at-grade system in Table 2,

ii. area requirements and construction details for absorption trenches in Tables 7, 8 and 9,

iii. area requirements and construction details for absorption beds in Tables 13 and 14, are met.

2. Minimum of two observation ports shall be provided within absorption area.

B. Construction Details.

1. The site shall be cleared of vegetation.

2. The soil at the surface shall be loosened and broken up to an approximate depth of six inches.

3. No rotary tilling shall be permitted.

4. Any furrows resulting from the scarification shall be perpendicular to any slope on the site.

5. When fill is placed where finished contours are above the natural ground surface, it shall extend from the center of the wastewater system at the same general top elevation for a minimum of ten feet in all directions beyond the limits of the disposal area perimeter below, before the beginning of the side slope.

6. The site shall be graded such that surface water drains away from the onsite wastewater system and adjoining area.

7. The maximum side slope for above ground fill shall be four (horizontal) to one (vertical).

11.3 Earth fill systems.

A. Design Requirements.

1. Earth fill may be added to a site or naturally existing soil with a percolation rate less than one minute per inch or more than 60 minutes per inch may be removed and replaced with earth fill with an acceptable, in-place percolation rate, if:

2. the removal of the original soil does not cause other unacceptable site conditions, and, wastewater ponding will not occur below the bottom of the absorption system;

3. the elevation of the anticipated maximum ground water table shall be:

a. at least 12 inches below the natural ground surface, and,

b. at least 24 inches below the bottom of absorption trench.

4. Minimum depth of suitable soil percolating between 1 and 60 minutes per inch available between bedrock or impervious strata and:

a. the native ground surface must not be less than 36 inches, or,

b. the bottom of the absorption system trench must not be less than 48 inches, which ever is greater.

5. all other requirements of this rule for:

a. minimum horizontal distances in Table 2,

b. area requirements and construction details for absorption trenches in Tables 7, 8 and 9, are met.

6. The fill area shall be sufficient to:

a. accommodate an absorption system for a home with a minimum of three bedrooms, and shall include all required clearances within, and outside of the fill and absorption system area.

b. install a system sized for greater of three bedrooms or the planned number of bedrooms in the home, using the percolation rate of 60 minutes per inch.

c. include the area required for a 100 percent replacement of the absorption system, with all required clearances.

7. The area between trenches shall not be used for replacement area.

8. The earth fill shall be considered to be acceptably stabilized if it is allowed to naturally settle for a minimum period of one year, sized to result in its minimum required dimensions after the settling period. Mechanical compaction shall not be allowed.

9. After the fill has settled for a minimum of one year, a minimum of two (2) percolation tests/soil exploration tests shall be conducted in the fill. One shall be conducted in the proposed absorption system area and one in the proposed replacement area of the fill. The suitably stabilized fill shall have an in-place percolation rate of between 15 and 45 minutes per inch.

10. The native ground surface does not slope more than four percent for installation of an earth fill system.[Maximum acceptable slope of original site surface for placement of an earth fill system is four percent.]

11. The fill depth below the bottom of the absorption system to the native ground surface shall not exceed six feet.

12. Minimum of two observation ports shall be provided within absorption area.

B. Construction Details.

1. The site shall be cleared of vegetation.

2. The surface soil shall be loosened and broken up to an approximate depth of six inches.

3. No rotary tilling shall be permitted.

4. Any furrows resulting from the scarification shall be perpendicular to any slope on the site.

5. The site shall be graded such that surface water drains away from the onsite wastewater system and adjoining area.

6. The maximum exposed side slope for fill surfaces shall be four horizontal to one vertical.

7. When fill is placed where finished contours are above the natural ground surface, it shall extend from the center of the wastewater system at the same general top elevation for a minimum of ten feet in all directions beyond the limits of the disposal area perimeter below, before the beginning of the side slope.

8. A suitable soil cap, which will support a vegetative cover, shall cover the entire fill body. The cap shall be provided with a vegetative cover. Access to the fill site shall be restricted to minimize erosion and other physical damage.

