EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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THE
SEPTIC ROAD SHOW
Welcome
Designed by
Bernards Township HEALTH Department Basking
Ridge, NJ 07920 P. 908.204.2520 F.
908.204.3075 www.bernardshealth.org
Contractual Health Agency for Bernards
Township Bernardsville Borough Chester
Borough Long Hill Township Mendham
Borough Mendham Township Peapack and Gladstone
Borough
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SOME IDEAS FOR A TITLE
SOME IDEAS FOR A TITLE
The Wonderful World of Septics
What Really Happens in the Septic Bed The Ways
of the Effluent
GOT SHOT DOWN! so heres


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EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT
SEPTIC SYSTEMS,

• but didnt
• know how to ask!

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Historical Perspective
In earlier times, humans disposed of waste
IN MORE PRIMITIVE WAYS
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waste disposal methods evolved
As time
moved on,
until the present...
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and the
of the State of New Jersey
Chapter 199 Septic Code of
the
State of New Jersey
Local ordinances may have additional requirements.
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Chapter 199 Septic Code
Implemented to protect our Water Sources, and
Living Environment
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General Regulations
SOIL TESTING
SEPTIC DESIGN
WETLANDS RESTRICTIONS
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SOIL TESTING
At least 2 soil logs 1 soil test is required
per lot

• Type of Tests
• Perc
• Basin Flood
• Pit Bail
• Tube Permeameter
• Soils class rating samples

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SEPTIC DESIGN

• Limiting Factors
• Setbacks
• Sizing the System
• Meeting Specific Design Requirements
• New vs. Existing Property
• New Code Requirements April 2012

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• LIMITING CONDITIONS
• Steep Slopes
• Floodplains Wetlands
• High Groundwater
• Mottling in Soil
• Depth to Bedrock
• Hydraulically Restrictive Soils
• Excessively Coarse Soils

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DESIGNS for LIMITING CONDITIONS
LIMITING CONDITION SYSTEM REQUIRED
Steep Slope Trench System
High Groundwater Table Mounded System
Limited Depth to Bedrock Mounded System
Excessively Coarse Soils Fill Enclosed System
Perched Water Conditions Fill Enclosed System
Limited Area Available Pressure Dose System
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SETBACKS DISTANCES
SEPTIC TANK TO SETBACK DISTANCE
Well 50 FT
Property Line 5 FT
House 10 FT

DISPOSAL FIELD SETBACK DISTANCE
Well 100 FT
Property Line 10 FT
House 25 FT
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SIZING THE SYSTEM
SEPTIC TANK
SEPTIC FIELD
Number of Bedrooms
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SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING Septic tanks shall
have
Minimum Capacity 1000 Gallons (for house of up to 4 bedrooms)
For 5 or more bedrooms 250 gallons per bedroom
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SEPTIC FIELD SIZE Depends upon Permeability Rate
of the Zone Of Treatment
REQUIRED VOLUME OF BEDROOMS
200 gal/day 1st bedroom
150 gal/day Each additional bedroom
TYPICAL DESIGN- 4 BEDROOM HOUSE
Total daily sewage volume 650 gal/day
Design permeability rate 6-20 in/hr (using suitable fill)
Factor by 1.61 sq.ft /gpd
TOTAL SEPTIC BED SIZE REQUIRED 1046 sq ft
.
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NEW CONSTRUCTION
Designs must meet requirements of state septic
code.
EXISTING DWELLING

• Increase in of bedrooms
• Same as new construction
• No additional bedrooms
• Design best system for lot

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APRIL 2012 REQUIREMENTS

• Tanks must be tested in the field to prove
  water-tightness

• Marker must be attached to tank with system
  information

• Effluent filters are required on all new tanks

• All cesspools, outhouses, latrines that are part
  of realty transfer must be abandoned.

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APRIL 2012 REQUIREMENTS
More

• The inspection protocol is included in an
  appendix to Chapter 199

• NJDEP established a recognized method of septic
  system inspection for a real property transfer

• The inspection report shall be provided to the
  local health department

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WETLANDS RESTRICTIONS

• Wetlands provide
• Valuable habitat for many wildlife species.
• Important storm water buffer, and
  groundwater recharge areas.

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WETLANDS RESTRICTIONS
The New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection regulates wetland related activity.

• In general, septic fields must be kept
  from
  delineated wetland boundaries by
• 50 feet for Intermediate Value Wetlands
• 150 feet for Exceptional Value Wetlands
• Before construction, approval must be obtained
  from the NJDEP that proper setbacks are being
  met.

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Types of Septic Systems
Gravity
Pump
Alternative Designs
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GRAVITY Systems
Gravity Systems use the basic laws of nature and
the old adage that says stuff will flow
downhill into the septic bed.
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PUMP Systems
In a Pump System, technology overcomes the law of
gravity allowing waste water to flow uphill into
the septic bed.

