2-1-2010 Page 1 of 1 #613 Planning Basics Chapter 1–Answer Key

CHAPTER 1 — WORKBOOK ANSWER KEY

EXERCISE 1-1: Act 537 Declaration of Policy

(1) implementation, plans

(2) administration, local

(3) prevent, pollution

(4) uniform standards

(5) technical competency

(6) best, technology

(7) rights, citizens

(1), (2), (3), (5), and (7) should be circled.

2-1-2010 Page 1 of 1 Planning Basics Chapter 2—Answer Key

CHAPTER 2 — WORKBOOK ANSWER KEY

EXERCISE 2-1: Official vs. Comprehensive Plans

1) addresses

2) comprehensive

3) 537

4) requires

5) 247

6) optional

7) support

EXERCISE 2-2: Official Plan Approval

(a) alternatives, prior

(b) request, comments, 60

(c) newspaper, description, planning area, 30

(d) schedule, phases, sources, financing

(e) conflict, resolve, inconsistencies

(f) resolution, implement, time limits

2-1-2010 Page 1 of 1 #613 Planning Basics Chapter 3–Answer Key

CHAPTER 3 — WORKBOOK ANSWER KEY

EXERCISE 3-1: Chapter Review

1) DEP, application mailer

2) subdivision, DEP

3) Component 1, Component 2, Component 3s

4) exemption

5) suitable, unsuitable

6) delegated local agency

7) Component 1

8) exemption

2-1-2010 Page 1 of 5 #613 Planning Basics Chapter 4—Answer Key

CHAPTER 4 — WORKBOOK ANSWER KEY

EXERCISE 4-1: Criteria for Component 1

1) single-family

2) 10

3) generally suitable

4) 1972

5) consistent

EXERCISE 4-2: Terminology for Counting Lots for Planning Modules

1) lot

2) residual tract

EXERCISE 4-3: Planning Using A Component 1

SCENARIO #1

1) Yes. A subdivision is being proposed.

2) Yes.

3) 10

Number of Lots Being Proposed _______9____

Add Residual Land Parcel/Lot _______1____

Add Number of Previous Lots _______0____

(Developed from present/parent

tract as it appeared on May 15, 1972)

Total Number of Lots = __10_____

4) Yes

2-1-2010 Page 2 of 5 #613 Planning Basics Chapter 4—Answer Key

5) Yes. The total number of lots created since May 15, 1972, adds up to 10, and they

are all detached single-family homes served by onlot sewage systems.

Additional Explanation: The lot subdivided in 1968 is not included in counting lots

because it was subdivided before May 15, 1972. The "parent tract" is the term used

to describe how the property looked as of May 15, 1972. In this scenario, the parent

tract is the 45-acre tract containing the farmhouse. Count the lots currently

proposed to be subdivided (9) and then add the residual tract of land remaining

from the currently proposed subdivision (1 lot).

SCENARIO #2

1) Yes. A subdivision is being proposed.

2) No. The total number of lots created since 1972, including the proposed new lots

and the residual land, adds up to 11 lots. A Component 1 may only be used if the

total number of lots equals 10 or fewer and meets the other criteria.

Number of Lots Being Proposed _________6____

Add Residual Land Parcel/Lot _________1____

Add Number of Previous Lots _________4____

(Developed from present/parent

tract as it appeared on May 15, 1972)

Total Number of Lots = __11_____

SCENARIO #3

1) Yes. A subdivision is being proposed.

2) No. To qualify for a Component 1, the subdivision must be for a detached single-

family residence. The duplex (multi-family) and commercial facilities proposed in

this scenario do not qualify for a Component 1.

2-1-2010 Page 3 of 5 #613 Planning Basics Chapter 4—Answer Key

SCENARIO #4

1) Yes. A subdivision is being proposed.

2) No. Although the total number of lots subdivided since 1972 adds up to 10, the

total number of lots on the farmstead, including the acreage from the lots

subdivided in 1971, uses up 27.5 acres of the original 50-acre parent tract. This

leaves 22.5 acres of residual land. When the residual land (1 lot) is added to the

proposed lots (5) and subdivided lots since 1972 (5), the combined number of lots

adds up to 11. Therefore, this scenario would not meet the criteria for a Component

1.

Number of Lots Being Proposed ______5____

Add Residual Land Parcel/Lot _______1____

Add Number of Previous Lots _______5____

(Developed from present/parent

tract as it appeared on May 15, 1972)

Total Number of Lots = __11_____

SCENARIO #5

1) Yes. Using the definitions of a lot and a subdivision, it can be determined that the

proposed building site would create two building sites on one lot, which would be

considered a subdivision. Therefore, planning is required under this scenario even

if there is no physical subdivision of land.

