R317-4-11. Operation and Maintenance of Systems

11.1. Purpose.

The purpose of this section is to diminish the possibility of onsite wastewater system failures by informing the owners of required periodic maintenance, servicing, and monitoring. More complex systems will require a higher level of operation and maintenance.

11.2. Conventional Systems.

All conventional systems should be assessed after the first year of operation, and thereafter at the following minimum frequency.

A. Systems with daily flows between 1 and 3,000 gallons: every three years.

B. Systems with daily flows between 3,001 and 5,000 gallons: every two years.

C. Systems with non-domestic wastewater flows: yearly.

11.3. Pressure Distribution.

A. Each system utilizing pressure distribution shall be inspected as outlined in Section R317-4-13 Tables 7.1 and 7.2.

11.4. Alternative Systems.

A. Each alternative system shall be inspected as outlined in Section R317-4-13 Tables 7.1 and 7.2.

B. Each packed bed media system shall be sampled a minimum of every six months as outlined in Section R317-4-13 Table 7.3.

1. The grab sample shall be taken before discharge to an absorption system.

2. Effluent not meeting the standards of Section R317-4-13 Table 7.3 shall be followed with two successive weekly tests of the same type within a 30-day period from the first exceedance.

3. If two successive samples exceed the minimum standards, the system shall be deemed to be malfunctioning, and shall require further evaluation and a corrective action plan, see Subsection R317-4-3.11.

a. Effluent quality testing shall continue every two weeks until three successive samples are found to be in compliance.

11.4. Tank Servicing.

For recommended tank servicing see Section R317-4-14 Appendix E.

11.5. Distribution and Drop Box Maintenance.

Distribution and drop boxes, if provided, should be inspected and cleaned periodically.

11.6. Repair of a Malfunctioning System.

If corrective action is required see Subsection R317-4-3.11.