The purpose of this section is to provide procedures for on-site
investigation of septic and other systems that dispose of sewage.
Testing and investigation methods may include observation, excavation,
probing, electronic and dye testing. A visual inspection will be used
to determine the need for more extensive testing. These on-site investigations
are designed to accomplish the following goals:
A. Complete inspections required by §
150-13 of this chapter.
B. Conduct investigations of complaints.
C. Discover obvious failures resulting in unsanitary conditions.
D. Verify the type of system in place.
E. Evaluate system design and construction.
F. Determine requirements for system upgrades.
The Town Sanitary Inspector and/or the design professional will
perform a visual inspection of all systems requiring inspection or
testing under the provisions of this regulation:
A. Visually observe all living areas and other spaces within homes and
other buildings on the property noting the layout and location of
all water-using fixtures and plumbing, including, but not limited
to, faucets, sinks, toilets, drains, overflows, laundry equipment,
floor drains and related systems.
B. Visually inspect all basements, crawl spaces, mechanical spaces,
and other enclosed areas to observe routing of plumbing and drains
in an attempt to verify the existence and likely location of septic/sewage
disposal structures external to or under structures.
C. Verify connection of all drains to an appropriate disposal system.
D. Physically inspect and observe outside areas to include nearby lawns,
slopes, hillsides, ditches, watercourses, swales and the shoreline
of ponds, lakes and wetlands to note the quantity and general quality
of surface water where it occurs. Special effort should be given to
identifying evidence of likely failures/malfunction of existing systems.