[Adopted 12-3-1998 by Ord. No. 13-1998]
The intent of the article is to:
A.
Promote the general health, welfare and safety of
the community;
B.
Provide for the protection of pure water and the preservation
of a healthy environment;
C.
Assure proper operation and maintenance of sewage
facilities;
D.
Address long-term operation and maintenance of sewage
facilities;
E.
Assure compliance with the Department of Environmental
Protection regulations, the Clean Streams Law and regulations promulgated
thereunder;
F.
Provide for the resolution of existing sewage disposal
problems and for the future sewage disposal needs of the Township;
G.
Provide owners of single-family residences, duplexes
and small commercial establishments with domestic-type sewage not
exceeding 2,000 gallons per day with guidelines for the design, installation
and operation of on-lot sewage treatment facilities. Systems in excess
of 2,000 gallons per day will require special exception through PADEP
with final approval of the Board of Supervisors.
H.
Supplement the existing Act 537 Plan adopted by Allegheny
Township by Res. No. 18-1997 on October 20, 1997.
The Board of Supervisors specifically finds
as follows:
A.
That the adequate disposal of sewage affects the public
health and safety of the residents of Allegheny Township;
B.
All on-lot sewage treatment facilities should be monitored
to assure adequate treatment of sewage has occurred prior to discharge
of treated water;
C.
That the danger of discharge of inadequately treated
sewage constitutes a public health and safety hazard;
D.
In the event of malfunctioning, subdivisions and/or
issuance of a building permit, it is the duty of the Township, as
trustee of the public natural resources, to require persons in control
of private sewage facilities to submit to monitoring controls, inspection
and requirements of reporting in order to help assure each citizen's
right to clean air, pure water and the preservation of a healthy environment;
E.
That there are adequate monitoring, reporting and
inspection requirements currently in place within Allegheny Township
to assure that single-residence sewage treatment facilities are monitored
and inspected;
F.
That the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection (PADEP) has requested Allegheny Township and other municipalities
of the commonwealth to enact ordinances providing for inspection of
permitted facilities for the reason that examinations by the PADEP
of all on-lot sewage treatment facilities have shown that some systems
are not operating in accordance with the standards and permits under
which they were originally permitted.
A.
This article shall apply to nonmunicipal on-lot sewage
treatment facilities which collect, treat and dispose of domestic
sewage into a retaining tank or subsurface absorption area.
B.
This article shall not be interpreted in any way as
governing, constraining or limiting any actions that the Township
or Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) may take regarding any sewage
system which is creating a nuisance or causing pollution of the waters
of the commonwealth.
C.
Whenever the SEO finds any condition or practice which
is inconsistent with the provisions of this article, he may issue
a written order to the responsible person stating that the condition
or practice found is inconsistent with this article and directing
that the condition or practice be abated, corrected or ceased within
such time specified in the order.
D.
After the expiration of the time period specified
in any written order, the SEO shall determine whether the order has
been complied with and notify the responsible person in writing if
the order has not been complied with.
E.
In the event of noncompliance with any order, the
SEO may issue a subsequent order stating again that the condition
or practice found is inconsistent with this article and directing
that the condition or practice be abated, corrected or ceased within
such time specified in the order.
F.
There may arise geographic areas within the Township
where numerous on-lot sewage disposal systems are malfunctioning.
A resolution of these area-wide problems may necessitate detailed
planning and a Township-sponsored revision to that area's Act 537
Official Sewage Facilities Plan. When a DEP authorized Official Sewage
Plan Revision has been undertaken by the Township, mandatory repair
or replacement of individual sewage malfunctioning sewage disposal
systems within the study area may be delayed at the discretion of
the Township, pending the outcome of the plan revision process.
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
A component of an individual or community sewage system where
liquid from a treatment tank seeps into the soil. It consists of an
aggregate-filled area containing piping for the distribution of liquid
and the soil or sand/soil combination located beneath the aggregate.
The Act of January 24, 1966, P.L. 1535, as amended, 35 P.S.
§ 750.1 et seq., known as the "Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities
Act."
A mechanically aerated treatment tank that provides aerobic
biochemical stabilization of sewage prior to its discharge to an absorption
area.
A system employing the use of demonstrated technology in
a manner not specifically recognized by the PADEP.
A certified Sewage Enforcement Officer who is delegated by
the Township to function within specified limits as the agent of the
Township to carry out the provisions of this article.
The Board of Supervisors, Allegheny Township, Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania.
A pit in the earth which receives the discharge of sewage
from a building sewer or part thereof and is designed and constructed
so as to permit settling of settleable solids from the liquid, digestion
of the organic matter by detention and discharge of the liquid through
the walls of the pit.
A permanent or portable nonflushing toilet using chemical
treatment in the retaining tank for odor control.
Any system, whether publicly or privately owned, for the
collection of sewage from two or more lots or structures and the treatment
and/or disposal of the sewage on one or more lots or at any other
site.
Any of the several types of aggregate-filled sewage effluent
absorption areas installed below original soil grade level with ultimate
percolation into the original soil.
The Department of Environmental Protection of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
A type of the aboveground absorption area consisting of a
level layer of sand between the surface of the natural soil and an
aggregate distribution area, or any updated technologies, to insure
adequate renovation of sewage effluent.
Any method of sewage disposal not described in the PADEP
Title 25 Rules and Regulations which is used for the purpose of testing
and observation.
A device capable of reducing waste materials to ashes.
A system of piping, tanks or other facilities serving a single
lot and collecting and disposing of sewage in whole or in part into
the soil or into any waters of this commonwealth.
Individual residence spray irrigation system.
An inland body of water, either natural or man-made, relatively
at rest.
A portion of a subdivision or other parcel of land intended
as a unit for transfer of ownership or for development or both. In
determining the area of a lot, no part of the right-of-way of a street,
alley or crosswalk may be included.
The condition which occurs when an on-lot sewage disposal
system discharges sewage onto the surface of the ground, into groundwaters
of this commonwealth, into surface waters of this commonwealth, backs
up into the building connected to the system or otherwise causes a
nuisance or hazard to the public health or pollution of ground or
surface water or contamination of public or private drinking water
wells. Systems shall be considered to be malfunctioning if any of
the conditions noted above occur for any length of time during any
period of the year.
Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
Any structure erected and intended for continuous or periodic
human habitation and from which structure sanitary sewage and industrial
waste, or either thereof, is or may be discharged.
A comprehensive plan for the provision of adequate sewage
disposal systems, adopted by the Township and approved by the PADEP,
as described in and required by the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities
Act.[1]
A system of piping, tanks or other facilities serving a single
lot and collecting, treating and disposing of sewage.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Act of June 22, 1937 (P.L. 1987, No. 394).[2]
See "Act 537."
A document issued and approved by the Township for the installation
of an on-lot sewage disposal system. Permit is valid for a three-year
period. Permit must have permit application, soils investigation and
percolation test forms, system design and property plot plan on file
as supporting documents. Permit must be signed by the SEO indicating
final inspection and turned in to Zoning Officer before occupancy
of dwelling can be approved.
Any individual, association, public or private corporation
for profit or not for profit, partnership, firm, trust, estate, department,
board, bureau or agency of the commonwealth, political subdivision,
municipality, township, district, authority or any other legal entity
whatsoever which is recognized by law as the subject of rights or
duties. Whenever used in any clause prescribing and imposing a fine
or imprisonment, the term shall include the members of an association,
partnership or firm and the officers of any local agency or municipal,
public or private corporation for profit or not for profit.
A tank designed to receive sewage where water under pressure
is not available.
Any person, company, partnership or corporation which engages
in cleaning community or individual sewage systems and transports
the septage cleaned from these systems.
A device in which the flushing medium is restored to a condition
suitable for reuse in flushing.
Work done to modify, alter, repair, enlarge or replace an
existing on-lot sewage disposal system.
A portion of a lot or a developed property, sized to allow
the installation of sewage disposal area, which is reserved to allow
that installation in the event of the malfunction of the originally
installed on-lot sewage disposal system.
A watertight receptacle which receives and retains sewage
and is designed and constructed to facilitate ultimate disposal of
the sewage at another site.
A system consisting of a watertight receptacle (tank) which
receives the discharge of sewage from a building sewer or part thereof
and is designed and constructed so as to permit settling of settleable
solids from the liquid, digestion of the organic matter by detention
and discharge of the liquid portion into a pit for underground dispersion.
A system consisting of a watertight receptacle (tank) which
receives the discharge of sewage from a building sewer or part thereof
and is designed and constructed so as to permit settling of settleable
solids from the liquid, digestion and the discharge of the liquid
portion into a distribution system for dispersion.
