[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Glenville 6-17-1969; effective 7-7-1969 (Ch. 34 of the 1966 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Sewers — See Ch. 217.
Solid waste — See Ch. 232.
Water — See Ch. 259.
[Amended 4-15-2020 by L.L. No. 5-2020]
A. 
The discharge of sewage and other waste inadequately treated or disposed of is a hazard to the preservation of the public health, welfare and safety. Provisions for adequate systems for disposal of such waste is, therefore, regulated in the Town of Glenville for the preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of its residents.
B. 
This chapter shall apply to all waste treatment or septic systems in the Town of Glenville, exclusive of the Village of Scotia.
[Amended 4-5-2006 by L.L. No. 3-2006; 4-15-2020 by L.L. No. 5-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
DISPOSAL FIELD
An area in which open-joint or perforated piping is laid in appropriate aggregate material in trenches or excavations for the purpose of distributing the effluent discharged from a private sewage disposal system for absorption into the soil.
INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
A sewage disposal system which receives either human excreta or liquid waste, or both, from an individually owned residence or place of business, and shall include and apply to all portions of said system exterior to the foundation walls of any building. Included within the scope of this definition are septic tank soil-absorption systems, privies and chemical-type toilets and such other types as may be prescribed in this chapter or in county and/or state department of health codes.
SEEPAGE PIT
A covered pit with open-jointed lining through which septic-tank effluent may seep or leach into surrounding ground.
SEPTIC TANK
A tank through which sewage flows and which permits solids in the sewage to settle in order that portions of such solids may be disintegrated by biological action.
[Amended 4-15-2020 by L.L. No. 5-2020]
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, either as owner, occupant, leasing agent, tenant, contractor or otherwise to construct, install, or have constructed, installed or maintained within the Town of Glenville an individual waste-disposal system without a disposal permit, and which shall not conform to the procedures and standards hereinafter set forth.
B. 
Illegal connections. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, either as owner, occupant, leasing agent, tenant, contractor or otherwise to construct, install, or have constructed, installed or maintained within the Town of Glenville an individual waste-disposal system that is illegally connected to a storm sewer system, discharges to a water body or damages a neighboring property.
A. 
No septic disposal system shall be constructed, installed or reconstructed within the Town unless a disposal permit has been issued therefor.
B. 
Applications for permits shall be in writing, signed by the applicant in such form as the Engineering Technician II may determine, and shall include the following, which the applicant shall be responsible for furnishing:[1]
(1) 
A complete plan of the proposed disposal system with substantiating data attesting to its compliance with the minimum standards herein set forth.
(2) 
A sketch of the property showing the location of the proposed construction, alteration or extension.
(3) 
The results of percolation tests approved by the Engineering Technician II.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
C. 
A building permit shall not be issued until plans for sewage disposal have been approved by the Engineering Technician II.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
D. 
A certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until the Engineering Technician II has inspected the system during construction, and found it to comply with the approved plans.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
E. 
The Engineering Technician II may, by written notice, order all further work in and about any sewage disposal system which is to be erected or installed in violation of this chapter to be stopped forthwith.[4]
[4]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
F. 
This chapter shall be enforced by the Engineering Technician II or, in his absence, such other Town officer or employee as the Town Board may designate.[5]
[5]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
G. 
A fee as set from time to time by resolution of the Town Board[6] shall be paid to the Town of Glenville upon the issuance of a disposal permit.
[Amended 2-1-1972[7]]
[6]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 139, Fees.
[7]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
The design of an individual sewage-disposal system shall take into consideration its location with respect to wells or other sources of water supply, topography, existing individual sewage-disposal systems on adjacent properties, water table, soil characteristics, available area, expected volume of sewage, and shall comply with the following provisions:
A. 
Volume of sanitary sewage. Each unit of the disposal system shall be designed to adequately treat the estimated volume of sanitary sewage to be discharged from the premises to be served. The volume of sewage flow for private residences shall be based upon 150 gallons per bedroom. For other establishments, refer to Page 3 of Bulletin 1, Part 11, of the Standards for Waste Treatment Works published by the New York State Department of Health.
