Where should septic tanks be placed?

Your local health department may have septic tank placement requirements and a minimum setback distance from your foundation. Typically, it should be located on level ground so solids can settle in the tank. The location of the plumbing outlet usually dictates where the tank is located and depth of the tank to account for adequate slope on the inlet pipe. Septic tanks should be placed away from areas subject to flooding and surface water ponding. The tank should be properly vented. Avoid steep slopes and areas of dense tree roots or other obstructions. Also, place the septic tank where it is accessible for future inspections and pump outs.

How close can a septic tank be to a property line?

Isolation distances from septic tanks to property lines are typically part of local or state permitting regulations. Contact your local permitting authority (i.e., local health or environmental department) for specific requirements in your area. Your local zoning regulations may also include setbacks to various features like buildings and property lines.

How do I get a permit for the repair, new construction, or replacement of a septic system?

A septic system permit is issued by your local permitting authority (i.e., local health or environmental department). You can apply for the permit yourself, or the contractor hired to build the system can obtain it on your behalf. Check with your local municipality in the event they also require additional permits to install your system.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

EPA.gov

1. Understand Regulations

Regulations on septic systems vary across states, so check with local authorities on current laws and rules that may apply. The state environmental agency and health department will have the necessary information on their websites or at their offices. Do a quick search to identify the governing agency, then go from there.

2. Know the Required Permits

Like most construction projects, installing a septic system requires permits. Again, the necessary paperwork differs from one place to another. Before the local agency issues the permits and gives you the green light, they have to ensure first that your chosen site is suitable for construction. Most septic system installers are familiar with the permitting process, and they can handle everything for a fee.

3. Conduct Site Evaluation

The local agency will test the soil to determine the most efficient system for it. Some soil conditions are inefficient at filtering wastewater or have high water tables, increasing the risk of contamination. In such scenarios, an aerobic septic system works better than an anaerobic one.

4. Design the System

After the site assessment, septic system design company it's time to bring in a septic system design company. They will draft a wastewater treatment system that meets your needs while accounting for any limitations and restrictions in the design. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to septic systems because of marked differences in property layouts.

5. Obtain Approval

Plans for your septic system have to be approved by the local agency first before actual work begins. It must meet the set standards and regulations; otherwise, your septic system design company will have to go back to the drawing board. Once the system is considered safe and won’t contaminate water sources, installation can commence.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

connect2local

Snow plow drivers are in short supply. Are you having a hard time finding Salting and De-Icing contractors for your private or commercial property?

Salt spreading, de-icing and snow removal is a personalized program or service. Every property is different and requires different products and equipment to ensure that individualized snow and ice removal is a success.

The appropriate de-icing materials need to be selected to minimize damage to your paving and landscape while maximizing ice melting results. For serious applications salt spreaders should be equipped with calcium tanks to “pre-wet” the salt in order to release heat and attract moisture. The pre-wetting process ultimately creates a brine for fast and effective melting of stubborn ice at air temperatures well below freezing.

Deicing materials need to be used to minimize damage to your paving and landscape while maximizing ice melting results.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.