11.4 Mound systems.

A. Design Requirements.

1. Mound system may be built over naturally existing soils with a percolation rates between one to 60 minutes per inch provided:

a. the elevation of the anticipated maximum ground water table shall be at least 12 inches below the natural ground surface.

b. a minimum of one foot of approved sand and one foot of natural soil percolating between one to 60 minutes per inch is available to form the minimum two feet of unsaturated soil below the bottom of the absorption system.

c. at least 36 inches of suitable soil percolating between one and 60 minutes per inch is available between bedrock or impervious strata and the native ground surface.

d. The native ground surface does not slope more than 25 percent for installation of a mound system.

2. all other requirements of this rule for[:

a. ] minimum horizontal distances in Table 2[, and,

b. installation in sloping ground] are met.

3. The design shall be based on:

a. a minimum of 300 gallons per day for two bedrooms with [150]100 gallons per day for each additional bedroom.

b. Linear hydraulic loading rate ranging from three to eight gallons per day per foot based on flow being shallow or away from the mound and primarily lateral or downward.[of:

i. three to four gallons per day per foot when the flow is shallow and primarily lateral, or,

ii. eight to ten gallons per day per foot when the flow is away from the system and primarily downward.]

c. Sand fill hydraulic loading rate shall not be greater than 0.8 gallons per day per square foot of absorption system bottom area.

d. Soil (basal) hydraulic loading or application rate at sand fill to native soil interface using a relationship: q (gallons per day per square foot) = 1.2995 X percolation rate (minutes per inch) ^ -0.4421, or as shown in Table 15:

 

Table 15
Effluent loading rates
from sand fill to native soil interface
(Based on Percolation Test Rates)

 

      Percolation Rate                   gallons per day

      (time in minutes required          per square foot

      for water to fall one inch)



                1-10                         0,45

               11-15                         0.40

               16-20                         0.35

               21-30                         0.30

               31-45                         0.25

               46-60                         0.20

 

e. Distribution Cell (Refer to the graphic available for nomen[]clature from the Division):

i. Area (A X B) shall be the ratio of design flow and sand fill hydraulic loading rate, where the maximum width (A) shall be ten feet,

ii. Length (B) shall be the ratio of[:

(1). linear hydraulic loading rate and the design flow when soil application rate is less than 0.3 gallons per day per square foot, or,

(2). linear hydraulic loading rate and the design flow when soil application rate is less than 0.3 gallons per day per square foot, or,] design flow and linear hydraulic loading.

f. Mound fill depth (D) shall be the difference of a minimum of four feet of suitable soil percolating between one and 60 minutes per inch under the absorption system (aggregate and sand fill interface), and, a minimum of two feet.

g. Mound fill depth at down slope edge (E) shall be the sum of Mound fill depth (D) and Absorption area width (A), times the slope of the native ground surface expressed as a decimal.

h. Mound Depth (F) shall be the sum of depth of aggregate (not less than six inches) and depth of aggregate cover over the distribution pipe (not less than two inches), and, nominal diameter of distribution pipe.

i. The minimum depth of cover shall be 12 inches at distribution cell edges (G), and 18 inches at the center of distribution cell (H).

j. Down slope width (I) shall be greater of:

i. Fill depth at the down slope edge of distribution cell ( Mound fill depth at down slope edge (E) + Mound Depth (F) + depth of cover at distribution cell edges (G)) X horizontal gradient of side slope (3 if 3:1) X slope correction factor which is (100 / (100 - (3 X per cent of slope) if 3:1), or,

ii. difference of ratio of linear loading and soil application rates and liner loading and sand fill loading rates.

k. Up slope width (J) shall be: Fill depth at the up slope edge of distribution cell ( Mound fill depth (D) + Mound Depth (F) + depth of cover at distribution cell edges (G)) X horizontal gradient of side slope (3 if 3:1) X slope correction factor which is (100 / (100 +(3 X per cent of slope) if 3:1).

l. End slope width (K) shall be: Total fill at the center of distribution cell (Mound fill depth (D) + Mound fill depth at down slope edge (E))/2) + Mound Depth (F) + depth of cover at the center of distribution cell (H) ) X horizontal gradient of side slope (3 if 3:1).

m. Fill length (L) shall be: Distribution cell length (B) + 2 X end slope width (K).

n. Details on [D]depth, width and length of distribution cell, sand fill and aggregate, effluent distribution, design and construction not covered herein, [shall]should be as [required]referred to in Mound Component Manual Version 2, Wisconsin Department of Commerce, January 2001, available from the Division.

o. Effluent distribution shall be pressurized.

p. Minimum of two observation ports shall be provided within absorption area.

