Many
Pennsylvanians, particularly those living in rural areas, depend on septic
systems (also called on-lot systems) to treat the sewage from their home.
Properly functioning on-lot systems treat, distribute and dispose of sewage
through a clean, economic and efficient process.
The
Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537 of 1966, as amended) requires
local agencies to administer a permitting program for the installation of on-lot
sewage disposal systems. The purpose of this permitting program is to establish
uniform standards to prevent outbreaks of public health and environmental
problems from substandard or malfunctioning on-lot systems.
The
Township administers the on-lot permit program. The certified Sewage Enforcement
Officer (SEO) is the Township’s employee responsible for reviewing and
approving permit applications and being knowledgeable about on-lot systems. The
SEO is trained by DEP and certified by the State Board for Certification of
Sewage Enforcement Officers. The SEO is an employee of the local agency, not
DEP.
To
obtain a permit for an on-lot sewage system the following steps must be
followed:
The lot
owner, or an agent for the owner, applies for a permit through the SEO. If
the lot is in a subdivision, the lot owner should first ensure that all
other state, county and local planning, zoning and land use requirements
have been met by checking with municipal officials.
The SEO
determines lot slope and conducts soil profile examinations and percolation
tests to determine if the site is suitable for an on-lot system. If
suitable, the SEO determines which type of on-lot system will work best.
If the slope of the site is too steep, on-lot systems cannot be used.
The on-lot system also must be isolated away from certain natural and
man-made features.
If the site
is suitable, the SEO informs the lot owner or agent to proceed with the
system design. The system must be designed with certain factors in mind,
including site conditions, isolation distances, percolation test results and
the number of bedrooms in the home. (The reviewing SEO cannot design the
system.)
Once the lot owner or agent has the design and plot plan, they are submitted as part of the permit application to the SEO. The SEO must approve or deny the permit within seven days of receiving a complete application.
If approved,
the SEO issues the permit and the applicant may begin installing the system
and building the home. If denied, the SEO notifies the applicant and
provides the opportunity to an appeal hearing.
The SEO can oversee any step of the installation, but must inspect the completed system before it is covered.
When
you have the permit (which is valid for three years), you are ready for the
installation of your system. Be sure to hire a reputable contractor because the
best designed system can malfunction if not properly installed. Get written bids
from potential contractors, ask for a list of references, and ask associations
and your local SEO if they know these contractors. You, too, should be somewhat
aware of the proper procedures and observe the contractor's activities. Ask your
local SEO for information about proper installation procedures.
Once the on-lot system is installed, the homeowner is responsible for following proper operating and maintenance procedures to prevent malfunctions and ensure long-term use of the system.
Planning
to buy a vacant lot that needs to have an on-lot sewage disposal system
installed? Be sure to investigate
before you buy. Among other precautions, find out if:
·
all state, county and local
subdivision requirements, such as sewage planning, have been met and approved.
·
all permit requirements, such as
zoning and building, have been met.
·
the lot you are considering
qualifies for an on-lot sewage disposal system permit from the local sewage
enforcement officer. (The buyer needs to be aware that a subdivision approval
does not guarantee that each lot in the subdivision will qualify for a sewage
permit. The buyer may want to require the seller to obtain a sewage permit first
as a condition of the sale.)
If
you have any questions or doubts about the required permits or subdivision
approvals for the lot you are considering, contact the local government
officials where the lot is located, including the local certified sewage
enforcement officer.
Remember,
what may look like the dream lot could lead to nightmares and, possibly,
financial ruin. So, investigate before you invest!