B. 
Excluded wastes. Drainage from basement floors or roofs shall not enter the sewage-disposal system.
C. 
Drainage. The individual disposal system shall be located in an area where no surface or subsurface (ground) water will accumulate. Provisions shall be made to minimize the flow of surface water over the area.
D. 
Wells. Sanitary sewage or the effluent from any individual sewage-disposal system shall not be discharged into any abandoned well or any well reaching into the groundwater.
E. 
Maintenance. Septic tanks, seepage pits and disposal fields shall be maintained in a manner that will not create any nuisance due to seepage to the surface of the ground, or due to gas emission, nor become a source of pollution to any of the waters of the state.
F. 
Location distances. The minimum distance for location of the various component parts of the disposal system shall comply with the following table:
Minimum Distance
Component
Well or Suction Line
(feet)
Water Supply Line (Pressure)
(feet)
Bank of Stream or Ditch
(a)
(feet)
Dwelling
(feet)
Property Line
(feet)
Disposal Field
(feet)
Seepage Pits
(feet)
Building sewer
50
10
50
 — 
10
 — 
 — 
Septic tank
50
10
50
10
10
 — 
 — 
Disposal field
100
10
50
20
10
  — 
 — 
Seepage pit
100
10
50
20
10
20
20
NOTE: Exception to the above, upon written request and for valid reasons, will be considered by the health authority having jurisdiction.
G. 
Area reserved for sewage disposal. The area to be used for sewage disposal shall be selected and maintained so that it is free from encroachments by driveways, accessory buildings, additions to the main building, and trees or shrubbery whose roots may cause clogging of any part of the system.
H. 
Building sewer.
(1) 
The building sewer shall be of such size as required by any pertinent plumbing code, but in no case shall it be less than four inches.
(2) 
The building sewer shall be constructed of a material approved by the New York State Department of Health, provided cast iron shall be used where the building sewer will be located under driveways.
(3) 
All pipe joints in the building sewer shall be made watertight. The sewer connection shall be laid on a firm foundation. The building sewer shall have a minimum grade of not less than 1/4 inch per foot, and the sewer connection shall be laid on a continuous grade and also in a straight line. Horizontal bends, where necessary, shall not be greater than 45°.
I. 
Septic tanks.
(1) 
Septic tanks shall have the following minimum capacities when serving single-family dwelling units as shown in the following. Expansion attics shall be considered as additional bedrooms.
Number of Bedrooms
Liquid Capacity of Tank
(gallons)
2 or fewer
750
3
900
For each additional bedroom
Add 100
Note: The capacity of tanks to service homes with garbage grinders shall be 250 gallons greater than shown in the above table.
(2) 
Septic tanks shall be watertight and constructed of sound and durable materials not subject to excessive corrosion, decay, frost damage or to cracking or buckling due to settlement or backfilling. Covers shall be designed and constructed to be of a strength equal to the septic tank.
(3) 
Construction.
(a) 
Septic tanks may be constructed of the following:
[1] 
Poured-in-place concrete (minimum wall thickness six inches).
[2] 
Precast reinforced concrete.
[3] 
Heavy-weight concrete block or equal.
[4] 
Cinder block or equal.
[5] 
Prefabricated metal (Commercial Standard 177-62).
(b) 
The liquid depth of the tank or a compartment thereof shall be not less than 48 inches.
J. 
Diameter of circular tanks. No tank or compartment thereof shall have an inside horizontal dimension less than 48 inches.
K. 
Inlets and outlets.
(1) 
Inlet and outlet connections of each tank or compartment shall be arranged so as to obtain effective retention of scum and sludge. An inlet baffle is not required when the tank is provided with a vented pipe tee not less than four inches in diameter with the bottom opening extending at least six inches below the surface of the liquid, or as required by Commercial Standard 177-62 for metal tanks. The invert elevation of the inlet shall not be less than one inch (preferably three inches) above the invert elevation of the tank outlet or the outlet of the first compartment.