2) Yes. Even though the land is not being officially subdivided, the landowner would

complete a Component 1 because the total number of lots would be 9, and the

proposal meets all of the other criteria for a Component 1.

Number of Lots Being Proposed _______1*____

Add Residual Land Parcel/Lot _________1____

Add Number of Previous Lots _________7____

(Developed from present/parent

tract as it appeared on May 15, 1972)

Total Number of Lots = __9_____

* For the purposes of counting lots for a Component 1, the residual land counts as one lot and

the new-detached single-family dwelling on the same lot counts as another.

2-1-2010 Page 4 of 5 #613 Planning Basics Chapter 4—Answer Key

SCENARIO #6

1) Yes. Using the definitions of a lot and a subdivision, it can be determined that the

proposed building site would create two building sites on one lot, which would be

considered a subdivision. Therefore, planning is required under this scenario even

if there is no physical subdivision of land.

2) No. Eleven lots do not meet the criteria for a Component 1.

Number of Lots Being Proposed ______1*____

Add Residual Land Parcel/Lot ______1_____

Add Number of Previous Lots _______9_____

(Developed from present/parent

tract as it appeared on May 15, 1972)

Total Number of Lots = __11_____

* For the purposes of counting lots for a Component 1, the residual land counts as one lot and

the new-detached single-family dwelling on the same lot counts as another.

SCENARIO #7

1) No. The lot was originally planned for a detached single-family dwelling.

Therefore, regardless of the size of the proposed system, no additional planning is

needed. The homeowner can begin the site testing and evaluation process to obtain

a permit to install an onlot sewage system.

2) Not applicable. A Component 1 was previously completed in 2005. No further

planning required.

SCENARIO #8

1) Yes. The change in use from a detached single-family home to a commercial facility

is a newly discovered fact. Therefore, planning is required.

2) No. A commercial facility does not qualify for a Component 1.

SCENARIO #9

1) Yes. The increase in flow is 400 gpd and the total anticipated flow is 800 gpd. The

increase in flow and the anticipated flow trigger planning.

2) No. The structure in now considered a multi-family dwelling and does not qualify

for a Component 1.

2-1-2010 Page 5 of 5 #613 Planning Basics Chapter 4—Answer Key

EXERCISE 4-4: Sample Component 1—Kathy Miles

1) The Component 1 was used for the Miles project because the subdivision

proposal called for detached single-family dwellings with onlot systems on

fewer than 10 lots. In this case, two new lots are proposed, and three lots were

subdivided from the original May 15, 1972, parent tract in 1989. On the plot

plan these three lots are labeled as Lot #1, Lot #2, and Lot #3. Lot #4 and Lot #5

are the two new proposed lots. The vacant residue land left over from the

currently proposed subdivision will count as a lot, even though it is not

proposed to be developed at this time.

Number of Lots Being Proposed _______2____

Add Residual Land Parcel/Lot _______1____

Add Number of Previous Lots _______3____

(Developed from present/parent

tract as it appeared on May 15, 1972)

Total Number of Lots = _______6_____

2) A) Section G: Sign all site testing documents

B) Section H: Check off the following:

1) H1. Is generally suitable for onlot disposal.

2) H2. Nothing to check.

3) H3. Check all boxes.

2-18-2010 Page 1 of 5 Chapter 5 Answer Key

CHAPTER 5 — WORKBOOK ANSWER KEY EXERCISE 5-1: Planning Using a Component 2

Scenario #1:   1)  Yes. Land is being subdivided that will generate new sewage flow. 

 

2)  Yes, because the total number of lots subdivided from the parent tract of land 

since May 15, 1972, adds up to 12 lots. Remember that a Component 1 may only 

be used for development of detached single‐family homes if the total of the 

proposed lots, the residual land, and all existing lots created since this 1972 date 

does not exceed 10 lots.

Scenario #2: 1)  Yes. Land is being subdivided that will generate new sewage flow. 

 

2)  Yes. The subdivision is proposed for commercial facilities. Even though this 

scenario involves fewer than 10 lots, a Component 1 cannot be used for 

commercial facilities.  Scenario #3: 1)  Yes. This project is a three‐lot equivalent subdivision. Because the sewage flow 

from the structure is greater than 800 gpd, planning is required. There is no 

physical subdivision of the property. However, the sewage flow for the restaurant 

is 1,200 gpd, which makes the lot a three‐lot equivalent subdivision. The flow 

from the structure on the lot is equal to three single‐family homes (400 gpd x 3 = 

1,200 gpd). 