Any substance that contains any of the waste products or
excrement or other discharge from the bodies of human beings or animals
and any noxious or deleterious substances being harmful or inimical
to the public health or to any animal or aquatic life or to the use
of water for domestic water supply or for recreation or which constitutes
pollution under the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L. 1987, No. 394), known
as the "Clean Streams Law," as amended.
The official of the local agency who issues and reviews permit
applications and conducts such investigations and inspections as are
necessary to implement Act 537 and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder.
As defined by this article and Act 537 of the Sewage Facilities
Act.
Any portion of any sewage collection and conveyance system
which carries sewage to a permitted public sewage treatment, on-lot
sewage disposal system or any privately owned sewage treatment plant.
A method of disposal of treated sewage effluent whereby the
effluent is applied to the surface of the soil usually by spray irrigation
or drip at reduced rates.
An individual or community sewerage system designed to adequately
treat sewage flows not greater than 2,000 gallons per day for final
disposal using disinfection prior to discharge.
An identifiable, continuous or intermittent flow of water
from under the ground to the surface.
A distinct body of water flowing in a defined channel.
The division or redivision of a lot, tract or other parcel
of land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other
divisions of land, including changes in existing lot lines for the
purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court
for distribution to heirs or devises, transfer of ownership or building
or lot development; provided, however, that the subdivision by lease
of land for agricultural purposes into parcels or more than 10 acres,
not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential
dwelling, shall be exempted.
Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
Rivers, streams, creeks, rivulets, impoundments, ditches,
water courses, storm sewers, lakes, dammed water, ponds, springs and
other bodies or channels of conveyance of surface and underground
water, or parts thereof, whether natural or artificial, within or
on the boundaries of the commonwealth.
Areas inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater
at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under
normal conditions do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically
adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Another indication
is the presence of hydric soils. Wetlands generally include swamps,
marshes, bogs and other similar areas.
An individual employed by the Township to administer and
enforce the Allegheny Township Zoning Ordinance.
[3]Property owner and other persons or parties
in control of all sewage treatment facilities within the Township,
for themselves, their heirs, administrators, executors, successors
and assigns, shall at all times defend and hold the Township harmless
from any and all demands, claims, suits, legal expenses or judgments
which may be brought against the Township and/or against any Township
officials and employees and/or against the property owner or any of
their successors in title for any alleged adverse conditions casually
and directly related to the operation by property owner of the facility.
The property owner shall have the duty to indemnify and defend the
Township, its officials and employees against any claim or suit made
by any person who alleges that adverse conditions have been caused
by the operation by the property owner of the facility. In the event
the Township deems it necessary, at its sole discretion, the Township
may undertake its own defense as to any such claim and the property
owner shall reimburse the Township for any expenses it may incur,
including legal fees, engineering fees and other expert witness fees
and shall pay any judgment rendered against the Township as a result
of such suit. In the event the property owner, or its heirs, successors
or assigns, shall fail to pay the costs, legal fees, judgments, other
expenses or damages as herein provided and the Township is required
to pay same, the Township shall have the right to recover said funds
it has expended either by a civil action against the property owner,
or its heirs, successors or assigns, or by causing a lien to be recorded
on the property in an amount equal to the sums required to be expended,
pursuant to the Municipal Claims Act, 53 P.S. § 7101 et
seq., as amended.
It is hereby declared to be a violation of this
article and of the Clean Streams Act and the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities
Act, resulting in a summary offense and public nuisance, for a permittee,
or the owner, occupant or person in control of an on-lot sewage treatment
facility:
A.
To fail to monitor discharge as required by statute,
regulation or ordinance;
B.
To fail to report the results of monitoring, testing,
sampling or inspection as required by statute, regulation or ordinance;
C.
To suffer or permit the actual discharge of improperly
or incompletely treated waters;
D.
To fail to report the discharge of improperly or incompletely
treated waters;
E.
To refuse to permit reasonable inspection, testing,
sampling or monitoring of the facility for malfunctioning or subdivision
or building permits by the DEP or Allegheny Township representatives;
F.
To fail to fulfill any of the standard or special
conditions of the permits issued for the on-lot sewage treatment facility
with surface discharge or to meet any other conditions, regulations
or requirement of statutes, regulations or ordinances relative to
such facility.
This article is enacted as the necessary and
existing framework for the prevention and abatement of nuisances resulting
from pollution caused by on-lot sewage treatment facilities with surface
discharge, to which the Clean Streams Act, by Section 701 (35 P.S.
§ 691.701), and the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act,
by Section 15 (35 P.S. § 750.15), are additional and accumulative.
This article is not intended and should not be construed to be in
conflict with the Clean Streams Act, nor the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities
Act, nor the rules and regulations adopted thereunder, but solely
as a necessary framework to prevent and restrain violations of these
acts and the rules and regulations of the Department of Environmental
Protection adopted thereunder.
A.
No person shall install, construct or request bid
proposals for construction or alter an individual sewage system or
community sewage system or construct or request bid proposals for
construction or install or occupy any building or structure for which
an individual sewage system or community sewage system is to be installed
without first obtaining a permit indicating that the site and the
plans and specifications of such system are in compliance with the
provisions and standards adopted pursuant to Act 537 and the requirements
of the DEP.
B.
No building or construction of a small flow treatment
facility; IRSIS system; in ground with slope in excess of 20%; certain
infiltration systems plus and new emerging technologies may occur
until a preconstruction meeting has been held with the appropriate
Township and DEP officials, the manufacturer of the sewage treatment
facility, the installer of the sewage treatment facility, the property
owner and the property owner's registered professional engineer.
C.
No building or construction of an on-lot treatment
facility, standard in ground or sand mound, may occur until a preconstruction
meeting has been held with the Sewage Enforcement Officer and the
installer.
D.
No system or structure designed to provide individual
or community sewage disposal shall be covered from view until approval
to cover the same has been given by the Township Sewage Enforcement
Officer. If 72 hours have elapsed, excepting Sundays and holidays,
since the SEO issuing the permit received notification of completion
of construction, the applicant may cover said system or structure
unless permission has been specifically refused by the SEO.
E.
The Township may require applicants for sewage permits
to notify the Township's SEO of the schedule for construction of the
permitted on-lot sewage disposal system so that inspection(s) in addition
to the final inspection required by Act 537 may be scheduled and performed
by the Township's SEO.
F.
No zoning, building or occupancy permit shall be issued
by the Township or its designated appointee for a new building which
will contain sewage-generating facilities until a valid sewage permit
has been obtained from the Township's certified SEO.
G.
No zoning, building or occupancy permit shall be issued
and no work shall begin on any alteration or conversion of any existing
structure if said alteration or conversion will result in the increase
or potential increase in sewage flows from the structure until the
structure's owner receives from the SEO either a permit for alteration
or replacement of the existing sewage disposal system or written notification
that such a permit will not be required. The certified SEO shall determine
whether the proposed alteration or conversion of the structure will
result in increased sewage flows.
I.
Fee schedule: as per current ordinance, and subject
to change by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, as on file at
the Township office.
A.
Any on-lot sewage disposal system may be inspected
by the SEO or the Township's authorized agent at any reasonable time
as of the effective date of this article if there is reasonable cause
to believe a malfunction exists. The Township will attempt to make
inspections at a time agreeable to the owner and the Township or any
time after 10 days after no response has been received to a certified
written notice.
B.
Inspection and recommendations.
(1)
The inspection may include a physical tour of the
property, the taking of samples from surface water, wells, other groundwater
sources, the sampling of the contents of the sewage disposal system
itself and/or the introduction of a traceable substance into the interior
plumbing of the structure served to ascertain the path and ultimate
destination of wastewater generated in the structure with permission
of landowner or by legal procedures instituted by the Township. To
ensure the continued proper operation of on-lot sewage systems, the
Township encourages all residents with on-lot sewage systems to perform
regular maintenance on such systems as follows:
(a)
Any person(s) being served by an on-lot sewage
disposal system which contains a septic tank is recommended to have
the tank pumped every three years;
(b)
Any person(s) being served by a community on-lot
sewage disposal system which contains a septic tank is recommended
to have the tank pumped every two years;
(c)
Any person(s) being served by a small flow treatment
facility disposal system which contains a septic tank is recommended
to have the tank pumped every three years.
(2)
The sewage enforcement officer shall conduct inspections
where requested by the owner prior to compliance with the pumping
requirements. A report of the findings of the inspection in the Township
records shall be furnished to the owner. Upon completion of the repairs,
the SEO shall reinspect to ensure the system is functioning properly.
If the total correction is not technically nor financially feasible,
in the opinion of the SEO and/or other representative of PADEP, then
action by the property owner to mitigate the malfunction shall be
required.
