2005/10/31 - SANITARY - SAN - Other

Home Browse Search

CONVENTIONAL SYSTEM OWNER'S MANUAL This septic system is designed and approved to meet specific requirements outlined in Comm 83 and 84 Wis. Adm. Code, so that it will provide safe treatment of wastewater, thereby reducing human health hazards caused by improperly treated wastewater. The longevity of this system depends greatly on proper and timely maintenance and system use within the limits it was designed to handle. The owner of the system is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all components. Following is information that will assist you in increasing the life of your system. Septic Tank: The operating condition of the septic tank and outlet filter shall be assessed at least once every 3 years by inspection. The outlet finer shall be cleaned as necessary to ensure proper operation. The filter cartridge should not be removed unless provisions are made to retain solids in the tank that may slough off the finer when removed from its enclosure. If the filter is equipped with an alarm,the filter shag be serviced id the alarm is activated continuously. Intermittent filter alarms may indicate surge flows or an impending continuous alarm. The septic tank shall have its contents removed when the volume of scum and sludge in the tank exceeds 1/3 the liquid volume of the tank. If the contents of the tank are not removed at the time of an assessment, maintenance personnel shall advise the owner of when the nest service needs to be performed to maintain less than maximum scum and sludge accumulation in the tank. Manhole risers access risers and covers should be inspected for water tightness and soundness. Access openings used for service and assessment shall be sealed watertight upon the completion of service. Any opening deemed unsound, defective, of subject to failure must be replaced. An effective locking device to prevent accidental or unauthorized entry into the tank shall secure exposed access openings,greater than 8-inches in diameter. No one should enter a septic or other treatment or holding tank for any reason without being in full compliance with OSHA standards for entering a confined space. The atmosphere withhn the septic or other treatment or holding tank may contain lethal gases, and rescue of a person from the interior of the tank may be difficult or impossible. Tank abandonment shall be in accordance with Comm 83.33,Wis. Adm. Code when the tank is no longer used as a POWTS component. Soil Absorption Component(Drainfield): The soil absorption component serving this structure is designed to accept domestic wastewater from a residential facility. Good water conservation practices by all occupants and the installation of water conserving plumbing fixtures are key factors in extending the useful life of this component. The soil absorption component's operation must be assesses by inspection at least once every three years. The inspection shall include recording the levels of ponding, if any, in the observation pipes, and a visual inspection for any evidence of surface seepage or discharge from the component. On steeply sloped sues, areas of erosion should be identified and reported to the owner for repair. The surface discharge of domestic wastewater or sewage from the system is prohibited and considered a human health hazard. Traffic around or over the soil absorption component should be avoided particularly during winter months. The compaction or removal of snow cover over the component may lead to freezing. This type of failure is usually temporary, but is difficult or impossible to repair until weather conditions improve. Planting of deep-rooted trees and shrubs directly over or within ten feet of the component should be avoided since root intrusion into the component may obstruct wastewater flow. Performance Monitoring: Performance monitoring must be done at least once every three years following the installation or at the time of a problem, complaint,or failure. Contingency Plan: If the septic tank or other components therein(including floats, alarms, etc) become defective, the defective tank or component must be replaced immediately to ensure that the system can operate as designed. If the absorption component cannot accept wastewater or ponds wastewater to the surface,the component must be repaired or replaced in it's current location by removing the clogged bacterial mat, aggregatelleaching chamber cell, and distribution piping within the cell and replacing failing components in order to return system to proper working order as required. If repair is not feasible, a new system is to be constructed in a designated replacement area.