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ALTERNATIVE Systems

• Peat Systems
• Infiltrators
• Aerobic Treatment Units
• Drip Dispersal

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BUILDING A SEPTIC SYSTEM

BACKFILL
FILTER FABRIC
LATERALS
GRAVEL
EXCAVATION
SUITABLE FILL
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CONVENTIONAL
CLEAN OUT
SEWER PIPE
EFFLUENT FILTER
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MOUNDED SYSTEM
CLEAN OUT
INLET LID
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Zones of Treatment Disposal
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Real Life Systems
TANKS
LINE FROM HOUSE
LATERALS
SEPTIC BED
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LINE FROM HOUSE
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TANKS
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LATERALS
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EXCAVATION SITE
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Why be concerned about my SEPTIC SYSTEM?
2.
1.
3.
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Wastewater

• Carries Disease Causing
• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Other Pathogens

If not properly treated before entering
groundwater, these contaminants can enter
drinking water supply of those with nearby wells.
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Wastewater

• Contains
• Nitrogen
• Phosphorous
• Organic Wastes
• Causes
• Depletion of Oxygen Levels,
• Impact on Fishing,
• Changes in Recreational Use,
• Degradation of Ecological
• Health of Lakes/Rivers

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Maintain Your Septic
Proper Use and Maintenance ? Cost
is like burying a new car in the backyard.
Installing a NEW Septic System
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How a Septic System Works

1. Captures solids
2. Liquid effluent distributed to
   disposal area
3. Effluent treated in septic bed
4. Cleansed wastewater recharged to groundwater

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Septic Tank Captures Solids
Locking Manhole Cover At Grade
Effluent Filter
Baffle Outlet Pipe
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Wastewater Breaks Down
into
Locking Manhole Cover at Grade
Scum,
Effluent Filter
Effluent,
and
Baffle
Sludge.
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Grease Floats ? Solids Sink
Grease Fat SCUM
Effluent Filter
and
Solids Sink SLUDGE
Baffle
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Bacteria Breaks Sludge
into
Simple Nutrients,
Effluent Filter
Gas,
and
Baffle
Water.
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Solids Remain in Tank
Solids stored in tank until pumped out.
Effluent Filter
Baffle
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Baffles Control Flow
Outlet Baffle keeps solids from leaving tank
Effluent Filter
Inlet Baffle slows incoming water flow.
Baffle
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Effluent Treatment

• A Biomat forms at the
• gravel/suitable-fill interface.,

2. Breaking down harmful organisms
3. Suitable-fill material provides additional
treatment.
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Septic Tank Maintenance
Dos

• Reduce water flows
• to your system.

2. Divert surface runoff away
from system.
3. Pump out septic tank regularly.
4. Locate diagram septic tank and
disposal field. 5. Effluent filter should be
cleaned or changed regularly.
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Septic Tank Maintenance
Dont
1. Dispose of inert, toxic, or
non-biodegradable substances
in system.
2. Plant trees or other vegetation near your
system
3. Drive vehicles or heavy equipment over the
system.
4. Use biological additives or septic system
cleaners that contain toxic substances.
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Warning!
Do NOT put Toxic Chemicals here!
So, No Toxic Chemicals here!
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Warning!
Garbage grinders/disposals are incompatible with
septic systems.
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Your Houses System?
Old House?
New House?
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An Old House
Septic Tank
Old House
Seepage Pit
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An Old House
Or Cesspool
Old House
At time of property transfer cesspool must be
upgraded to septic system.
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Or a NEW House
Typical Septic System in NEW House
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Troubleshooting
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE REASON
Water drains very slowly _____from sinks Toilet does not flush Odor or Effluent in yard Broken plumbing or septic lines Septic tank baffle in disrepair Septic tank is full and needs ____pumping High groundwater table System is old or under designed
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Contact

• Experiencing any trouble with septic system,
  i.e., overflow .
• Planning additions to your home.
• Need to know location of present system.
• Filing permit fee for construction.
• Setting up inspections of new system.

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OVERFLOWS
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Follow the Steps

1. Soil Log Perc test by engineer in field ,
   witnessed by health inspector
2. Submit design to local Health Department or BOH
3. HD or BOH reviews approves septic plans
4. Schedule inspections of septic installation
5. Complete installation of system
6. Design engineer submits As Built and Certificate
   of Compliance
7. Final approval issued by administrative authority

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Questions ???
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The End
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THE
SEPTIC ROAD SHOW
Written and Designed by
Bernards Township HEALTH Department Basking
Ridge, NJ 07920 P. 908.204.2520 F.
908.204.3075 www.bernardshealth.org
Contractual Health Agency for Bernards
Township Bernardsville Borough Chester
Borough Long Hill Township Mendham
Borough Mendham Township Peapack and Gladstone
Borough