C.
Any person owning a building served by an on-lot sewage
disposal system which contains a septic tank shall have the septic
tank pumped by a qualified pumper/hauler within three years of the
effective date of this article.
(1)
The Township recommends pumping frequencies for different
size households and tank sizes as described below in Table 1:
Table 1
| ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated Septic Tank Pumping Frequencies
in Years
(For Year-Round Residence)
| ||||||||||
Household Size
(number of people)
| ||||||||||
Tank Size
(gallons)
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
500
|
5.8
|
2.6
|
1.5
|
1.0
|
0.7
|
0.4
|
0.3
|
0.2
|
0.1
|
-
|
750
|
9.1
|
4.2
|
2.6
|
1.8
|
1.3
|
1.0
|
0.7
|
0.6
|
0.4
|
0.3
|
900
|
11.0
|
5.2
|
3.3
|
2.3
|
1.7
|
1.3
|
1.0
|
0.8
|
0.7
|
0.5
|
1,000
|
12.4
|
5.9
|
3.7
|
2.6
|
2.0
|
1.5
|
1.2
|
1.0
|
0.8
|
0.7
|
1,250
|
15.6
|
7.5
|
4.8
|
3.4
|
2.6
|
2.0
|
1.7
|
1.4
|
1.2
|
1.0
|
1,500
|
18.9
|
9.1
|
5.9
|
4.2
|
3.3
|
2.6
|
2.1
|
1.8
|
1.5
|
1.3
|
1,750
|
22.1
|
10.7
|
6.9
|
5.0
|
3.9
|
3.1
|
2.6
|
2.2
|
1.9
|
1.6
|
2,000
|
25.4
|
12.4
|
8.0
|
5.9
|
4.5
|
3.7
|
3.1
|
2.6
|
2.2
|
2.0
|
2,250
|
28.6
|
14.0
|
9.1
|
6.7
|
5.2
|
4.2
|
3.5
|
3.0
|
2.6
|
2.3
|
2,500
|
31.9
|
15.6
|
10.2
|
7.5
|
5.9
|
4.8
|
4.0
|
4.0
|
3.0
|
2.6
|
(2)
For example, if six people reside in a three-bedroom
house, a nine-hundred-gallon tank should be pumped every 1.3 years.
If the same system serves a family of two, the tank would be ready
for pumping every 5.2 years. Systems installed before the current
rules and regulations may have septic tanks smaller than 900 gallons.
Contact the tank cleaner to determine the size. Some older tanks may
need to be pumped as often as once a month. Homes utilizing garbage
disposal units will also need more frequent pumping.
D.
Any person owning a lot served by a community on-lot sewage disposal system which contains a septic tank shall have the septic tanks pumped by a qualified pumper/hauler. The Township recommends pumping frequencies for different size households and tank sizes as described in Table 1, in Subsection C, above.
E.
Any person owning a lot served by a small flow treatment facility which contains a septic tank shall have the septic tank pumped by a qualified pumper/hauler. The Township recommends pumping frequencies for different households and tank sizes as described in Table 1, in Subsection C, above.
F.
Septic tanks shall be pumped to remove septage whenever
the specified pumping period has elapsed since the previous pumping
or more frequently if it is determined to be necessary by the Township
or its authorized agent due to malfunction or above hydraulic loading
of the system. In cases where a septic tank serves an unoccupied residence,
seasonal use facility or recreational use facility where that place
has not knowingly been occupied for a period exceeding three years,
the owner of the lot may receive a waiver from the requirements of
this article until the next use of or occupancy of that facility.
The owner of a lot served by a septic tank where the structure on
that lot is not occupied must return a waiver request to the Township.
Waiver requests must be renewed every three years.
When a resident or property owner proposes the
construction or erection of an on-lot sewer treatment facility, the
applicant must provide the Township SEO and Zoning Officer with the
following in support of such proposal:
A.
A preliminary hydrogeologic evaluation when the on-lot
treatment facility will use land disposal or a dry stream channel
discharge for final disposal. This evaluation shall include:
(1)
The most recent 7 1/2 inch United States geologic
survey topographic map with the discharge accurately plotted;
(2)
A discharge rate and quality, including seasonal variations;
and
(3)
An identification on the topographic map of existing
groundwater uses for 200 feet in width on each side of the channel
downstream from the discharge from the system until perennial stream
conditions are reached.
B.
Documentation, using the information developed in Subsection A (above), which confirms that existing or proposed drinking water uses will be protected and the effluent will not create a public health hazard or a nuisance, as per the SEO.
C.
Documentation that the proposed use of the on-lot
sewage facility does not conflict with comprehensive sewage planning
for the area.
D.
An evaluation that establishes specific responsibilities
for operation and maintenance of the proposed system.
E.
An evaluation of the alternatives available to provide
sewage facilities which documents the use of on-lot sewage treatment
facilities is the best environmentally accepted alternative.
A.
Each on-lot sewage treatment facility to be constructed/erected
within Allegheny Township shall be capable of continuously producing
a suitable effluent without causing water pollution or public health
nuisances. The technology utilized must be relatively fail-safe and
simple to operate and maintain by an unskilled individual. All on-lot
sewage treatment facilities must include:
(1)
Standard on-lot subsurface;
(2)
Elevated sand mound;
(3)
Elevated sand mound using infiltrator chambers;
(4)
Elevated sand mound using a peat moss chamber;
(5)
Single residence spray irrigation system;
(6)
Small flow treatment facility (direct stream discharge);
(7)
Any other experimental method that would gain DEP
approval in the future.
B.
The design capacity for a small flow treatment facility
shall be based on the following:
(1)
A single-family residence shall be designed based
on a minimum flow of 400 gpd and a minimum organic load of 1.02 lbs.
BOD5 per day for a residence with three bedrooms
or less; the flow shall be increased by 100 gpd and the organic load
shall be increased by 0.34 lbs. BOD5 per day
for each additional bedroom over the minimum. The flow indicated provides
for the use of garbage grinders, automatic washing machines, dishwashers
and water softeners.
(2)
Single-family residences served by a community sewage
system and apartments or nonresidential establishments served by an
individual or community sewage system shall be designed based on flows
and organic loads as noted in Appendix A,[1] which is a listing of facilities and amount of sewage
flow generated per day for each, for the type of facility to be served.
Additional flow data obtained by daily record keeping or metering
for any establishment indicating peak daily flows over a one year
period may be accepted in lieu of the estimated sewage flows listed
in Appendix A. For nonresidential establishments, 200 gpd is the minimum
volume used in calculating the size of the small flow treatment facility.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included at the
end of this chapter.
C.
Property owner agrees to provide the Township a complete
set of "as built" plans for the aforesaid sewage treatment facility
as finally approved by the DEP or any other agency having jurisdiction
thereof.
A.
Before any connection shall be made to the sewer system,
an application for inspection to connect to the collecting system
shall be completed by the owner and submitted to the Township SEO.
This will be required for each individual occupied building whether
constructed as a detached unit or as one of a pair or row.
B.
The SEO designated by the Township shall be given
at least 72 hours' notice of the time when such connection shall be
made in order that said SEO can be present to inspect and approve
work of connection. The inspector shall signify his approval of the
connection by endorsing his name and the date of approval on the aforementioned
connection permit in the possession of the permittee. Times for inspection
shall be mutually agreeable to SEO and lot owner.
C.
At the time of the inspection of the connection, the
owner of properties shall permit the SEO full and complete access
to all sanitary and drainage arrangements and facilities in each building
and in and about all parts of the property. No building sewer line
shall be covered over or in any manner concealed until after it is
inspected and approved by said inspector. If the lateral is to be
connected to an existing septic tank, the septic tank, as well as
the pipe from the house to the septic tank, shall be uncovered to
permit inspection of those facilities.
D.
All sewer pipe shall be installed in strict accordance
with the manufacturer's recommendations. Where rock trench foundation
exists, a four-inch gravel cradle shall be provided under the pipe.
In order to protect the health, welfare and
safety of the residents of Allegheny Township, it shall be the duty
of the owner, occupant and other person in control of all private
small flow sewage treatment facilities within the Township to comply
with all DEP requirements.
In the event Township or DEP inspections indicate
the need for repair, replacement and/or maintenance of any component
part or all of the system in order to bring the sewage treatment facility
into compliance with DEP regulations, the property owner shall complete
such repairs, replacement and/or maintenance and obtain certification
from the property owner's engineer or the Township's authorized representative
that the work has been completed in accordance with appropriate standards.
