It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to carry
on, contract to perform, or engage in the business of constructing,
altering, relocating or repairing an on-site wastewater treatment
system without meeting the definition of a licensed installer, unless
that person is the owner of the property on which such work is to
be performed.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
All subdivisions having 100 lots or more or subdivisions which,
in the opinion of the Department, may have negative impacts on water
quality or public health shall be required to form or join a public
entity (e.g., a sewage maintenance district) responsible for the maintenance
of those on-site wastewater treatment systems or wastewater treatment
works within that subdivision.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
A.
Unless otherwise stated in Section 6.32.210 of this chapter, a construction permit shall be required prior to the installation, modification, repair, replacement, or destruction of an on-site wastewater treatment system.
B.
A construction
permit shall not be issued for the installation, repair, or modification
of an on-site wastewater treatment system, when the property line
of a parcel upon which said work is to be performed is within 200
feet of public sewer without prior written approval from the servicing
sewer district.
C.
Any
person attempting to obtain a construction permit shall first apply
to the Department using such forms as the Department prescribes.
D.
A nonrefundable
construction permit fee shall be paid to the Department at the time
of application submittal.
E.
At the discretion of the Department, an applicant for a construction permit to install multiple on-site wastewater treatment systems on a single parcel or individual systems on adjacent parcels may be required to complete a separate construction permit for each system installed. An additional fee pursuant to Sacramento County Code, Title 6, Chapter 6.99, may be charged to defray the costs of administration and inspection of such systems.
F.
A site
evaluation or system evaluation pursuant to this chapter may be required
by the Department prior to the approval of a construction permit.
G.
A construction
permit shall be valid for one year. Permit extensions will be considered
by the Department on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to a
permit renewal fee.
H.
Unless
the Department determines otherwise, any condition of approval placed
on a construction permit by the Department whether for design, construction,
operation, maintenance or any other requirement necessary to ensure
public safety and preserve the quality of ground or surface waters
shall be binding for the life of the on-site wastewater treatment
system.
I.
All
work performed under the authorization of a construction permit issued
by the Department shall be subject to inspection by Department staff
to ensure compliance with this chapter and any conditions placed on
the construction permit by the Department.
J.
Notwithstanding Section 6.32.230, preliminary inspections required by the Department to determine compliance with this chapter and any condition placed on the construction permit by the Department shall be scheduled with the Department by the installer or registered professional a minimum of 24 hours in advance and during the Department's normal business hours.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
Unless the Department specifies otherwise, an application for
a construction permit will only be accepted by the Department when:
A.
A site
evaluation report or system evaluation pursuant to this chapter has
been submitted to and approved by the Department.
B.
A general
plot plan showing the placement of the on-site wastewater treatment
system in relationship to the overall developmental plan for the property
has been provided to the Department. The general plot plan must match
the building permit plot plan, if applicable, and must verify that
the on-site wastewater treatment system and replacement disposal field
area can be installed in compliance with this chapter.
C.
A scaled
layout of the on-site wastewater treatment system has been provided
to the Department.
1.
The layout shall provide the details specified in Section 6.32.220 of this chapter and shall show all components of the on-site wastewater treatment system.
2.
The
layout shall also include a cross-sectional drawing showing the depth
from original grade of the on-site wastewater treatment system components.
The layout must provide adequate detail to serve as a guide for construction
and provide sufficient information to assure the Department that vertical
separation requirements to groundwater and/or restrictive soil layers
can be met while achieving the minimum required fall for all on-site
wastewater treatment system components as required by this chapter.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
A.
A construction
permit shall not be required for the following provided the Department
is notified prior to the beginning of activities listed below:
1.
Replacement
of tight lines or clearing blockages in pipes;
2.
Servicing
or replacing installed mechanical or electrical parts such as float
switches, pumps, and electrical boxes;
3.
Replacement
of sanitary tees in septic tanks;
4.
Minor
structural corrections to the septic or pump tank, such as riser or
lid replacement;
5.