B. Construction Details.

1. The site shall be cleared of vegetation and scarified to an approximate depth of six inches. Any furrows resulting from the scarification shall be perpendicular to any slope on the site.

2. The surface soil shall be loosened and broken up to an approximate depth of six inches.

3. The site shall be graded such that surface water drains away from the onsite wastewater system and adjoining area.

4. The minimum thickness of aggregate media around the distribution pipes of the absorption system shall be the sum of six inches below the distribution pipe, the diameter of the distribution pipe and two inches above the distribution pipe or ten inches, whichever is larger.

5. The material for soil cap shall not be less than six inches in thickness and provide protection against erosion, frost, storm water infiltration and support vegetative growth and aeration of distribution cell.

6. Fill material[Sand fill] must meet ASTM Specification C-33 for fine aggregate. Textural analysis of fill material in accordance with ASTM C-136 is required for determining suitability.

7. A minimum of two observation pipes shall be located at opposite end of each distribution cell and 1/5 to 1/10 the length of distribution cell measured from the end of the cell.

8. Distribution laterals must be:

a. of 3/4 inch to 3 inch in diameter;

b. placed within four feet of each other within distribution cell;

c. provided with a stand pipe for access from the surface for cleaning;

d. provided with orifices:

i. 1/4 or 3/16 inches inch in diameter;

ii. spaced between 30 to 36 inches, and

iii. between six inches to two feet from the edge of distribution cell.

9. Distal head in a lateral must be no less than 2.5 feet for 1/4-inch diameter orifice and 3.5 ft for 3/16-inch diameter orifice.

10. An automatic visual or audible alarm indicating the failure of the pump shall be provided, and shall remain on until turned off manually.

11.5. Packed Bed Media systems.

A. Design Requirements.

1. Packed bed media systems may be used provided:

a. the elevation of the anticipated maximum ground water table shall be at least 12 inches below the natural ground surface, or, the bottom of absorption trench or bed or drip irrigation piping whichever is greater.

b. acceptable percolation rate for packed bed media system effluent dispersal is up to 120 minutes per inch;

c. at least 36 inches of suitable soil below the bottom of the absorption trench, percolating between one and 120 minutes per inch is available for packed bed media system effluent dispersal, between bedrock or impervious strata and the native ground surface.

d. At least 18 inches of suitable soil percolating between one and 120 minutes per inch is available for packed bed media system effluent dispersal, between bedrock or impervious strata and the native ground surface with an evaluation of infiltration rate and hydrogeology from a professional geologist or [geotechnical ]engineer licensed to practice in Utah with an expertise in geotechnical engineering based on:

i. type, extent of fractures, presence of bedding planes, angle of dip,

ii. hydrogeology of surrounding area, and,

iii. cumulative effect of all existing and future systems within the area for any localized mounding or surfacing which may create a public health hazard or nuisance, description of methods used to determine infiltration rate and evaluation of surfacing or mounding conditions.

e. all other requirements of this rule for:

i. installation of absorption systems[trenches] in sloping ground, and,

ii. minimum horizontal distances in Table 2, except for water course, lake, pond, reservoir, non-culinary spring, foundation drain, curtain drain or grouted well which require a minimum of 50 feet of separation from absorption trench are met.