Certification must be provided within 120 days of the date of Township
or DEP notice. In the event the property owner or his representative
fails or refuses to achieve timely compliance with the provisions
for repair, replacement and/or maintenance of the sewage treatment
facility, the Township shall have the right to enter upon the premises
and to perform any repairs, replacement and/or maintenance with respect
to the sewage treatment facility, all of which shall be made at the
cost and expense of the property owner. Municipal action to effectuate
needed repairs or maintenance shall occur no sooner than 30 days after
notice was sent to the property owner. During the period of time when
the facility is inoperable and/or incapable of treating the discharged
effluent so as to meet and/or exceed those standards of the DEP as
aforementioned, the property owner, at the property owner's expense,
shall make the necessary arrangements to remove said effluent and
arrange for the appropriate disposition of same at a properly certified
and licensed sewerage disposal facility. In the event the property
owner shall fail to make the necessary arrangements for the removal
of said effluent, the Township shall have the right, upon 48 hours'
written notice to the property owner, to enter upon the premises and
cause said effluent to be removed. In the event that the Township
causes such effluent to be removed, the property owner shall reimburse
the Township for all costs and expenses related thereto. Where the
property owner causes the effluent to be removed, he shall, upon request
of the Township, provide an agreement with a hauler providing for
the removal. The property owner agrees to continue hauling effluent
until such time as the system has been properly certified as being
operable by the Township SEO or the PADEP. If the Township makes appropriate
finding, the Township may declare the subject property uninhabitable
and order the owner to vacate the premises for failure to comply.
To ensure that the property owner is operating
and maintaining the sewer treatment facility in accordance with this
agreement, the property owner shall pay a bond or cash escrow sufficient
to cover the costs of maintenance, inspection, repair and/or replacement
of the sewer treatment facility. The amount of said bond or escrow
shall be established by the Allegheny Township Board of Supervisors
on a case-by-case basis. All payments of escrow shall be made contemporaneously
with any agreements entered into between Allegheny Township and the
property owner for the operation of an on-lot sewer treatment facility.
Only normal domestic wastes shall be discharged
into any on-lot sewage disposal system. The following shall not be
discharged into the system:
A.
Industrial waste;
B.
Automotive oil and other nondomestic oil;
C.
Toxic or hazardous substances or chemicals, including
but not limited to pesticides, disinfectants, acids, paints, paint
thinners, herbicides, gasoline and other solvents.
D.
Clean surface or ground water, including water from
roof or cellar drains, springs, basement sump pumps and French drains.
When the results of monitoring, testing, sampling,
inspection or other evidence indicates a violation of the Clean Streams
Act, the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, the Rules and Regulations
of the Department or this article, the Township SEO shall notify the
appropriate officials of the DEP and shall report same to the Township
board of supervisors. The Township SEO is authorized by the board
of supervisors to serve notice upon the violator and to proceed in
court to abate any nuisance or to restrain or prevent any violation
of the Clean Streams Act in accordance with Section 601 and 602 thereof
(35 P.S. §§ 691.601 and 691.602) or to abate any nuisance
or to restrain any violation of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities
Act in accordance with Sections 12 and 13 thereof (35 P.S. §§ 750.12
and 750.13). If it appears to the Township SEO that a violation of
this article has occurred, the Township SEO shall initiate enforcement
proceedings by sending an enforcement notice as provided in this section.
The enforcement notice shall be sent to the owner of record of the
parcel on which the violation has occurred, to any person who has
filed a written request to receive enforcement notices regarding that
parcel or to any person requested in writing by the owner of record.
The enforcement notice shall state at least the following:
A.
The name of the owner of record or any other person
against whom the Township intends to take action;
B.
The location of the property in violation;
C.
The specific violation with the description of the
requirements which have not been met, citing in each instance the
applicable provisions of the ordinance;
D.
The date before which the steps for compliance must
be commenced and the date before which the steps must be completed;
E.
That the recipient of the notice has the right to
appeal to the DEP within a prescribed period of time indicated in
the enforcement notice;
F.
All costs applicable to the enforcement shall be charged
to the violator.
B.
The minimum horizontal isolation distances between
the features named and treatment tanks shall comply with the following:
C.
The following minimum horizontal isolation distances
between the features named and the perimeter of the absorption area
apply:
(1)
Property line, easement or right-of-way: 10 feet;
(2)
Occupied buildings, swimming pools and driveways:
10 feet;
(3)
An individual water supply or water supply system
suction line: 100 feet;
(4)
Water supply line under pressure: 10 feet;
(5)
Streams, lakes or other surface water: 10 feet;
(6)
Other active on-lot systems: 20 feet;
(7)
Surface drainageways: 10 feet;
(8)
Mine subsidence areas, mine bore holes or sink holes:
100 feet;
(9)
Rock outcrop or identified shallow pinnacle: 10 feet;
(10)
Natural or man-made slope greater than 25%:
10 feet.
A.
Soil tests to determine the presence of a limiting
zone and the capacity of the soil to permit the passage of water shall
be conducted prior to permit issuance.
(1)
On all locations where the installation of an absorption
area is proposed, at least one excavation for examination of the soil
profile shall be provided.
(2)
The depth of the excavation shall be to the top of
the limiting zone or a maximum of eight feet.
(3)
All soil profile excavations shall be conducted within
10 feet of the proposed absorption area.
(4)
Where soil has been removed by grading or excavation,
the surface of the undisturbed soil shall be considered to be the
point from which the depth to limiting zone is measured.
B.
When the examination of the soil profile reveals a
limiting zone within 20 inches of the mineral soil surface, percolation
tests may not be conducted and a permit shall be denied.
C.
Where examination of the soil profile reveals the absence of a limiting zone within 20 inches of the mineral soil surface, percolation tests shall be performed within the proposed absorption area. The average percolation rate shall be within the range indicated in § 197-63 of this article (relating to absorption area requirements).
D.
The location and depth to the limiting zone of all
soil profile excavations and the location of all percolation tests
conducted on a lot shall be indicated on the plot plan of the application
for sewage disposal system or on an attached diagram.
Percolation tests shall be conducted in accordance
with the following procedure:
A.
Number and location. Six or more tests shall be made
in separate test holes spaced uniformly over the proposed absorption
area site.
B.
Results. Percolation holes located within the proposed
absorption area shall be used in the calculation of the arithmetic
average percolation rate.
C.
Type of hole. Holes having a uniform diameter of six
inches to 10 inches shall be bored or dug as follows:
(1)
To the depth of the proposed absorption area, where
the limiting zone is 60 inches or more from the mineral soil surface.
(2)
To a depth of 20 inches if the limiting zone is identified
as seasonal high water table, whether perched or regional, rock formation,
other stratum, or the soil condition which is so slowly permeable
that it effectively limits downward passage of effluent, occurring
at less than 60 inches from the mineral soils surface.
(3)
To a depth eight inches above the limiting zone or
20 inches, whichever is less, if the limiting zone is identified as
rock with open joints or with fractures or solution channels or as
masses of loose rock fragments, including gravel, with insufficient
fine soils to fill the voids between the fragments, occurring at less
than 60 inches from the mineral soil surface.
D.
Preparation. The bottom and sides of the hole shall
be scarified with a knife blade or sharp-pointed instrument in order
to completely remove any smeared soil surfaces and to provide a natural
soil interface into which water may percolate. Loose material shall
be placed in the bottom of the hole to protect the soil from scouring
and clogging of the pores.
E.
Procedure for presoaking. Holes shall be presoaked
according to the following procedure to approximate normal weather
or in-use conditions in the soil:
(1)
Initial presoak. Holes shall be filled with water
to a minimum depth of 12 inches over the gravel and allowed to stand
undisturbed for eight to 24 hours prior to the percolation test.
(2)
Final presoak. Immediately before the percolation
test, water shall be placed in the hole to a minimum depth of six
inches over the gravel and readjusted every 30 minutes for one hour.
F.
Determination of measurement interval. The drop in
the water level during the last 30 minutes of the final presoaking
period shall be applied to the following standard to determine the
time interval between readings for each percolation hole:
G.
Measurement. After the final presoaking period, water
in the hole shall be adjusted to approximately six inches over the
gravel and readjusted when necessary after each reading.
(1)
Measurement to the water level in the individual percolation holes shall be made from a fixed reference point and shall continue at the interval determined from Subsection G(6) for each individual percolation hole until a minimum of eight readings are completed or until a stabilized rate of drop is obtained. A stabilized rate of drop shall mean a difference of 1/4 inch or less of drop between the highest and lowest readings of four consecutive readings.
(2)
The drop that occurs in the final period in percolation
test holes, expressed as minutes per inch, shall be used to calculate
the arithmetic average percolation rate.