Repair
or clearing blockages in a distribution box provided the box is not
altered, modified, or replaced;
6.
Repair
or replacement of the sewer line from the house to the tank or from
the tank to the distribution box.
B.
Special Considerations for System Repairs. In case of an immediate threat to public health and safety or pollution to ground or surface waters, an emergency repair may be made prior to obtaining a construction permit from the Department provided that all reasonable efforts have been made to notify the Department of such repair and that a construction permit is obtained within 72 hours from the commencement of such work. The repair shall be subject to inspection pursuant to Section 6.32.230 of this chapter. Nothing in this section shall prevent the Department from requiring that the emergency repair be evaluated by a registered professional or from the Department requiring soil studies and/or percolation tests as described in this article.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
Unless otherwise approved by the Department, submitted plans
must include a detailed drawing of the onsite wastewater treatment
system. The plans must clearly show the exact locations of the following
whether existing or proposed:
A.
Vicinity
map;
B.
Scale
used;
C.
Lot
dimensions, including all property lines;
D.
Setbacks
and side yards;
E.
Paved
areas and unpaved areas subject to vehicular traffic;
F.
Easements
and rights-of-way, public and private;
G.
Structures,
dwellings (including pools and auxiliary buildings);
H.
Animal
enclosures;
I.
Fuel
tanks, hazardous material storage;
J.
Plumbing
stub-out;
K.
Water
lines (public and private);
L.
Areas
subject to flooding, inundation, stormwater overflow, or ten-year
storm event;
M.
Existing
and proposed wells, abandoned wells, springs, neighboring wells, streams,
ditches, canals, culverts, ponds, lakes, swales, vernal pools, 10
year flood plains, or any body of water (intermittent or perennial)
located within 100 feet of property lines;
N.
Existing
and proposed on-site wastewater treatment systems (including replacement
areas), abandoned septic tanks, pretreatment and storage devices,
sewer lines, storm sewers;
O.
Soil
profile test holes, percolation test holes, groundwater observation
wells;
P.
Percent
and direction of slope in disposal field area and 50 feet adjacent
to it on all sides. A contour map is recommended and may be required
by this Department depending on conditions observed at the site;
Q.
Trees
within 10 feet of sewage disposal areas (including replacement areas);
R.
Underground
utilities within 10 feet of on-site wastewater treatment system (including
replacement area);
S.
Cut
banks, unstable land forms, bluffs and ravines;
T.
Floor
plan (including number of bedrooms).
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
A.
A final
inspection of the on-site wastewater treatment system shall be conducted
by Department staff to ensure compliance with this chapter and any
conditions placed on the construction permit by the Department.
B.
The
final inspection shall be scheduled by the installer or the registered
professional with the Department during the Department's normal business
hours and at least two working days prior to the requested inspection
date.
C.
A construction
permit shall not be considered finalized until the following has occurred:
1.
The
Department has determined that the on-site wastewater treatment system
has been installed in compliance with this chapter and any conditions
placed on the construction permit by the Department;
2.
An
as-built drawing signed by either the installer or registered professional,
has been received and accepted by the Department;
3.
The
registered professional, having designed the system, has submitted
written documentation to the Department verifying that the system
was constructed in substantial conformance with the proposed design;
4.
The registered professional or licensed installer has provided the Department and the homeowner or property owner with an operation and maintenance manual pursuant to Section 6.32.250(C)(3) for the installed system;
5.
If
required by the Department, the owner of record for the property on
which the on-site wastewater treatment system was installed, repaired,
or modified has obtained an annual operating permit pursuant to this
article;
6.
An
as-built drawing of the installed on-site wastewater treatment system
shall be prepared by the licensed installer or the registered professional.
At a minimum, the as-built drawing shall include:
a.
Location of septic and pump tanks,
b.
Location of all distribution boxes and diversion valves,
c.
Location of all disposal field components (i.e., leach lines, seepage
pits, etc.),
d.
The site address including parcel number,
e.
The installation contractor's name and address,
f.
