Status of Ohio's Septic Operation and Maintenance Rules
How to Protect Your System and Comply with Current and Proposed Rules
How We Can Help You With Septic Clean Outs
STATUS OF OHIO'S SEPTIC OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE RULES
As previously reported here, Ohio adopted new rules covering operation and maintenance of household septic systems (Sewage Treatment System Rules) which became effective January 1, 2007. Those rules were suspended as of July 1, 2007 but were reinstated on July 1, 2010. However, they are being studied for further changes to be made no later than 2012!
The rules were adopted to comply with requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act. The purpose of that Act is to protect our health, safety and welfare by ensuring that our surface and ground waters are safe for drinking and use.
While these rules serve a very important purpose, they have a significant impact on homeowners with septic systems. The rules set standards for location, design, installation, alteration, operation, monitoring, maintenance and abandonment of those systems.
The rulesapply to new septic systems but only to existing systems when they are significantly altered or replaced, which will occur if they fail and become a public health nuisance which is "any condition of sewage or effluent that is potentially injurious to the health and safety of a person."
Basically, systems are to utilize soil absorption as the means for final treatment and dispersal. There is an exception for a replacement system where the County Board of Health determines soil absorption not feasible. In that case an off-lot discharging system may be allowed by the Board of Health if it can be done in compliance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit terms issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on December 22, 2006. The terms state a General Permit may be issued only it would alleviate an existing human health concern and potential water quality impacts.
It is not clear what costs these rules will have on replacement systems. There are just too many variables to draw conclusions. If you must fix your system and are able to just replace components it is not likely the construction costs will be much higher than under the old rules. Soil conditions and size of lot will determine if you can fix your system that way. You may have to relocate it on your lot or install another type. Relocation could greatly affect costs. Also, many of the newly approved types of systems, though not all, will cost more to install. What is clear is that all new and replacement systems will have an application fee, a permit fee for installation, alteration, or replacement and an operation permit fee.These fees will be set by the local boards of health.
But, as stated above, the rules are being reviewed for further changes to be made no later than 2012. Some studies have been made but the Department of Health has yet to give any indication as to what the final rules will be or exactly when they will be issued. To follow the process go to the Department of Health's Sewage Treatment Systems Program web page. The Law And Rule Information link on the left side of the page has important status information.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SYSTEM AND COMPLY WITH CURRENT AND PROPOSED RULES
Proper operation and maintenance of systems has a significant impact on how well your system works...and how long it lasts...which will avoid a costly replacement.
Here are some things to do to properly operate your system: First, use water wisely (too much water in the soil can hurt the system's ability to remove toxins, bacteria and other pollution); second, do not put anything in the system that you can put in the trash (including plastics, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, disposible diapers, etc); third, do not use a garbage disposal; fourth, do not put hazardous household chemicals (such as paint and pesticides) in your septic; and fifth, keep your septic pumped out. A septic clean out can be your best friend.
There is no hard and fast rule that determines how frequently you should have your septic pumped out. The size of your tanks has an effect. As does the size of your family. A clean out every two or three years is usually recommended.
Why do anything since your septic seems to be working OK? Well, consider the cost of the clean outs compared to a possible total replacement. That seems to be a no-brainer. But, what if you still think you can just "fly under the radar" and not get caught with a bad system? There is little chance of that succeeding. You see, when septics are cleaned out the companies doing the work are required to notify the Summit County Department of Health. So, if there is a problem in your neighborhood, guess where they will look first!
Oh yes. You can have the Department of Health inspect your system to see if it needs cleaned out. But, is that not like asking the Internal Revenue Service to audit your tax return to make sure you are in compliance?
And, if you are going to sell your home you must have your septic and water systems inspected to ensure that your system is in full compliance with all rules! Go to our Septic Inspection page for details.
Bottom line...do not take a chance, keep your system pumped out!
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU WITH SEPTIC CLEAN OUTS
OK, here comes the sales pitch! The easiest way to get your system pumped out is to be a member of the Bath Homeowners Association which will qualify you for discounts on your septic clean outs. You will help yourself, help us, and help the environment by keeping your system working properly. Which is why BHA offers a special money-saving deal on septic clean outs. Go for it. You’ll even save some money.
Use the BHA Membership Form to join BHA and receive the Septic Clean Out Program discounts. You do not have to participate in the clean out program to join BHA, but if you have a septic system, it is a good idea. To join, send a check for $10 (or more if you like) with your membership form to Bath Homeowners Association, P. O. Box 10, Bath, Ohio 44210.
Our Septic Clean Out Program works like this: Allow 4 weeks for processing of your membership. Then call All Town & Country (330-745-2277) OR dynamerican (330-666-8863) to arrange a clean out date. Membership lists are forwarded regularly to the two companies, but not daily.
BHA members receive a discount off the regular price for a tank clean out of $15 for each tank. Not a bad return on your $10 membership!
Do not send us payment for the septic clean out. As a convenience, we forward your name to both All Town & Country and dynamerican. You pay the company you select when the work is finished. BHA does not make any money on the Clean Out Program. We handle it to encourage septic tank owners to maintain their systems.