2. The design shall be based on:

a. a minimum of 300 gallons per day for two bedrooms and [150]100 gallons per day for each additional bedroom.

b. Intermittent Sand Filter System:

i. Media

(1) Depth -- Minimum 24 inches of washed sand

(2) Effective size -- 0.3[5] to 0.5 millimeter

(3) Uniformity Coefficient -- 1.0 to 3.0[less than 4.0]

(4) Maximum Passing through No. 200 Sieve -- one percent[

(5) Voids -- 30 percent

(6) Surface area -- 800 - 1000 square feet per cubic foot]

ii. Maximum Application rate -- 1.2 gallons per day per square foot of media surface area

iii. Maximum dose volume through any given orifice for each dosing - two gallons[Doses per day -- 18 to 24

iv. Recirculation ratio -- none]

c. Re-circulating Sand Filter System:

i. Media

(1) Depth -- Minimum 24 inches of washed sand

(2) Effective size -- 1.5 to 2.5 millimeter

(3) Uniformity Coefficient -- 1.0 to 3.0[less than 3.0]

(4) Maximum Passing through No. 50 Sieve -- one percent[

(5) Voids -- 30 percent

(6) Surface area -- 500 - 700 square feet per cubic foot]

ii. Maximum Application rate -- 5.0 gallons per day per square foot of media surface area

iii. Maximum dose volume through any given orifice for each dosing - two gallons[Doses per day -- 48 - 96

iv. Recirculation ratio -- 4:1 at peak flow.]

d. Re-circulating Gravel Filter System:

i. Media

(1) Depth - Minimum 36 inches of washed gravel

(2) Effective size -- 1.5 to 5.0 millimeter

(3) Uniformity Coefficient -- 1.0 to 3.0[less than 2.0]

(4) Maximum Passing through No. 16 Sieve one percent[

(5) Voids -- 30 percent

(6) Surface area -- 500 - 700 square feet per cubic foot]

ii. Maximum Application rate -- 5.0 gallons per day per square foot of media surface area

iii. Maximum dose volume through any given orifice for each dosing - two gallons[Doses per day -- 48 - 96

iv. Recirculation ratio -- 4:1 at peak flow.

d. Re-circulating Gravel Filter System:

i. Media

(1) Depth - Minimum 36 inches of washed gravel

(2) Effective size -- 1.5 to 5.0 millimeter

(3) Uniformity Coefficient -- less than 2.0

(4) Maximum Passing through No. 16 Sieve one percent

(5) Voids -- 30 percent

(6) Surface area -- 500 - 700 square feet per cubic foot

ii. Application rate -- 5.0 gallons per day per square foot of media

iii. Doses per day -- 48 - 96

iv. Recirculation ratio -- 5:1 at peak flow.]

e. Textile Filter System:

i. Media

(1) Geotextile, AdvanTex or approved equal[

(2) Voids -- more than 80 percent

(3) Surface area -- 2400 - 4800 square feet per cubic foot]

ii. Maximum Application rate -- 30.0 gallons per day per square foot of media surface area

iii. Maximum dose volume through any given orifice for each dosing two gallons[Doses per day -- 72 - 144

iv. Recirculation ratio -- 3:1 at peak flow.]

f. Peat Filter:

i. Media

(1) Depth -- Minimum 24 inches of peat media

(2) Effective size -- 0.25 to 2.0 millimeter[

(3) Voids -- 90 percent

(4) Surface area -- 500,000 square feet per cubic foot]

ii. Maximum Application rate -- 5 gallons per day per square foot of media surface area

iii. Maximum dose volume through any given orifice for each dosing two gallons[Doses per day -- up to 300

iv. Recirculation ratio -- none]

3. The filter bed must be pressure dosed. Orifices or nozzles shall be of such size that the difference in discharge between the first orifice or nozzle and the last orifice or nozzle in each lateral is less than ten percent. The lateral ends must be equipped with fittings and or enclosures to allow cleaning and servicing from the surface.

4. Recirculation Tank Design:

a. Recirculation tank capacity shall be equal to:

i. at least design flow for one day, or,

ii. other volume supported by the basis of design and operation.

b. design shall include dosing rate, operating, surge and reserve capacities.

c. The recirculation ratio should be adjusted, as necessary during operation and maintenance inspections based on recorded wastewater flow rates; ranging from 3:1 to 7:1.

d. Access to the tanks shall be watertight to the finished grade. [Any joint in the riser must be tested during the tank watertight test]Any joint where the riser attaches to the tank must be tested during the tank watertightness test by filling a minimum of two inches into the riser.