(3)
Where no measurable rate is obtained in a percolation
hole, the rate of 240 minutes per inch shall be assigned to that hole
for use in calculating the arithmetic average percolation rate.
(4)
Where no measurable rate is obtained in 1/3 or more
of the percolation holes, the proposed absorption area tested is unsuitable
and a permit shall be denied for that area.
(5)
Every hole in the percolation test must be included
in the calculation of the average percolation rate. Holes may not
be dropped from the average unless they are outside the proposed absorption
area. An applicant may request a second percolation test on the same
site. The applicant must be advised by the SEO that all 12 percolation
holes will be used in determining the average percolation rate. If
the proposed absorption area is relocated, new tests must be performed.
(6)
Percolation tests with the following characteristics
are unsuitable:
(a)
Arithmetic average is outside the limits set
by Section 73.16(a) of the DEP regulations.
(b)
One-third or more of the test holes have a zero
rate of drop. For a six-hole test, two or more holes with a zero reading
constitutes a failed test.
(c)
One-third or more of the test holes are too
rapidly permeable to measure using ten-minute intervals.
(7)
Percolation test results from tests conducted prior
to the effective date of the latest revisions to Chapter 73 of the
DEP regulations may be accepted by the SEO if these tests were conducted
in accordance with the regulations in effect at that time and the
tests were confirmed, conducted or otherwise verified by the SEO.
H.
Acceptance of prior testing results. The sewage enforcement
officer may accept the results of percolation tests performed before
the effective date of these sections, provided that the tests were
observed, conducted or otherwise verified to have been conducted in
conformance with the regulations in effect at that time.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix B, Verification of
Prior Testing, which originally followed this subsection, is included
at the end of this chapter.
A.
Only the bottom area of the bed or trench shall be
used in calculating absorption area requirements.
B.
Absorption areas for single-family dwellings not served
by a community sewage system shall be designed based on a minimum
flow of 400 gpd for all dwellings having three bedrooms or less. The
minimum flow of 400 gpd shall be increased by 100 gpd for each bedroom
over three.
C.
Absorption area requirements for single-family dwellings
served by a community sewage system and for apartments or nonresidential
establishments served by an individual or community sewage system
shall be designed based on flows listed in 25 Pa. Code § 73.17
(relating to sewage flows) for the type of facility to be served.
D.
For nonresidential establishments, a volume of 200
gpd shall be the minimum volume used in calculating the size of the
absorption area.
E.
The following table, which includes allowances for garbage grinders, automatic washing machines, dishwashers and water softeners, shall be used in calculating the square footage of absorption area required based on flows determined in Subsections B through D:
Table A
| ||
---|---|---|
Minimum Aggregate Absorption
Area Requirements for Treatment Tank Effluent
| ||
Square Feet of Aggregate Area
Per Gallon Per Day
| ||
Average Percolation Rate Expressed
as Minute Per Inch
|
All Systems Except Elevated Sand
Mounds and Subsurface Sand Filters
|
Subsurface Sand Filters
and Elevated Sand Mounds
|
Less than 3.0D
|
Unsuitable
|
Unsuitable
|
3 - 5C
|
Unsuitable
|
1.50AB
|
6 - 16C
|
1.19B
|
1.50 AB
|
16 - 30C
|
(Avg. Perc Rate - 15) x (0.040) + 1.19B
|
1.50AB
|
31 - 45C
|
(Avg. Perc Rate - 30) x (0.030) + 1.79B
|
(Avg. Perc Rate - 30) x (0.026) + 1.50AB
|
46 - 60C
|
(Avg. Perc Rate - 45) x (0.028) + 2.24B
|
(Avg. Perc Rate - 45) x (0.022) + 1.89A
|
61 - 90C
|
(Avg. Perc Rate - 60) x (0.023) + 2.66A
|
(Avg. Perc Rate - 60) x (0.020) + 2.22A
|
91 - 120ACD
|
Unsuitable
|
(Avg. Perc Rate - 90) x (0.017) + 2.82A
|
121 - 150CD
|
Unsuitable
|
(Avg. Perc Rate - 120) x (0.015) +
3.33)(1.05)A
|
151 - 180CD
|
Unsuitable
|
(Avg. Perc Rate - 150) x (0.014) +
3.78)(1.10)A
|
A.
Capacity.
(1)
The minimum liquid capacity of a septic tank for any
installation shall be 900 gallons.
(2)
For single-family dwelling units not served by a community
system, a minimum daily flow of 400 gpd shall be used to determine
required septic tank capacity. This figure shall be increased by 100
gallons for each additional bedroom over three. The daily flow indicated
provides for use of garbage grinders, automatic washing machines,
dishwashers and water softeners.
(3)
The minimum capacity of any septic tank shall be calculated
from the following table using estimated sewage flows from Paragraph
B or from 25 Pa. Code §§ 73.20 and 73.21:
Square Feet of Aggregate Area
Per Gallon Per Day
| |||
---|---|---|---|
Average Percolation Rate Expressed as
Minute Per Inch
|
All Systems Except Elevated Sand Mounds
and Subsurface Sand Filters
|
Subsurface Sand Filters and Elevated Sand
Mounds
| |
Greater than 181CD
|
Unsuitable
|
Unsuitable
|
A
|
Pressure dosing required.
| |
B
|
One third reduction may be permitted for use
of an aerobic tank.
| |
C
|
May be considered for experimental or alternate
proposals.
| |
D
|
Unsuitable for subsurface sand filters.
|
(e) Spray fields. Table B shall be used in calculating
the square footage of spray fields based on flows determined in Subsection
(a). Table B includes allowances for garbage grinders, automatic washing
machines, dishwashers and water softeners.
|
TABLE B
| |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soil Characteristics
|
Slope
|
Required Spray Field Area (ft2)
| |||
Depth to Rock
|
Depth to
Water Table
|
3-Bedroom House
|
Additional Area Per Bedroom
| ||
16 to 20 inches
|
10 to 40 inches
|
Less than or equal to 12%
|
40,000
|
10,000
| |
Greater than 12%
|
80,000
|
20,000
| |||
Greater than 40 inches
|
Less than or equal to 12%
|
15,000
|
3,750
| ||
Greater than 12%
|
30,000
|
7,500
| |||
Greater than 20 inches
|
10 to 20 inches
|
Less than or equal to 12%
|
20,000
|
5,000
| |
Greater than 12%
|
40,000
|
10,000
| |||
Greater than 20 inches
|
Less than or equal to 12%
|
10,000
|
2,500
| ||
Greater than 12%
|
20,000
|
5,000
|
B.
Construction.
(1)
Tanks shall be watertight and constructed of sound
and durable material not subject to excessive corrosion or decay.
(a)
Precast concrete tanks shall have a minimum
wall thickness of 2 1/2 inches and be adequately reinforced.
(b)
Precast slabs used as covers shall have a thickness
of at least three inches and be adequately reinforced.
(c)
Tanks having a liquid capacity of 5,000 gallons
or less shall not be constructed of blocks, bricks or similar masonry
construction.
(d)
Tanks having a capacity in excess of 5,000 gallons
may be constructed on-site to meet the standards of the National Concrete
Masonry Association for reinforcement and waterproofing as listed
in the publication "Concrete Masonry Foundation Walls," copyright
1957 NCMA.
(e)
Steel tanks shall meet United States Department
of Commerce Standards 177-62.
(3)
No tank or compartment shall have an inside horizontal
dimension less than 36 inches.
(4)
If the tank has more than one compartment, the first
compartment shall have at least the same capacity as the second, but
shall not exceed twice the capacity of the second. Tanks or compartments
shall be connected in series and shall not exceed four in number in
any one installation.
C.
Inlet and outlet connections.
(1)
The inlet invert shall be a minimum of three inches
above the outlet invert.
(2)
Inlet baffles or vented tees shall extend below the
liquid level at least six inches. In no case should penetration of
the inlet device exceed that of the outlet device.
(3)
The outlet baffles or vented tees shall extend below
the liquid surface to a distance equal to 40% of the liquid depth.
Penetration of outlet baffles or tees in horizontal cylindrical tanks
shall be equal to 35% of the liquid depth.
(4)
The inlet and outlet baffles or vented tees shall
extend above liquid depth to approximately one inch from the top of
the tank. Venting shall be provided between compartments.
D.
Treatment tank access.
(1)
Access to each tank or compartment of the tank shall
be provided by a manhole of at least 20 inches square or in diameter,
with a removable cover. The top of the tank containing the manhole
or the top of the manhole extension shall not be more than 12 inches
below grade level. If access is extended to grade, the access cover
shall be airtight. Grade level access covers shall be secured by bolts
or locking mechanism or have sufficient weight to prevent access by
children.