The date the system was installed,
g.
The permit number, and
h.
Measurements from two fixed reference points to the installed tanks,
distribution boxes, and disposal field components. The measurements
must be recorded in a manner that would allow an individual to accurately
locate all major components of the installed system.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
A.
After
the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, an operating
permit may be required for:
1.
New
alternative and experimental on-site wastewater treatment systems;
2.
Existing
alternative and experimental on-site wastewater treatment systems
at the time a construction permit, pursuant to this article, is required
for the repair or modification of said system;
3.
Any
existing on-site wastewater treatment systems regardless of design
when the Department has determined that oversight is critical to ensure
the proper functioning and longevity of the system. Examples of which
may include but are not limited to parcels with insufficient area
to install a replacement disposal field, systems subject to excessive
peak wastewater flows, systems requiring a grease removal device,
or systems requiring a variance from any provision of this chapter.
B.
Unless
otherwise approved by the Department, operating permits shall be valid
for one calendar year and shall be renewed annually thereafter. At
the Department's discretion, the expiration date of an operating permit
may be extended for an on-site wastewater treatment system provided
such system is operated and maintained in compliance with this chapter
and any conditions placed on the operating permit by the Department.
C.
Operating
permits shall be obtained by the property owner of the parcel on which
such system is installed or by their authorized agent and shall be
required for the life of the system unless the Department determines
otherwise. Upon the legal transfer or sale of the property, it shall
be the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that the recipient
of the transfer or sale is made aware of the operating permit requirements.
D.
Operating
permit applications and operating permit renewal applications shall
be submitted to the Department on such forms and in such format as
the Department prescribes.
E.
If required by the Department, operating permit applications and operating permit renewal applications submitted to the Department shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee pursuant to Sacramento County Code, Title 6, Chapter 6.99. Failure to pay such fees in a timely manner as prescribed by the Department shall render the operating permit null and void.
F.
The
Department may suspend or revoke any operating permit it issues for
failure of the permittee to make timely payment of assessed fees or
comply with any terms and/or conditions placed on such permit by the
Department at the time of permit issuance or renewal. Upon suspension
or revocation, further operation of the system shall cease until the
suspension is lifted or a new annual operating permit is issued.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
A.
For
on-site wastewater treatment systems requiring an annual operating
permit, the property owner of the parcel on which such system is installed
or their authorized agent shall:
1.
Operate
the system in accordance with its design parameters;
2.
Ensure
continued operation and maintenance consistent with this chapter;
3.
Report
any system malfunctions resulting in surfacing sewage to the Department
within 24 hours of discovery;
4.
Contact
with an operation and maintenance specialist within 24 hours of discovering
the following conditions that could indicate a system failure or malfunction
such as:
5.
Obtain
permits, procure services, and pay fees as may be necessary to correct
deficiencies in the onsite wastewater treatment system identified
by the Department or the operation and maintenance specialist.
B.
The
operation and maintenance specialist must:
1.
Be
an individual authorized and qualified by the Department to perform
all necessary inspections and repairs in a manner compliant with this
chapter and any condition placed on the operating permit by the Department;
2.
Qualification
as an Operation and Maintenance Specialist, by the Department may
require any of the following:
a.
Proof of current certification or registration by a third-party entity
approved by the Department,
b.
The successful passage of a written examination provided by the Department,
demonstrating the applicant's knowledge of wastewater system principles
and the rules, regulations, laws, and ordinances affecting public
health and safety with respect to on-site wastewater treatment systems,
c.
Continuing education credits pertaining to on-site wastewater treatment
system operation and maintenance;
3.
Provide
all required maintenance and monitoring reports to the Department
within 30 days of service;
4.
Pay any required fees to the Department for the submission of inspection reports pursuant to Section 6.32.260(E) of this chapter;
5.
Report
to the Department within 24 hours of discovery any system failure
or malfunction that results in surfacing sewage or requires a major
system repair.
C.
Operation,
Maintenance, and Monitoring Manual.
1.
