massachusetts public health inspector training wastewater certificate program (ma phit ww)

Massachusetts Public Health Inspector

TrainingWastewater Certificate

Program (MA PHIT WW)

Session 5:Design and Plan Review—

Non-Conventional Systems

MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Learning ObjectivesAfter completing this session, you will be able to: Describe situations that require non-conventional

solutions Explain non-conventional solutions and the

required approval process for each List and define the innovative/alternative (I/A)

technology classifications Describe certain I/A technologies

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5 3

MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Non-Conventional DesignsSituation SolutionSoil too wet for percolation test Sieve test and analysis (upgrades

only) – part of Local Upgrade Approval (LUA)

Upgrade plan does not meet all Title 5 standards

Local Upgrade Approval or Variance*

Project is proposed for over 2,000 gallons per day

Assessment of the soil and ground-water conditions and pressure distribution (PE must be designer)

Domestic garbage grinder Oversize/multi-compartment septic tank and SAS

Upgrade is costly and waivers to standards are being sought

MassDEP Cost Guidance

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Non-Conventional SolutionsSituation SolutionCannot meet new construction requirements of Title 5

Variance*

Shared system or components Application and approval processNitrogen concerns Nitrogen loading and aggregationVariation from design flow table Site-specific flow determinationSevere limitations to conventional treatment

• Tight tank• Composting toilet• Innovative/Alternative (I/A)

Technology

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Soil Is Too Wet to Perform a Percolation Test

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Upgrade Plan Does Not MeetTitle 5 Standards

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Flow Over 2,000 GPD1. Assessment of the

soil and groundwater conditions beneath the proposed SAS

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Flow Over 2,000 GPD, cont.2. Pressure distribution or drip dispersal(MassDEP Guidance)

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Pumping in GeneralPumping to septic tank Permitted if comply with 310 CMR 15.229 If not, MassDEP approval is required (BRPWP67)

Pumping to SAS Pressure distribution Required for all systems of 2,000 gpd or greater

Dosing vs. Pressure Distribution

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Domestic Garbage Grinder Under sink garbage disposal impacts the

design of an onsite wastewater system

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Upgrade is Costly

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Cannot Meet New Construction Requirements Variances may be allowed High standard Application and review process

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Shared System or Components

One or more properties sharing all or parts of an on-site wastewater system

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Nitrogen Concerns Nitrogen is a pollutant of concern in potable

drinking water, and in coastal embayments which are not well flushed

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Design Flow Variations Title 5 has a table for standard facilities but

sometimes this table is not relevant. A site-specific assessment must be made, for design purposes. Examples?

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Severe limitationsMay install: Tight tanks Composting toilets Innovative or Alternative

(I/A) Technology

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

I/A CertificationThere are four types of approvals Remedial General Provisional Piloting

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/water/wastewater/title-5-innovative-alternative-technology-approvals.html

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Limitations to Conventional Treatment

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

I/A Classification Secondary treatment

units Buried filter units Alternative disposal

systems Restorative treatment

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Secondary Treatment Units

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Buried Filter Units

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Alternate Disposal Systems

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Restorative Treatment

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

I/A Summary Allowed by Title 5 Generally provide equal or better protection of

the environment Require more detail by designer Require vigilant review by BOH Use MassDEP website for approval lists and

letters

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MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Session Recap After completing this session, you will be

able to: Describe situations that require non-conventional

solutions Explain non-conventional solutions and the

required approval process for each List and define the innovative/alternative (I/A)

technology classifications Describe certain I/A technologies

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