(2)
The ground shall slope away from any access extended
to grade level.
E.
Inspection port. A maximum four-inch-diameter inspection
port with sealed cover shall be installed to grade level above the
inlet tee.
F.
Capacity.
(1)
The minimum liquid septic tank capacity for any installation
is 900 gallons.
(2)
For single-family dwelling units not served by a community
on-lot system, a minimum daily flow of 400 gpd shall be used to determine
the required septic tank capacity. This figure shall be increased
by 100 gallons for each additional bedroom over three. The daily flow
indicated provides for use of garbage grinders, automatic washing
machines, dishwashers and water softeners.
(3)
The minimum septic tank capacity shall be calculated
from the following table using estimated sewage flows from Paragraph
2 or Section 73.17 (a)-(c) of the DEP regulations (Appendix A).
Design Flow
(gallons per day)
|
Tank Capacity
(gallons)
| |
---|---|---|
0 - 500
|
(3.5 X flow exceeding 400 gpd + (900)
| |
500 - 5,000
|
(1.50 X flow exceeding 500 gpd + (1,250)
| |
5,000 - 7,500
|
(1.45 X flow exceeding 5,000 gpd + (8,000)
| |
7,500 - 10,000
|
(1.35 X flow exceeding 7,500 gpd + (11,625)
| |
Over 10,000
|
(1.50 X daily flow)
|
Note: Septic tanks may be connected in series
to attain required capacity.
|
A.
Capacity shall comply with the following:
(1)
The rated treatment capacity for an aerobic treatment tank shall be specified by the manufacturer. Said manufacturer's date shall be in conformance with the approved test sequence and protocol provided for in Subsection B.
(2)
The minimum manufacturer's rated treatment capacity
of an aerobic treatment tank approved under this section shall be
400 gallons per day.
(3)
For single-family dwelling units not served by a community
system, a minimum daily flow of 400 gpd shall be used to determine
required aerobic tank capacity. This figure shall be increased by
100 gallons for each additional bedroom over three. The daily flow
indicated provides for use of garbage grinders, automatic washing
machines, dishwashers and water softeners.
(4)
For all other installations, the rated treatment capacity
shall meet or exceed the estimated daily sewage flow as determined
from 25 Pa. Code § 73.17(a) or (b) (relating to sewage flows).
B.
Testing and approval shall comply with the following:
(1)
Aerobic treatment tanks serving single-family dwellings
or establishments with flows of 1,500 gpd or less shall either:
(2)
Units tested and awarded a seal under other than the
current standard shall be approved for use until expiration of the
seal. Units initially submitted for testing or resubmitted for testing
shall be approved under the version of Standard No. 40 in effect at
that time.
(3)
Aerobic treatment tanks serving establishments with
flows exceeding 1,500 gpd shall either:
(a)
Have NSF certification under Criteria C-9;
(b)
Have performance dated certified by NSF under
the provisions of that agency's standard performance evaluation method;
(c)
Have performance date certified by a testing
agency other than NSF using test procedures equivalent to that of
NSF Criteria C-9 or standard performance evaluation method.
D.
Manufacturers, retailers or other persons seeking approval of tanks under Subsection B(1), (2) and (3)(b) or (c) shall submit to the DEP for its approval two copies of the complete test procedures and results conducted by the testing agency certifying that such units proposed for installation meet or exceed Class II Effluent Standards as established by NSF Standard No. 40.
E.
The DEP will provide local agencies with a current
list of aerobic sewage treatment tanks that have been found in conformance
with the DEP's standards.
F.
Multiple aerobic treatment tanks connected for the
purpose of achieving required hydraulic capacity shall only be permitted
where such tanks are connected in parallel. All tanks shall have equal
capacity and receive equal loading.
G.
Every aerobic sewage treatment tank shall be equipped
with a visual and audible alarm system which shall be designed to
respond to any electrical or mechanical failure or malfunction of
the tank or any component thereof.
A.
Design. The maximum slope of the undisturbed soil
of a proposed absorption area where a trench system may be permitted
is 25%.
(1)
For slopes between 15% and 20%, detailed engineering
design in relationship to elevation shall be provided.
(2)
For slopes from 20% to 25%, systems shall be designed
by a registered professional engineer with expertise in this field.
This engineer shall also inspect the installation and verify that,
to the best of his knowledge and belief, the system was installed
in accordance with the plans and specifications. Copies of the plans
and specifications and the engineer's report are to be attached to
the applicant's copy, sewage enforcement officer's copy and the DEP's
copy of the application for sewage permit.
B.
Construction. Trenches in an absorption area shall
be constructed in accordance with the following:
(1)
There shall be a minimum of two trenches per field.
(2)
Trenches shall follow approximately the ground surface
contours so that variations in trench depth shall be minimized.
(3)
There shall be at least six feet of soil between the
treatment tank or dosing tank and the nearest trench.
(4)
The width of the bottom of the individual trench shall
be 12 inches to 72 inches.
(5)
Depth to the bottom of the absorption area shall be
12 inches to 36 inches.
(6)
The bottom of the absorption area shall be level to
a tolerance of two inches per 100 feet.
(7)
Minimum width of undisturbed earth between trenches
shall be five feet.
(8)
Minimum depth of aggregate material under laterals
shall be six inches.
(9)
Laterals shall be placed in the center of the trench.
The first or last discharge hole of a lateral shall be no more than
five feet nor less than two feet from the ends of the trench.
(10)
Laterals shall be level to a maximum tolerance
of four inches of fall per 100 feet toward the terminal end of the
lateral.
(11)
Minimum depth of aggregate material over the
laterals shall be two inches.
(12)
Depth of aggregate shall be uniform throughout
the absorption area.
(13)
The top of the aggregate material shall be covered
with untreated building paper or a two-inch layer of hay, straw or
similar material to prevent backfill material from settling into the
aggregate.
(14)
Minimum depth of earth cover over the aggregate
in all installations shall be 12 inches. Where the top of the aggregate
is less than 12 inches from the undisturbed soil surface, the soil
cover must extend beyond the absorption area by at least three feet
on all sides.
(15)
The backfill material shall consist of soil
suitable for the growth of vegetation and be seeded to control erosion.
Whenever seepage beds are employed, they shall meet the requirements of § 197-66B(5), (6), (8) and (10) to (15) (relating to standard trenches), in addition to the following specifications:
A.
The maximum slope of the undisturbed soil of a proposed
absorption area where a seepage bed may be permitted is 8%.
B.
The required absorption area may be provided by one
or more seepage beds:
(1)
Where gravity distribution is used, the individual
beds of a single on-lot system shall be separated by a minimum of
five feet.
(2)
Where pressure distribution is utilized, the individual
beds of a single on-lot system shall be separated by a minimum of
20 feet.
(3)
The bed shall contain a minimum of two laterals.
(4)
Laterals shall be equally spaced a maximum of six
feet on center, except where pressurized distribution design is utilized
whereupon laterals may be spaced consistent with the requirements
of 25 Pa. Code § 73.44.
(5)
Laterals shall be placed no further than five feet
nor less than two feet from the sidewall of the bed.
(6)
Laterals shall be placed in the bed so that the first
and last discharge holes may be no more than five feet nor less than
two feet from the ends of the bed.
A.
General. Subsurface sand filters without underdrains
shall meet the following criteria:
(1)
Subsurface sand filters shall not be utilized on soils
where the limiting zone occurs at less than six feet below the mineral
soil surface.
(2)
The average percolation rate, as determined by § 197-50 (relating to percolation tests), shall be greater than 90 minutes per inch.
(3)
The average percolation rate at a depth between 36
inches and 72 inches shall be within the range of three to 90 minutes
per inch.
Dosing tanks shall be constructed to the following
specifications:
A.
Dosing tanks shall be constructed of materials to
the specifications outlined in Section 73.31(b) (relating to standards
for septic tanks) of the DEP regulations.
B.
For all systems other than individual residential
spray irrigation systems, the dosing tank shall be designed so that
the estimated daily flow shall be discharged to the absorption area
in one or more doses. Minimum dose volume shall be five times the
internal liquid capacity of the delivery pipe, manifold and laterals,
or 100 gallons, whichever is greater. When a siphon is used in a pressure
distribution system, the minimum dose volume shall be equal to the
internal liquid capacity of the delivery line plus five times the
internal liquid capacity of the manifold and laterals.
C.
The dosing tank shall have a minimum liquid capacity
equal to or greater than two times the designed dose volume.
D.
Sufficient space shall be provided for electrical
connections and proper pump control operation.
E.