The
owners of new on-site wastewater treatment systems requiring an annual
operating permit pursuant to this chapter, shall be provided with
an operation, maintenance, and monitoring manual approved by the Department
and prepared by the registered professional that designed the system.
2.
The
operation, maintenance, and monitoring manual will be supplemented
and/or updated by the licensed installer or registered professional
when the system requires repair.
3.
The
manual will include the following elements, as applicable:
a.
Diagrams of the system components, their interrelationship and process
flow diagram,
b.
An accurate, fully dimensional as-built drawing of the system,
c.
An explanation of the system's general function, operational expectations,
owner responsibility etc.,
d.
The routine maintenance schedule,
e.
The names and telephone numbers of the registered professional, licensed
installer, and certified operation and maintenance specialists,
f.
A list of proprietary system components, including manufacturer names
and model numbers, and
g.
Information on "troubleshooting" common operational problems that
may occur with that specific system.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
A.
Frequency
of an on-site wastewater treatment system operation and maintenance
inspection will be dependent on the complexity and maintenance requirements
of the system components, and based upon:
B.
On-site
wastewater treatment systems requiring an annual operating permit
pursuant to this article shall meet the inspection frequencies and
maintenance checks as specified in Table 1 of this chapter unless
otherwise approved by the Department. Nothing contained in this provision
shall prevent the Department from requiring more frequent inspections
and maintenance checks as deemed necessary to ensure optimal system
performance.
|
Table 1
Inspection Frequency and Maintenance Checks
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CP = Certified Pumper, LI = Licensed Installer, OM = Certified
Operation, Monitoring, and Maintenance Specialist, PL = Proprietary
Device Licensee (also must be certified as OM&M Specialist), PO
= Property Owner.
| |||||
|
Inspection Interval
|
(Residential) Standard or Pressure Dosed System*
|
(Commercial) Standard or Pressure Dosed System*
|
Mound or Single-Pass Sand Filter
|
ATU or Packed-Bed Filter
|
Disinfection Units (Telemetry required on all disinfection units)
|
|
First 6 weeks
|
|
|
|
|
PL or OM (Required)
|
|
First 3 months
|
|
OM (Recommended)
|
OM (Required)
|
PL or OM (Required)
|
|
|
Monthly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annually
|
Pressure dosing system PL or LI or PO or OM (Recommended*)
|
OM (Recommended*)
|
OM (Required)
|
|
|
|
As required by the manufacturer or NSF, but not less than once
a year
|
|
|
|
PL or OM (Required)
|
PL or OM (Required)
|
|
Year 1—2 of cycle
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year 3 of cycle
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year 4 of cycle
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year 5 of cycle
|
CP or LI or PO or OM (Recommended*)
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
Standard and pressure dosed systems are subject to Section 6.32.240(A)(3) of this chapter and may require inspections and maintenance checks should an operating permit be required.
|
C.
Standard and pressure dosed on-site wastewater treatment systems subject to Section 6.32.240(A)(3) of this chapter may require inspections and maintenance checks should an operating permit be required. Inspection frequencies shall be determined by the Department on a case-by-case basis.
D.
Experimental
on-site wastewater treatment systems may require effluent wastewater
quality testing by Department approved third party laboratories to
monitor and ensure optimal system performance. Type and frequency
of effluent wastewater quality testing shall be determined by the
Department on a case-by-case basis.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
A.
Unless otherwise indicated in subsection F, a site evaluation shall be required to determine all design parameters for new on-site wastewater treatment systems and repairs or modifications to existing systems that require a construction permit pursuant to this chapter.
B.
An application
for a site evaluation shall be submitted to and approved by the Department
prior to the commencement of work. The application shall be submitted
to the Department on such forms and in such format as the Department
prescribes. The appropriate fee shall be paid to the Department at
the time of application submittal.
C.
Unless
the Department approves otherwise, site evaluations shall be performed
by a registered professional in collaboration with Department staff.
