Massachusetts Public Health Inspector Training Wastewater Certificate Program (MA PHIT WW)

MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7

Massachusetts Public Health Inspector

TrainingWastewater Certificate

Program (MA PHIT WW)Session 7:

Existing Septic Systems:Inspections and Corrective Action

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Learning ObjectivesAfter completing this session, you will be able to: Explain requirements to act as a Title 5 Inspector List the times when inspections are required Describe the inspection process and minimum

requirements Name failure criteria List inspection result categories Explain acceptable corrective actions for each

category

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System Inspection

Inspection vs. Assessment

Existing vs. New

Local Regulations and Fees

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Official Inspection Form

http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/approvals/t5insp.pdf

Key Elements:CertificationInspection Results

Passes Conditionally Passes Further Evaluation

by BOH Fails

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Inspectors1. Automatic Approval MA Registered Professional Engineers

with a concentration in civil, sanitary or environmental engineering

MA Registered Sanitarians MA Certified Health Officers

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Inspectors2. Application and Exam Board of Health Members

and Agents Licensed Septic System

Installers or Haulers Professional Home

Inspectors Engineers in Training Others with 1 year

experience

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Inspection Purpose Protect Public Health and Safety and the

Environment by identifying and correcting failed systems.

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A new resident calls regarding their septic system. They moved in three months ago and they just discovered a

sewage breakout in the backyard over the SAS. They have a passing Title 5 inspection report from when they

purchased the house and are very upset. “You obviously didn’t review the report very well when it was submitted, and

the system inspector did not do a thorough job!”

How do you respond?

Discussion

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TimingInspections are required by local and/or state codes and can be triggered in two ways: 1. Periodic inspections Large systems— 10,000 – 15,000 gpd

(every five years) Condominiums (every three years) Shared systems (annually)

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2. Event triggered Time of transfer of property (with exceptions) Change in use or expansion of facility Increase in flow to the system

Timing

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Inspection ProcessMinimum Requirements1. Note general conditions2. Locate and inspect all components prior to SAS 3. Determine high groundwater elevation

Do I have to expose and inspect the SAS? Do I have to expose and inspect a cesspool, if present? MassDEP Guide: http://

www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/inspguid.htm

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http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/inspguid.htm

http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/inspguid.htm


PreparationFile and Records Review Permits & System plans (incl. as-

builts) Groundwater information Water use records Private well information Previous inspection reports Pumping records Conservation Commission filingsDigSafe Number

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Starting the InspectionOnce on site Sensory inspection Speak with homeowner

HSump pump? Wet basement?

HBackups? Plumbing problems?

HGarbage disposal/grinder? HNumber of

residents/bedrooms?HProblems or issues?

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Inspection RequirementsLocate and Inspect System Components Building Sewer Septic Tank – Dig up and open both covers Distribution Box – Dig up and open Soil Absorption System (SAS) Cesspool – Dig up and open Water Well – locate if applicable

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Building Sewer Locate and inspect all pipes exiting the

building

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Septic TankExpose and remove manhole covers Determine material of construction Assess condition of tank and tees or baffles Measure tank dimensions

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Septic Tank, cont’dCheck inlet/outlet tees or baffles Assess liquid levels and movement (infiltration or

exfiltration)

Does the septic tank have to be pumped as part of the inspection?

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Septic Tank, cont’d

Measure & report sludge depth & thicknessHIf within 12” of outlet invert

recommend pumping Measure & report scum

depth & thicknessHIf within 2” of bottom of

outlet or top of outlet recommend pumping

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Distribution BoxExpose and remove cover Is box level & flow equal? Any solids carry over or

evidence of backup?

Check static water level Is it watertight and

structurally sound?

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Pump or Dosing Chambers

Expose pump or chamber Evidence of backup? Is pump functioning? Is alarm functioning?