(2) 
Outlet connections of the tank and of each compartment thereof shall be provided with a tee not less than four inches in diameter or a durable baffle equivalent in size. They shall be permanently fastened in place with the bottom opening extending to a depth of about 40% of the liquid depth. There shall be a clear space between the top of baffle and the inside roof of tank of not less than one inch.
L. 
Scum storage. The space between the liquid surface and the top of the scum-retaining device on the outlet shall be not less than 15% of the total required liquid capacity.
M. 
Access openings. In single-compartment tanks, an access opening shall be located over the inlet. In multiple-compartment tanks, access openings shall be located over each inlet and outlet. Access to each compartment of the tank shall be by means of a sixteen-inch minimum size manhole or a removable cover.
N. 
Connecting pipe. The pipe connecting the septic tank and distribution box or dosing device shall have tight joints and shall be minimum diameter of four inches, and shall consist of a material approved by the New York State Health Department.
O. 
Distribution.
(1) 
A distribution box shall be installed between septic tanks and disposal fields or seepage pits. If only one seepage pit is used, no distribution box is required. A dosing device shall be provided where there are over 500 lineal feet of open-jointed or perforated distribution lines.
(2) 
Distribution boxes shall be watertight, constructed of concrete or an approved material and laid on a firm foundation. They shall be so constructed as to provide equal distribution to the disposal system. Distribution boxes shall be provided with a means of access. The invert of the inlet shall be at least one inch above the inverts of the outlets.
P. 
Disposal areas. The disposal area is the entire area used for underground dispersion.
Q. 
Percolation tests.
(1) 
At least one percolation test shall be performed at the site of each disposal area. More than one test will be required where the soil structure may vary or large disposal areas are required.
(2) 
Tests shall not be made in filled ground unless the soil has been compacted or allowed to settle to the satisfaction of the health authority having jurisdiction.
(3) 
Percolation tests shall be performed in accordance with the following procedure:
(a) 
Dig a hole with vertical sides having a diameter of approximately 12 inches. If a tile field is being considered, the depth of the percolation test hole should be six inches below the proposed trench bottom or approximately 30 inches below the final ground surface. If a seepage pit or cesspool is under consideration, then percolation tests should be run at 1/2 the depth and also at the full estimated depth of the seepage pit. In order to facilitate the running of the test, a larger excavation should be made for the upper portion of the hole with the actual test hole in the bottom.
(b) 
Fill the test hole with water and allow it to completely seep away. This is known as presoaking and must be done several hours before the test and again at the time of the test. After the water has seeped away, remove any loose soil that has fallen from the sides of the hole.
(c) 
Pour clean water into the hole, with as little splashing as possible, to a depth of six inches.
(d) 
Observe and record the time in minutes required for the water to drop one inch (from the six-inch to the five-inch mark).
(e) 
Repeat the test a minimum of three times until the time for the water to drop one inch, for two successive tests give approximately equal results. The last test will then be taken as the stabilized rate of percolation and the time recorded for this test will be used as the design basis for determining the square footage of leaching or absorption area required for a subsurface system.
R. 
Minimum percolating area. The minimum required percolating area per bedroom shall be determined from the following table:
Percolation Rate (time required for water to fall one inch, in minutes)
Required Absorption Area in Square Feet per Bedroom,1 Standard Trench2 and Seepage Pits3
0 - 5
125
10
165
15
190
304
250
454
300
604,5
330
Notes:
1 In every case, sufficient area should be provided for at least two bedrooms.
2 Absorption area for standard trenches is figured as trench bottom area.
3 Absorption area for seepage pits is figured as effective sidewall area beneath the inlet.
4 Unsuitable for seepage pits if over 30.
5 Unsuitable for leaching systems if over 60.
S. 
Subsoil and groundwater determination.
(1) 
Additional information will generally be required relative to soil structure and groundwater elevations adjacent to or below the proposed disposal area.
(2) 
The number of test borings or pits shall be made according to satisfaction of the responsible health authority.
T. 
Disposal fields.