 

2)  Yes. The restaurant is a commercial facility. 

2-18-2010 Page 2 of 5 Chapter 5 Answer Key

Scenario #4: 1)  Yes. The municipality’s official plan is currently inadequate. A retaining tank 

(holding tank) is being proposed for new land development. 

 

2)  Yes, because a retaining tank (holding tank) is proposed. 

 Scenario #5: 1)  Yes. Planning is required due to changed facts, one of the triggers for planning. 

The planning completed for the prior Component 1 was for detached single‐

family homes, and a bike shop is considered a commercial facility. In addition, 

the fact that the bike shop lot will have an estimated sewage flow of 800 gpd will 

also require sewage facilities planning. 

 

2)  Yes. Onlot sewage facilities are being proposed for a commercial facility. 

 Scenario #6: 1)  No. The lot was planned for 1,200 gpd, and the proposed structureʹs estimated 

sewage flow is 900 gpd. Adequate planning was completed for the proposed 

sewage flow.     

 

2)  NA  Scenario #7: 1)  Yes, due to changed facts, one of the triggers for planning. A school with 100 

students and employees would have an estimated sewage flow of 2,000 gpd, 

which is a five‐lot equivalent subdivision. The lot is proposed to have in increase 

in sewage flow of 1,200 gpd from the previously approved two‐lot equivalent 

subdivision (800 gpd) to the newly proposed five‐lot equivalent subdivision 

(2,000 gpd). If the increase in sewage flow is equal to or greater than 400 gpd and 

the total estimated flow is 800 gpd or more, planning is required.  

 

2)  Yes. Onlot sewage facilities are being proposed for an institutional facility. 

2-18-2010 Page 3 of 5 Chapter 5 Answer Key

Scenario #8: 1)  No. Planning under the Component 2 in 1989 was approved for a three‐lot 

equivalent subdivision (1,200 gpd), and the proposed store would be a two‐lot 

equivalent subdivision (800 gpd).  

 

2)  NA  EXERCISE 5-2: Local Agency SEO's Role in a Component 2 1) G—General Site Suitability  

2) H—Sewage Enforcement Officer Action  

3) P—False Swearing Statement   EXERCISE 5-3: Local Agency SEO's Responsibilities Related to A Component 2 1)  a.   G—Verifying the general site suitability of a site for onlot disposal of sewage.

   

b.  H—The local agency SEO’s signature and certification number are required at 

the end of this section. 

 

1.   Confirming whether soils testing reveals if a site is generally suitable, 

marginal, or not suitable for onlot sewage, or whether a site cannot be 

evaluated because of insufficient soil testing. 

 

2.   Verifying whether marginal conditions exist on a site. A site is considered 

marginal for onlot systems if one or more of the following conditions exist: 

soils profile examinations that document areas of suitable soils 

intermixed with areas of unsuitable soils 

site evaluation that documents soils generally suitable for 

elevated sand mounds with some potential lots with slopes over 

12 percent 

site evaluation that documents soils generally suitable for in‐

ground systems with some potential slopes in excess of 20 

percent 

lot density of more than 1 residential dwelling/acre 

2-18-2010 Page 4 of 5 Chapter 5 Answer Key

 

3.   Inspecting an existing onlot sewage system, if one is present on a residual 

tract, and signing off on whether or not the system can meet the long‐term 

needs of the existing building and its site. 

 

c.   P—Completing the false wearing statement if the local agency SEO performed 

the soil tests and field evaluations under Section G (General Site Suitability). 

 

 2)  DEP, 10 

 

3)  The local agency SEO will give the module form to the municipality for further 

review and action.  EXERCISE 5-4: Component 2 Sample – John Shiffler 1)  The John Shiffler subdivision total of 11 lots requires a Component 2 module 

submission. The number 11 is the correct total lot numeration even though the 

currently proposed subdivision calls for a subdivision of only two lots. Eight lots 

were previously subdivided after May 15, 1972, and the residue land counts as 

one lot, so the addition of the two proposed lots brings the total lots to11. 