Unless otherwise regulated by the local electrical
codes, all electrical connections shall be moisture resistant and
at a point higher than the inlet pipe or mounted above grade outside
of the dosing tank or manhole extension within a tamper resistant,
lockable control box.
F.
A watertight manhole, at least 20 inches square or
24 inches in diameter, attended to grade, shall be provided for access
to the dosing tank. Manhole covers shall meet the specifications of
Section 73.31(d) of the DEP regulations.
A.
Dosing pumps for all on-lot sewage disposal systems
except individual spray irrigation systems shall meet the following
specifications:
(1)
The pump shall be sized to deliver a flow in gpm equal
to or greater than the combined flows from all discharge holes in
the laterals when operating at designed level of head and shall be
rated by the manufacturer for handling of sewage effluent.
(2)
The intake of the dosing pump shall be at least six
inches from the bottom of the tank. The intake of any dosing pump
shall be at a lower elevation that the lowest lateral.
(3)
Pumps may not be suspended above the bottom of the
tank by chains or similar equipment.
(4)
A disconnect shall be incorporated into the piping
within the dosing tank for ease of pump removal.
(5)
An effective warning device, as described in Section
73.63(c) of the DEP regulations, shall be installed in the dosing
tank to indicate failure of the pump or siphon. Electrically operated
warning systems shall be on a circuit and breaker separate from the
pump.
(6)
A siphon or other discharge mechanism may be substituted for a pump where site conditions permit the use of a gravity flow device, if the average discharge rate of the device meets the requirements of Subsection A(1).
(7)
A copy of the performance curve of the pump or discharge
specifications for the siphon to be used shall be attached to the
system design. A copy of the manufacturer's specifications showing
that the pump is designed to handle sewage or sewage effluent shall
also be attached to the system design.
(8)
When an aeration tank is used which results in a periodic
pump discharge from the treatment tank, the discharge mechanism may
be substituted for a dosing tank and pump if the periodic discharge
rate meets the criteria in Subsection (a)(1) and (b)(2) and Section
73.45(2) (relating to dosing tanks) of the DEP regulations.
(9)
Pumps or siphons serving systems having total absorption
areas greater than 2,500 square feet shall have a minimum discharge
capacity at least two times the estimated peak flow for the facility
served.
(10)
When an establishment produces more than 50%
of its total daily flow during a peak flow period, the minimum dose
volume shall equal the anticipated flow during the peak period.
(11)
Pumps employed for the purpose of lifting effluent
to a higher elevation may not be deemed dosing pumps when the system
does not meet the criteria of Section 73.43 (relating to pressurized
distribution) of the DEP regulations. Pumps for this purpose shall
have a discharge capacity at least two times the estimated peak flow
of the facility served when operating at designed level of head, but
at least five gpm and shall be rated by the manufacturer for handling
sewage effluent.
(12)
Siphon discharge lines shall be equipped with
an observation port. The access to the observation port shall be extended
to grade, capped and secured to prevent unauthorized entry.
C.
Dosing pumps used to pressurize a spray field distribution
system shall be designed in accordance with the specifications in
Subsection (a)(1) to (5) and (7) of the DEP regulations.
A.
Design.
(1)
The maximum slope of the undisturbed soil, to the
extremities of the berm, of a proposed absorption area where elevated
and sand mound trenches may be permitted is 12%.
(2)
The maximum slope of the undisturbed soil, to the
extremities of the berm, of a proposed absorption area where an elevated
sand mound bed may be permitted is 8%.
(3)
The limiting zone is the base elevation for measuring
the required depth of sand to achieve a minimum of four feet of satisfactory
material between the bottom of the aggregate and the top of the limiting
zone.
(4)
A minimum of one foot of sand shall be placed under
the aggregate in all elevated sand mound systems.
(5)
Existing mineral soil shall be utilized. No mineral
soil in the area of the elevated sand mound may be removed or disturbed
for the purpose of adding or mixing fill material.
B.
Construction.
(1)
Vegetation shall be cut close to the ground throughout
the area to be utilized for the absorption area and berm. Bushes and
trees shall be cut flush with the ground surface; roots shall be left
in place. Cut vegetation or organic litter shall be raked and removed
from the absorption and berm areas.
(2)
The proposed absorption area not obstructed by stumps
or other obstacles shall be roughed or plowed parallel with the contour
to a maximum depth of six inches, using a chisel plow or similar implement
attached to lightweight equipment. Rotary tilling shall be prohibited.
(3)
Under no circumstances may equipment travel on the
plowed soil surface until the sand is in place.
(4)
Immediately after plowing, sand shall be placed over
the exposed plowed surface. Sand shall be placed from the upslope
side of the bed using only lightweight equipment.
(5)
The slope of the sand not directly beneath the aggregate
area shall be approximately 50%.
(6)
The top of the sand directly beneath the aggregate
shall be level to a tolerance of plus two inches per 100 feet.
(7)
The mound shall be surrounded by a berm consisting
of mineral soil containing less than 20% coarse fragments with no
coarse fragments greater than four inches in diameter, more stable
and less permeable than the sand, and lightly compacted during construction
to contain and protect the mound interior. The width of this berm
shall be a minimum of three feet at the top of the aggregate.
(8)
Upon completion, the outside slope of the berm may
be no greater than 50% and shall be seeded to assure the stability
of the berm. The cover over the aggregate shall be a minimum of one
foot of soil suitable for the growth of vegetation.
(9)
No equipment may be permitted on the downslope side
of the mound with the exception of lightweight equipment that is used
to form the downslope berm. To the greatest extent possible, aggregate
and the cover material shall be placed from the upslope side of the
mound.
(10)
Where a mound system with trenches is used,
the area between the individual trenches shall be filled with mineral
soil.
(11)
A diversion drainage system will be recommended
on a case-by-case basis as needed to divert groundwater from any absorption
area of any system.
Retaining tanks are individual sewage systems
and require permits. They shall only be used where the SEO finds and
gives written notice to the approving body that all DEP requirements
relating to administration of sewage facilities planning have been
met.
A.
A holding tank shall be constructed to meet the specifications of § 197-52 (relating to standards for septic tanks).
B.
The minimum capacity of a holding tank shall be 1,000
gallons or a volume equal to the quantity of waste generated in three
days, whichever is larger.
C.
The holding tank shall be equipped with a warning
device to indicate when the tank is filled to within 75% of its capacity.
The warning device shall create an audible and visual signal at a
location frequented by the homeowner or responsible individual. Any
alteration of or failure to maintain any warning device will be considered
a violation.
D.
The homeowner will schedule pumping of the holding
tank once the tank reaches seventy-five-percent capacity.
E.
Disposal of waste from a holding tank shall be at
a site approved by the DEP.
F.
Operation and maintenance agreements are required
for any holding tank system.
A.
Location.
(1)
The privy shall be located so as to minimize any danger
of contamination of water supplies. Where possible, the privy shall
be downgrade and at least 50 feet from any source of water supply.
(2)
The structure shall be accessible to the user and
at least 50 feet away from any building served.
(3)
Consideration shall be given to the direction of prevailing
winds to reduce odor nuisances.
B.
Construction.
(1)
The superstructure shall be constructed of substantial
materials.
(2)
The vault shall be large enough to provide for several years' use and be constructed to meet the specifications of § 197-52 (relating to standards for septic tanks).
(3)
The vault shall be equipped with a roof ventilating
stack that is screened to prevent entrance of flies.
(4)
An exterior cleanout shall be provided for the vault.
(5)
The superstructure shall be fly-tight, well ventilated
and fastened solidly to the vault.
(6)
The door shall be self-closing and provided with weather-stripping
to make it insectproof.
(7)
The seat and cover shall be constructed of smooth
and easily cleanable material and the cover shall be self-closing.
(8)
An earth mound shall be placed around the privy or
a surface water diversion shall be constructed to keep surface water
from flooding the vault.
A.
Chemical toilets or other portable toilets shall meet
the installation specifications of the manufacturer and be maintained
in a manner that will preclude any potential pollution of health hazards.
B.
Where multiple chemical toilets or other portable
toilets are proposed for temporary use at construction sites, recreational
activities or seasonal facilities, all units proposed for installation
shall be included under one permit.
A.
The device utilized shall meet the installation specifications
of the manufacturer and shall be operated and maintained in a manner
that will preclude any potential pollution of health hazards.
B.
Where the installation of a recycling toilet, incinerating toilet or composting toilet is proposed for a new residence or establishment, an on-lot sewage system or other approved method of sewage disposal shall be provided for treatment of wash water, except as provided in Subsection D. Both sewage disposal facilities shall be included under one permit.
C.
Where the installation of a recycling toilet, incinerating
toilet, composting toilet or another type of water conservation device
is proposed for an existing residence or facility and no alteration
of the on-lot system is proposed, no permit shall be required.