(1) 
Filter material. Filter material shall cover the distribution lines and extend the full width of the trench or bed, shall not be less than six inches deep beneath the bottom of the distribution line, and shall extend at least two inches above the top of the line. The filter material shall be washed gravel or crushed stone, ranging in size from 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, free of fines, dust, ashes or clay. The filter material shall be covered by building paper or by a two-inch layer of hay or straw.
(2) 
Distribution lines. Distribution lines shall be constructed true to line grade. Agricultural tile, bituminized fibre, asbestos cement or equally adequate pipe may be used. In case of agricultural tile, openings between joints shall be 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch with the upper half of the joint covered with treated paper.
(3) 
Backfill. Backfill over disposal trenches or beds shall not be tamped and no grading machinery shall be permitted to pass over the area.
(4) 
Disposal trench construction. Disposal trenches shall be constructed in accordance with the following:
(a) 
Minimum lines per field: two.
(b) 
Maximum length per line: 60 feet.
(c) 
Minimum diameter of distribution lines: four inches.
(d) 
Slope of distribution lines: two inches to six inches in 100 feet.
(e) 
Maximum depth of trench: 30 inches.
(f) 
Minimum distance between distribution lines:
[1] 
Eighteen-inch trench: six feet five inches center to center.
[2] 
Twenty-four-inch trench: seven feet center to center.
[3] 
Thirty-six-inch trench: eight feet center to center.
(g) 
Minimum depth of stone under distribution lines: six inches.
(h) 
Minimum distance bottom of trench or seepage to groundwater: 24 inches.
(5) 
Seepage pits. Seepage pits shall be used only when preceded by a septic tank.
(6) 
Construction. Seepage pits shall be constructed of brick, cinder or concrete block, or similar material laid dry with open joints. All joints above the inlet shall be made watertight.
(7) 
Backfill. The space between the excavation and seepage pit wall shall be backfilled with at least six inches of coarse gravel or crushed stone. Where cinder or concrete blocks are laid with core openings exposed, the space between the excavation and seepage pit wall shall be backfilled with at least six inches of two-and-one-half-inch crushed stone or similar material.
(8) 
Covers. A watertight and structurally safe cover shall be provided.
(9) 
Dry wells. Dry wells are permitted. A dry well may be utilized to receive the drainage from roofs, basements or areaways, provided its installation will not interfere with the operation of the individual sewage-disposal system.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to reconstruction and repairs of existing septic systems; however, the Engineering Technician II may vary the provisions of this chapter if a variance is necessitated by hardship created by local physical conditions.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
The Engineering Technician II is authorized to make necessary inspections to determine the satisfactory compliance with this chapter. The owner or occupant shall give this official or other enforcement official appointed by the Town Board in his absence free access to the property at reasonable times for the purpose of making such inspections. Failure to grant such access shall constitute an automatic revocation of the disposal permit.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
Any person may appeal to the Town's Zoning Board of Appeals from the interpretation of any administrative decision involving the interpretation of any provision of this chapter by filing a written appeal within 10 days from such decision with the Town Clerk. The Zoning Board of Appeals shall, on not less than three days' notice to all interested parties, hold a hearing pursuant to such rules as it may prescribe and adopt for the conduct of such hearing, and shall, not less than five days after such hearing, advise all interested parties of its decision in writing.
Any person, persons, firm or corporation violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a violation which shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $250, or by imprisonment not to exceed 15 days, or both, and each day's failure to comply shall constitute a separate violation. In case any septic disposal system is constructed in violation of this chapter, or this chapter is otherwise violated, the Town Board may also maintain an action or proceeding in the name of the Town to compel compliance with or restrain by injunction any violation of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
In any case where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with a provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety or health ordinance or code of this Town, county or state existing on the effective date of this chapter, the provision which, in the judgment of the local health officer, establishes the higher standard for the promotion of health and safety of the people shall prevail. In any case where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with a provision of any other ordinance or code of this Town, county or state existing on the effective date of this chapter which establishes a lower standard for the promotion and protection of health and safety of the people, the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to prevail, and such other ordinances or codes are hereby repealed to the extent that they may be found in conflict with this chapter.