County coming down on septic systems,, opinions wanted.

[Tractor Seabee]

Mine was last pumped four years ago. I just did my 6 month eval last week. Based upon the solids accumulation in the first compartment of the septic tank - I'll be able to go, at least, another 12 to 14 years before needing to be pumped. Its only me on a system designed to handle six people.

However - as efficient as you may feel a septic system is - even a system with such light loading as mine or Gary F - they will need eventual pumping.

My pressure drain field area alway looks really weird this time of year. Three bright green rows - each 100 feet long by 2 feet wide - in an otherwise sea of dead field/bunch grass.

This time of year and until late Sept or mid Oct - the scene out here is tan, tan and a lot more tan. And still another day of smoke, ash & crud from area wildfires.

Low use and over-sized for their end use systems are more prone to problems than one that is heavily used. One person on a large tank does not provide enough bacteria renewal to keep the sludge digestion active. You need to have more parties.

Ron

 

[4570Man]

Where does the pumper truck load go to? One thing I find fairly humorous is strict regulations on human waste. Zero regulations on farm animals waste.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^^^
While working in Vermont one spring years ago I used to drive past a little ice cream shop on the side of the road surrounded by pasture.
They were spraying the fields all around it with manure- there was literally no barrier, trees, or anything separating the fields from the stand.

 

[widefat]

Where does the pumper truck load go to?

It ends up on your neighbors field -

 

[TCowner]

This topic comes up in Minnesota from time to time and supposedly septic drain field inspections to be done every two years will be coming soon. What is so ironic is that many of us with private septic systems live in rural Minnesota next to agricultural land and animal feedlots. Its ironic that the state of Minnesota is so concerned about the water quality on my 7 acres that an inspection and certification would be required but, the allow thousands and thousands of gallons of untreated manure to be either spread on top of the ground or injected 18" into the soil. Semi tanker after semi tanker of untreated manure from hog and cattle feedlots spread the slurry at concentration levels that I have to believe exceed the output of my septic system. And, of course if we get rain, or snow melt, the manure runs to the closest waterway, intermittent stream, and eventually finds its way to larger creeks and rivers.

But, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is only mildly concerned about this because despite what their name implies (an agency to control pollution) they really in my opinion should be renamed the "Minnesota feedlot advocacy agency" because in the vast majority of disputes with rural neighbors they take the side of the large feedlot owners. In fact, in Minnesota, if we receive over 4" of rain in a 24 hour periods (which happens about once a year on average) their manure containment requirement are set aside. So literally millions of gallons of untreated manure can be discharged to any place it needs to go without any penalty.

Now we can argue that the feedlots are necessary to produce food for a hungry nation. But don't give me the argument that inspecting septic systems is based upon some desire to protect water quality. Private septic and drain field inspections give some county and state officials a job but has little to do with water quality. When the pollution control agencies step up to the plate and deal with the monster polluters then come to my property and make sure I am in compliance.

 

[oosik]

Tractor Seabee - now that's one excuse for "partee time" that I've not heard(post #31). Unfortunately - its not a valid reason. Shows good imagination but not based upon fact.

I was the sole individual in the Environmental Health field(government) in an adjacent county for two years. Old farmer buys five acres to retire on. VERY nice modular home - state of the art, gravity septic system(infiltrators - Wahoo!!) and his well is 200+ feet from the septic system. Well is required ten feet off property line and on adjoining lot is LARGE cattle feed lot. When I questioned the wisdom of the well location - was advised - - don't worry its no problem. I wonder how the old farmer is going to get along with the yellow water from his brand new well. Maybe I just shouldn't worry - but I DO.

Also - I was introduced to INFILTRATORS. Very unique concept - however, the industry is pushing hard on their use and I haven't seen a lot of data on these units. I see some very wise articles on some very valid concerns regarding infiltrators and their use. Time will tell.

 

[teejk]

Your inspection sounds much more reasonable than the OP's although I still don't think it's the towns business, that said I am not familiar with your soils and a 3 year pumping plan is (around here) a year or 2 early but will save the homeowner money down the road and a good thing.:thumbsup:

The law is a "one size fits all". We live in sand country but have the same rules as somebody living in "gumbo" country. I'm guessing the 3 year rule is meant to cover the worst case scenario and is probably over-kill for some.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I already gave my rant on this, but have to say I absolutely agree. Unless there is some very good reason being left out here, this is absolutely overreaching by th gov.

Time for a shake up with the locals. If this is allowed to stand....whats next. Yearly home inspections to be sure you are safe?

MD apparently just started a yearly home inspection for all rentals.

 

[Einthewoods]

MD apparently just started a yearly home inspection for all rentals.

Not that I was planning to move ever, but it is good to see threads like this to learn about places to not live. Heck, or visit. I have no interest in supporting bad behavior and vote with my dollar any chance I can get.

 

[atomchaser]

My county requires the tank to be pumped every 3 years. The county also does some sort of inspection every three years you get charged for (I suspect it is just a drive by deal). I live outside of town on 7 acres with no streams or water bodies close by so I think it is overkill. In the counties defense, I think the EPA forced a lot of states into these aggressive programs.