massachusetts public health inspector training wastewater certificate program (ma phit ww)
DESCRIPTION
Massachusetts Public Health Inspector Training Wastewater Certificate Program (MA PHIT WW). Session 7: Existing Septic Systems: Inspections and Corrective Action. Learning Objectives. After completing this session, you will be able to: Explain requirements to act as a Title 5 Inspector - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Massachusetts Public Health Inspector
TrainingWastewater Certificate
Program (MA PHIT WW)Session 7:
Existing Septic Systems:Inspections and Corrective Action
1
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Learning ObjectivesAfter completing this session, you will be able to: Explain requirements to act as a Title 5 Inspector List the times when inspections are required Describe the inspection process and minimum
requirements Name failure criteria List inspection result categories Explain acceptable corrective actions for each
category
2
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
System Inspection
Inspection vs. Assessment
Existing vs. New
Local Regulations and Fees
3
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Official Inspection Form
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/approvals/t5insp.pdf
Key Elements:CertificationInspection Results
Passes Conditionally Passes Further Evaluation
by BOH Fails
4
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Inspectors1. Automatic Approval MA Registered Professional Engineers
with a concentration in civil, sanitary or environmental engineering
MA Registered Sanitarians MA Certified Health Officers
5
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Inspectors2. Application and Exam Board of Health Members
and Agents Licensed Septic System
Installers or Haulers Professional Home
Inspectors Engineers in Training Others with 1 year
experience
6
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Inspection Purpose Protect Public Health and Safety and the
Environment by identifying and correcting failed systems.
7
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
A new resident calls regarding their septic system. They moved in three months ago and they just discovered a
sewage breakout in the backyard over the SAS. They have a passing Title 5 inspection report from when they
purchased the house and are very upset. “You obviously didn’t review the report very well when it was submitted, and
the system inspector did not do a thorough job!”
How do you respond?
Discussion
8
?
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
TimingInspections are required by local and/or state codes and can be triggered in two ways: 1. Periodic inspections Large systems— 10,000 – 15,000 gpd
(every five years) Condominiums (every three years) Shared systems (annually)
9
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
2. Event triggered Time of transfer of property (with exceptions) Change in use or expansion of facility Increase in flow to the system
Timing
10
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Inspection ProcessMinimum Requirements1. Note general conditions2. Locate and inspect all components prior to SAS 3. Determine high groundwater elevation
Do I have to expose and inspect the SAS? Do I have to expose and inspect a cesspool, if present? MassDEP Guide: http://
www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/inspguid.htm
11
?
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
PreparationFile and Records Review Permits & System plans (incl. as-
builts) Groundwater information Water use records Private well information Previous inspection reports Pumping records Conservation Commission filingsDigSafe Number
12
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Starting the InspectionOnce on site Sensory inspection Speak with homeowner
HSump pump? Wet basement?
HBackups? Plumbing problems?
HGarbage disposal/grinder? HNumber of
residents/bedrooms?HProblems or issues?
13
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Inspection RequirementsLocate and Inspect System Components Building Sewer Septic Tank – Dig up and open both covers Distribution Box – Dig up and open Soil Absorption System (SAS) Cesspool – Dig up and open Water Well – locate if applicable
14
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Building Sewer Locate and inspect all pipes exiting the
building
15
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Septic TankExpose and remove manhole covers Determine material of construction Assess condition of tank and tees or baffles Measure tank dimensions
16
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Septic Tank, cont’dCheck inlet/outlet tees or baffles Assess liquid levels and movement (infiltration or
exfiltration)
Does the septic tank have to be pumped as part of the inspection?
17
?
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Septic Tank, cont’d
Measure & report sludge depth & thicknessHIf within 12” of outlet invert
recommend pumping Measure & report scum
depth & thicknessHIf within 2” of bottom of
outlet or top of outlet recommend pumping
18
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Distribution BoxExpose and remove cover Is box level & flow equal? Any solids carry over or
evidence of backup?
Check static water level Is it watertight and
structurally sound?