  To Determine the Total Number of Lots:

Number of Lots Being Proposed           2 

Add Residual Land Parcel/Lot            +  1 

Add Number of Previous Lots            =  8 

(Developed from present/parent  

tract as it appeared on May 15, 1972)   ________________________                       Total Number of Lots 11 

2)  A)  Review Section G and all the corresponding module documents it refers to for 

completeness. In this case, the ʺSite Investigation and Percolation Test Reportʺ 

forms must be signed at the bottom right‐hand corner by the local agency SEO.  

 

B)  Check off the following in Section H: 

1.  Is marginal for long‐term onlot disposal. 

2.  Soil profile examinations that document areas of suitable soil intermixed 

with areas of unsuitable soils. 

3.  Residual tract facilities—All three boxes should be checked.  

2-18-2010 Page 5 of 5 Chapter 5 Answer Key

4.  Sign, provide certification number, and date. 

 

C)  Sign the False Swearing Statement in Section P. The local agency SEO 

conducted the site testing for the John Schiffler subdivision. 

 

 

2-1-2010 Page 1 of 1 #613 Planning Basics Chapter 6—Answer Key

CHAPTER 6 — WORKBOOK ANSWER KEY EXERCISE 6-1: Component 3s Review 1)  A small flow treatment facility is an individual or community sewerage system 

designed to adequately treat sewage flows not greater than 2,000 gpd for final 

disposal using stream discharge or another disposal method approved by the 

department. 

 

2)  True 

 

3)  unsuitable 

 

4)  new 

 

5)   repair, IRSIS 

 

6)  any 

 

7)  True 

 

8)   N 

 

9)   site suitability 

 

The local agency SEO is responsible for conducting or verifying site testing to 

determine whether or not a site is suitable for onlot systems. 

 

10) residual tract facilities 

 

This part is only used when an existing onlot sewage system is found on the residual 

tract. During the inspection of the existing system, the SEO must determine if the 

long‐term sewage disposal needs for the lot can be met. The SEO must also verify 

that no violations of the act or regulations were apparent during the inspection. 

 

2-1-2010 Page 1 of 2 #613 Planning Basics Chapter 7—Answer Key

CHAPTER 7 — WORKBOOK ANSWER KEY EXERCISE 7-1: Days vs. Working Days 1) Days: Tuesday, June 1

In the definition of days, Saturdays, Sundays, and national or commonwealth-declared holidays are counted unless the final day of a period falls on one of them. In this example, you begin counting days on May 12. The 20th day would fall on May 31, which is Memorial Day, a national and commonwealth-recognized holiday. This day must be omitted from the count because a holiday cannot count as the last day in the calculation of days. The deadline for the local agency SEO to review the planning module in this example would therefore be Tuesday, June 1.

2) Working Days: Wednesday, June 2 In the definition of working days, Saturdays, Sundays, and national or

commonwealth-recognized holidays are not counted. In this example, you begin counting working days on May 19. The 10th day (not counting Saturdays, Sundays, or national and commonwealth-recognized holidays) would fall on June 2. DEP must complete its review by Wednesday, June 2.

EXERCISE 7-2: Review of the Planning Process and Deadlines 1) 10 2) 20 3) 60 4) The module is considered approved or reviewed, and it moves to the next step in the

approval process. 5) 10 6) 60 7) 10 8) 30 9) 60 10) 120

2-1-2010 Page 2 of 2 #613 Planning Basics Chapter 7—Answer Key

EXERCISE 7-3: Delegated Local Agency Review 1) ordinances 2) DEP 3) revoke 4) violations 5) 85 6) 60 7) supplement

2-1-2010 Page 1 of 1 #613 Planning Basics Chapter 8—Answer Key

CHAPTER 8 — WORKBOOK ANSWER KEY EXERCISE 8-1: Planning Exemption Criteria

1) onlot sewage disposal 2) carbonate/nitrate 3) high-quality 4) one 5) permittable EXERCISE 8-2: Exemption Review

1) planning 2) official plan, replacement 3) DEP, delegated local agency EXERCISE 8-3: Tom Brown Planning Exemption 1) Yes.

2) Sewage Facilities Planning Module Application Mailer and attached documentation. In the case of the Tom Brown planning exemption request, the DEP mailer is accompanied by a completed PNDI search, completed Site Investigation forms, and a plot plan.

3) The local agency SEO must perform or verify the soils testing in the same manner that he or she would do testing for formal planning. The local agency SEO must sign the Site Investigation forms in the bottom right-hand corner and sign Section 8(c)(2) "Request for Planning Exemption" of the mailer. This section of the mailer certifies that each lot in the subdivision has been tested and contains both a primary and replacement area with suitable site testing for a permittable onlot sewage system.