Examine inlet/outlet piping Note float elevations

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Soil Absorption System (SAS)

Assess the area where the SAS is located. This is not always easy to find or inspect! Is it damp? Is there ponding? Is it within the estimated seasonal high groundwater

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7 22

Cesspool


Cesspools Expose and remove cover

H Measure dimensionsH Identify material of constructionH Measure liquid level (adequate capacity?)H Estimate seasonal high groundwater

Is there adequate capacity for the current flow? Is it above the groundwater?

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Groundwater Determination

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Groundwater DeterminationDetermine by least invasive method: 1. System design plans on

record2. Observed at site3. Checked with BOH4. Checked with local

excavators or installers (need documentation)

5. USGS database (need explanation)

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Groundwater DeterminationUseful Resources: 1. Web Soil Survey

http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm

2. USGS Groundwater Watchhttp://groundwaterwatch.usgs.gov/countymaps/MA_017.html

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http://groundwaterwatch.usgs.gov/countymaps/MA_017.html




Failure CriteriaAll Systems1. Backup into facility or system component

2. Discharge or ponding of effluent

3. Static level in D Box above outlet invert

4. Pumping more than 4 times/year (not caused by clogged pipe)

5. Metal septic or tight tank (in certain cases)

6. SAS, cesspool or privy within groundwater

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Failure CriteriaAll SystemsBOH may require further evaluation for drinking water protection (15. 303 (1)(c)

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Failure CriteriaCesspools and Privies1. Within 100 feet of a surface water supply or

tributary to a surface water supply

2. Within a Zone I of a public well

3. Within 50 feet of a private water supply well

4. Less than 100 feet but 50 feet or more from a private water supply well without acceptable lab analysis

5. Less than 1/2 day’s storage or less than 6” to invert

6. Design flow between 2,000 – 10,000 gpd29

MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7 30

Sewage Breakout on Abutting Property

Photographs


Ponding Over SAS

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Photographs, cont’d


Leaking Tank

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Laundry Pipe Discharging into Lake

Evidence of soap on rocks

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Septic Tank

Tee with Scum Stain

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Backup Into Riser of Tank

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Backup in D-box

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Inspection is Complete……now what?Certification options: Pass

Conditionally Passes

Fails

Needs Further Evaluation by Local Approving Agency (LAA)

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Next Steps Report must be filed within 30 days of inspection If system “Passes”

HInspection is good for 2 yearsHIf pumped annually, report is good for 3 years

If system “Conditionally Passes”HMinor repair required (i.e. D box replacement)HOnce repair is complete and inspected, system “Passes”

If “Further Evaluation is Needed by BOH”HBOH must evaluate and render a decision

If system “Fails”HFailure must be corrected in 2 years maxHTime can be shortened by BOH

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Myths A house with a failed septic system cannot be

sold. A cesspool automatically fails inspection. Someone who installs systems can’t inspect

them Cash sales do not

require inspections

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Inspection Did Not PassCategories Conditional Pass Further Evaluation by BOH Fail

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Repair Options1. Connect to a Sewer2. Install a conventional

system (or component)3. Install a non-

conventional system (or component)

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TimeframesFailing systems must be corrected: Within 2 years Sooner if required by LBOH due to

imminent hazard exists Owner to insure no backup or

surface discharge Systems to be abandoned in

accordance with regulations

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Session RecapAfter completing this session, you will be able to: Explain requirements to act as a Title 5 Inspector List the times when inspections are required Describe the inspection process and minimum

requirements Name failure criteria List inspection result categories Explain acceptable corrective actions for each

category

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NEXT STEPS

• Evaluation• Exam• Additional MA PHIT WW

training• Online Course Guide

http://sph.bu.edu/otlt/LPHI/MAPHITWW/index.html

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Massachusetts Public Health Inspector Training Wastewater Certificate Program (MA PHIT WW)

Documents

inspection reportreview

septic inspections

official inspection

mandatory inspection

inspection report submission

existing septic systems

groundwater existing

voluntary inspections