D.
Where a composting toilet or incinerating toilet is
proposed for installation on a lot meeting the requirements of 25
Pa. Code § 71.63 (relating to retaining tanks), it shall
be deemed equivalent to and permitted as a privy. The device shall
be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
E.
These systems will be considered on a case-by-case
basis by the SEO with the consensus of the Supervisors that the system
is acceptable.
A.
Alternate systems shall be considered for individual
or community systems in any of the following cases:
(1)
To solve an existing pollution or public health problem.
(2)
To overcome specific site suitability deficiencies
or as a substitute for systems described in this chapter on suitable
lots.
(3)
To overcome specific engineering problems related
to the site or its proposed use.
(4)
To utilize, under varying site conditions, an experimental
design, either in whole or in part, which has been deemed successful
by the DEP.
B.
Any person desiring to install an alternate sewage
system shall submit complete preliminary design plans and specifications
to the SEO and the DEP for review and comment prior to submitting
an application for a permit. The DEP will determine if classification
as an alternate system is appropriate and provide review comments
to the SEO.
C.
The following criteria shall be considered in the
design of alternate systems:
(1)
The volume and rate of sewage flow, including reductions
attributed to water conservation devices and recycling devices.
(2)
The chemical and bacteriological characteristics of
the flow, including the varying nature, if any, of the contributing
sources.
(3)
The treatment of the sewage flow, including, if appropriate:
(4)
Materials of construction, including durability and
chemical resistance of all system components.
(5)
The characteristics and limitations of the disposal
site, including, if appropriate:
(a)
The depth, composition and projected effects
of any limiting zone identified through extensive on-site evaluation
of the soils presented.
(b)
Determination of the soil permeability through
percolation tests, hydraulic conductivity tests or other acceptable
testing procedures conducted on the site.
(c)
The chemical and bacteriological characteristics
of the subsurface or other waters.
(d)
The natural and modified slope of the disposal
site and contiguous areas, with particular attention to the downslope
areas.
(e)
The relationship of the disposal site to existing
and proposed drainage patterns, including surface and subsurface flows.
(f)
The stability and renovative abilities of controlled
fill areas.
(6)
The design of the absorption area, including:
(a)
Dimensions.
(b)
Method of distribution and hydraulic design
considerations of the distribution system.
(c)
The rate of application.
(d)
The relationship to other sewage disposal systems
or features, water supply sources, surface waters, recharge areas,
rock outcrops and other site improvements.
(e)
Determination of hydraulic loading limitations,
that is: interface acceptance rate or hydraulic conductivity of receiving
soils in accordance with accepted principles of hydraulic flow.
(8)
Other considerations as may be appropriate to comply
with the Act.
D.
An application for an alternative system shall include
the following:
(1)
Detailed plans and specifications sufficient to comply
with the requirements of this section.
(2)
A description of the system, device or process, its
capabilities and scheduled maintenance, if any, which is necessary
for the continued function.
(3)
The identity of the person responsible for the design
of the system and performance of scheduled maintenance, if required.
E.
Each application for an alternative system shall be
accompanied by a statement acknowledging the requirement that the
SEO be notified of any malfunction or modification of the original
system design.
F.
Prior to issuing a permit for an alternative sewage
system, the SEO shall consider the comments of the PADEP.
A.
Experimental systems may be considered for individual
or community systems in any of the following cases:
(1)
To solve an existing pollution or public health problem.
(2)
To overcome specific site suitability deficiencies
or as a substitute for systems described in this chapter on suitable
lots.
(3)
To overcome specific engineering problems related
to the site or its proposed use.
(4)
To evaluate new concepts or technologies applicable
to on-lot disposal.
(5)
To evaluate the applicability to on-lot disposal applications
in the field of engineering.
(6)
To demonstrate a design having successful use in other
jurisdictions under environmental conditions similar to or more restrictive
than those in this commonwealth.
(7)
To utilize, under varying site conditions, an experimental
design, either in whole or in part, which has been deemed successful
by the DEP.
B.
Any person desiring to install an experimental sewage
system shall submit complete preliminary design plans and specifications
to the SEO and the DEP for review and comment prior to submitting
an application for a permit. The DEP will determine if classification
as an experimental system is appropriate for the submission and provide
review comments to the SEO.
C.
The following criteria shall be considered in the
design of experimental systems:
(1)
The volume and rate of sewage flow, including reductions
attributed to water conservation devices and recycling devices.
(2)
The chemical and bacteriological characteristics of
the flow, including the varying nature, if any, of the contributing
sources.
(3)
The treatment of the sewage flow, including, if appropriate:
(4)
Materials of construction, including durability and
chemical resistance of all system components.
(5)
The characteristics and limitations of the disposal
site, including, if appropriate:
(a)
The depth, composition, and projected effects
of any limiting zone identified through extensive on-site evaluation
of the soils present.
(b)
The determination of the soil permeability through
percolation tests, hydraulic conductivity tests or other acceptable
testing procedures conducted on the site.
(c)
The chemical and bacteriological characteristics
of the subsurface or other waters.
(d)
The natural and modified slope of the disposal
site and contiguous areas, with particular attention to downslope
areas.
(e)
The relationship of the disposal site to existing
and proposed drainage patterns, including surface and subsurface flows.
(f)
The stability and renovative abilities of controlled
fill areas.
(6)
The design of the absorption area, including:
(8)
Other considerations as may be appropriate to comply
with the Act.
D.
Except as provided in Subsection F, experimental designs will be approved for use only where it has been determined that an individual or community sewage disposal system meeting the requirements of this chapter or another successful experimental design or that sewage services meeting the requirements of the Clean Streams Law (35 P.S. §§ 691.1 to 691.1001) and Article II (relating to water resources), may be installed in the event the experiment is deemed a failure.
E.
Except as provided in Subsection F, monitoring, observation, testing or other requirement which is deemed necessary to verify the success of the experiment shall be required.
G.
An application for an experimental system shall include
the following:
(1)
Detailed plans and specifications sufficient to comply
with the requirements of this section.
(2)
A description of the system, device or process, its
capabilities and scheduled maintenance, if any, which are necessary
for continued function.
(3)
The identity of the person responsible for the design
of the system, performance of scheduled maintenance, if required,
and responsibility for repair or replacement in event of failure of
the system.
H.
Each application for an experimental system shall
be accompanied by a statement acknowledging the requirement that the
SEO be notified of any malfunction or modification of the original
system design.
I.
Prior to issuing a permit for an experimental sewage
system, the SEO shall consider the comments of the PADEP.
Any person, association, corporation or partnership
who violates any provision of this article is guilty of a summary
offense and, upon conviction thereof before a District Justice, shall
be subject to a fine of not more than $300 per day for every day out
of compliance or as set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
The operation or maintenance of a single-family
residence sewage facility contrary to the Clean Streams Act, the Pennsylvania
Sewage Facilities Act, the Rules and Regulations of the Department
of Environmental Protection and the standard or special conditions
of any applicable permit or this article is hereby declared to constitute
a public nuisance. Upon the discovery of such state of affairs, Allegheny
Township shall notify the landowner to remove or abate the nuisance.
In default of the removal or abatement of the nuisance, the Township
may:
A.
Proceed pursuant to Section 702 of the Second Class
Township Code (53 P.S. § 65702)[1] to remove any nuisance or dangerous structure on public
or private grounds after notice to the landowner to do so and, in
his default, to collect the cost of such removal together with a penalty
of 20% of the actual costs of removal or abatement;
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Section 702 of the Second
Class Township Code was reenacted and amended 11-9-1995 by P.L. 350,
No. 60. For subject matter of former Section 702, see now 53 P.S.
§§ 66505, 66507, and 67001 to 67003.
B.
To institute proceedings in equity; and
C.
To institute summary proceedings for violation of
statute, rules and regulations of the DEP or for violation of this
article. The Township is specifically authorized to proceed under
any one or more of the above-mentioned courses of action.
Any costs and expenses, both direct and indirect
and including necessary attorney fees, incurred by Allegheny Township
resulting from the need to remove effluent, repair the system and/or
inspect or maintain the sewage treatment facility shall be paid by
the property owner to the Township within 30 days after said costs
or expenses are incurred by the Township. If said costs or expenses
are not paid to the Township within said time period, the Township
shall have the right to file and enforce a lien with interest and
penalties at current Township borrowing rate against the property
described in Exhibit A pursuant to the Municipal Claims Act, 53 P.S.
§ 7101 et seq., as amended.
The Sewage Enforcement Officer fees will be
set by motion at the organizational meeting by the Board of Supervisors
held each January.