19
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Pump or Dosing Chambers
Expose pump or chamber Evidence of backup? Is pump functioning? Is alarm functioning?
Examine inlet/outlet piping Note float elevations
20
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Soil Absorption System (SAS)
Assess the area where the SAS is located. This is not always easy to find or inspect! Is it damp? Is there ponding? Is it within the estimated seasonal high groundwater
21
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7 22
Cesspool
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Cesspools Expose and remove cover
H Measure dimensionsH Identify material of constructionH Measure liquid level (adequate capacity?)H Estimate seasonal high groundwater
Is there adequate capacity for the current flow? Is it above the groundwater?
23
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Groundwater Determination
24
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Groundwater DeterminationDetermine by least invasive method: 1. System design plans on
record2. Observed at site3. Checked with BOH4. Checked with local
excavators or installers (need documentation)
5. USGS database (need explanation)
25
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Groundwater DeterminationUseful Resources: 1. Web Soil Survey
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm
2. USGS Groundwater Watchhttp://groundwaterwatch.usgs.gov/countymaps/MA_017.html
26
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Failure CriteriaAll Systems1. Backup into facility or system component
2. Discharge or ponding of effluent
3. Static level in D Box above outlet invert
4. Pumping more than 4 times/year (not caused by clogged pipe)
5. Metal septic or tight tank (in certain cases)
6. SAS, cesspool or privy within groundwater
27
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Failure CriteriaAll SystemsBOH may require further evaluation for drinking water protection (15. 303 (1)(c)
28
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Failure CriteriaCesspools and Privies1. Within 100 feet of a surface water supply or
tributary to a surface water supply
2. Within a Zone I of a public well
3. Within 50 feet of a private water supply well
4. Less than 100 feet but 50 feet or more from a private water supply well without acceptable lab analysis
5. Less than 1/2 day’s storage or less than 6” to invert
6. Design flow between 2,000 – 10,000 gpd29
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7 30
Sewage Breakout on Abutting Property
Photographs
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Ponding Over SAS
31
Photographs, cont’d
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Leaking Tank
32
Photographs, cont’d
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Laundry Pipe Discharging into Lake
Evidence of soap on rocks
33
Photographs, cont’d
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Septic Tank
Tee with Scum Stain
34
Photographs, cont’d
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Backup Into Riser of Tank
35
Photographs, cont’d
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Backup in D-box
36
Photographs, cont’d
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Inspection is Complete……now what?Certification options: Pass
Conditionally Passes
Fails
Needs Further Evaluation by Local Approving Agency (LAA)
37
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Next Steps Report must be filed within 30 days of inspection If system “Passes”
HInspection is good for 2 yearsHIf pumped annually, report is good for 3 years
If system “Conditionally Passes”HMinor repair required (i.e. D box replacement)HOnce repair is complete and inspected, system “Passes”
If “Further Evaluation is Needed by BOH”HBOH must evaluate and render a decision
If system “Fails”HFailure must be corrected in 2 years maxHTime can be shortened by BOH
38
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Myths A house with a failed septic system cannot be
sold. A cesspool automatically fails inspection. Someone who installs systems can’t inspect
them Cash sales do not
require inspections
39
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Inspection Did Not PassCategories Conditional Pass Further Evaluation by BOH Fail
40
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Repair Options1. Connect to a Sewer2. Install a conventional
system (or component)3. Install a non-
conventional system (or component)
41
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
TimeframesFailing systems must be corrected: Within 2 years Sooner if required by LBOH due to
imminent hazard exists Owner to insure no backup or
surface discharge Systems to be abandoned in
accordance with regulations
42
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
Session RecapAfter completing this session, you will be able to: Explain requirements to act as a Title 5 Inspector List the times when inspections are required Describe the inspection process and minimum
requirements Name failure criteria List inspection result categories Explain acceptable corrective actions for each
category
43
MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 7
NEXT STEPS
• Evaluation• Exam• Additional MA PHIT WW
training• Online Course Guide
http://sph.bu.edu/otlt/LPHI/MAPHITWW/index.html
44