5. Outlet of septic tanks upstream of packed bed media shall be fitted with effluent filter.

6. Pumping Equipment and Controls:

a. The system shall be equipped with a programmable control panel. The controls shall be capable of controlling all functions incorporated or required in the design of the system. All system control panels must be equipped with an automatic visual and[or] audible alarm indicating the failure of the pump shall be provided, and shall remain on until turned off manually.

b. The control panel must include a pump run-time hour meter and a pump event counter or other acceptable flow measurement method.

c. The control panel must be installed within sight of the access risers.

d. The control panel must be rated for exterior use. The enclosure must be rated for NEMA 4X or better.

e. The pumps shall be capable of delivering the design flow at the calculated total dynamic head for the proposed system. Supporting hydraulic calculations and pump curve analysis must be submitted to the health department with the design.

f. The pump selected must be rated for the number of cycles anticipated at peak flow conditions.

7. Packed bed system media effluent shall be distributed by gravity or under pressure in an absorption trench designed:

a. in accordance with Table 7 or 13 of this rule for soils percolating between one to 60 minutes per inch.

b. Using the equation:

i. q = 2.1687 X t ^ (-0.3806) where t is the percolation rate in minutes per inch, and q is in gallons per day per square foot, for absorption trenches or, q = 1.0414 x t ^(-0.3806) where t is the percolation rate in minutes per inch up to 30 minutes per inch, and q is in gallons per day per square foot, for absorption beds or,

ii. Area in square feet per [bed room]bedroom = 69.16 X t ^ (0.3806) where t is the percolation rate in minutes per inch for absorption trenches or, area in square feet per bedroom = 144.04 X t ^ (-0.3806) where t is the percolation rate in minutes per inch up to 30 minutes per inch, for absorption beds.

c. Dispersal area may be reduced by multiplying the area reduction factor shown in Table 16:

 

Table 16
Area Reduction Factors

 

             System                            Factor



             Intermittent Sand Filter          0.85

             Re-circulating Sand Filter        0.80

             Re-circulating Gravel Filter      0.80

             Textile Filters                   0.75

             Peat Filters                      0.80

 

[d. Effluent distribution may be by gravity or under pressure.

e]d. Drip irrigation system may be used for packed bed media system effluent disposal based on type of soil and drip irrigation manufacturer's recommendations, and installed no less than six inches deep in the ground.

[f]e. Minimum of two observation ports shall be provided within absorption area.

8. Performance of Packed Bed Media Systems

a. Packed bed media system performance shall be monitored at an interval not exceeding six calendar months for surfacing in absorption trench area, odors around filter systems, equipment malfunction, and effluent quality of a grab sample, taken at a depth of two feet near the outlet of dosing or effluent storage tank or in a manhole before discharge to absorption trench, bed or drip irrigation system, showing no more than 20 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), or five-day total or carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids concentration of no more than 25 milligrams per liter.

b. Effluent turbidity exceeding 20 NTU shall be followed up with two successive weekly testing within a 30-day period from the first exceedance. When two successive effluent testing shows results in excess of 20 NTU, the system shall be deemed to be non-compliant requiring further evaluation with five-day total or carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids concentrations, and a corrective action plan.

c. Corrective action is required where the effluent quality does not meet the minimum standard for more than 30 days.

d. For non-complying systems, the health department shall require and order:

i. all necessary steps such as maintenance servicing, repairs, and/or replacement of system components to correct malfunctioning or non-compliant system;

ii. effluent quality testing for turbidity, five-day total or carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand, and total suspended solids shall continue every two weeks until three successive samples are found to be in compliance;

iii. payment of fines, fees for additional inspections reviews and testing;

iv. evaluation of the system design including non-approved changes to the system, and the wastewater flow volume, the biological and or chemical loading to the system;

v. investigate the household practices, or discharge of hazardous chemicals into the system, such as, water softener brine, photo finishing chemicals, laboratory chemicals, excessive amount of cleaners or detergents, etc.; and,

vi. additional tests or samples to troubleshoot the system malfunction.

B. Construction Details

i. The site shall be graded such that surface water drains away from the onsite wastewater system and adjoining area.

 

KEY: waste water, onsite wastewater systems, alternative onsite wastewater systems, septic tanks

2005

Notice of Continuation February 10, 2005

19-5-104