The registered professional shall notify the Department a minimum
of 48 hours prior to the commencement of soils testing. All soils
testing must be conducted during the Department's normal working hours
unless the Department approves otherwise.
D.
The
site evaluation shall take into consideration the following site characteristics
when determining the design for an on-site wastewater treatment system:
1.
Effective
absorptive soil;
2.
Separation
between disposal field bottom and groundwater or restrictive soil
layers;
3.
Ground
slope in the proposed disposal field areas;
4.
Influent
wastewater strength and quality;
5.
Setback
requirements to all components of the on-site wastewater treatment
system including the reserve disposal field area; and
6.
The
required level of wastewater treatment so as to not adversely affect
water quality or endanger public health.
F.
At the
discretion of the Department, the requirement for a site evaluation
or specific elements thereof may be waived when the project poses
a limited risk to public health, both ground and surface waters and:
1.
A
site evaluation has previously been conducted in compliance with this
chapter by a registered professional or other individual approved
by the Department to perform such evaluation; or
2.
The
Department has reason to believe that soil conditions in a specific
geographical area of the County are so homogeneous that previous site
evaluations or geotechnical explorations conducted in close proximity
to the proposed project area will provide sufficient information regarding
soil type, percolation rate, and depth to groundwater to determine
the feasibility of the project.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
A.
An application
for a site evaluation shall be submitted to the Department on such
forms and in such format as the Department prescribes.
B.
A site
evaluation fee shall be paid to the Department at the time of application
submittal.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
A.
Following
the completion of all soils testing, a site evaluation report shall
be forwarded to the Department for approval.
B.
Unless
the Department specifies otherwise, a site evaluation report shall
contain the following information:
1.
A
scaled (1″ = 50′ minimum) site plan identifying the location of all
soils testing performed;
2.
A
brief description of the site characteristics and soil testing methodology;
3.
All
soils testing data including but not limited to classifications of
the encountered soils and percolation test results;
4.
A
scaled (1″ = 50′ minimum) drawing of the proposed on-site wastewater
treatment system including, but is not limited to:
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
A.
For
all disposal field types other than seepage pit or deep trench, a
minimum of eight soil test holes shall be required on each parcel
to determine site suitability for an on-site wastewater treatment
system. Four test holes shall be excavated in both the primary and
reserve disposal field areas. Seepage pit and deep trench type disposal
fields shall have a minimum of one soil test hole in both the primary
and reserve disposal field areas. At the discretion of the Department,
additional test holes or soil analysis by hydrometer may be required
to adequately characterize site conditions or show soil uniformity.
The Department may approve fewer soil test holes on a case-by-case
basis and shall be dependent on specific site conditions, space limitations,
or uniformity in test hole soil characteristics.
B.
All
soil test holes shall be excavated to Cal-OSHA standards and unless
otherwise approved by the Department, must meet the requirements specified
in the Sacramento County On-Site Wastewater Management Guidance Manual.
C.
All
soil test holes shall be performed in representative areas of both
the proposed primary and reserve disposal fields to adequately characterize
site conditions.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
A.
For
all disposal field types other than seepage pit or deep trench, a
minimum of six percolation tests shall be required on each parcel
to determine site suitability for an on-site wastewater treatment
system. Three percolation test holes shall be performed in both the
primary and reserve disposal field areas. Seepage pit and deep trench
type disposal fields shall have a minimum of one percolation test
in both the primary and reserve disposal field areas unless otherwise
waived by the Department.
B.
At the
discretion of the Department, additional percolation testing may be
required to adequately characterize site conditions or show soil uniformity.
Requests for fewer percolation tests may be approved by the Department
and shall be determined on a case-by-case basis.
C.
Unless
otherwise approved by the Department, all percolation testing shall
be conducted as prescribed in the On-Site Wastewater Management Guidance
Manual.
D.
All
percolation test holes shall be performed in representative areas
of both the proposed primary and reserve disposal fields to adequately
characterize site conditions.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
A.
The
Department may require information pertaining to seasonal high groundwater
levels prior to approving a design for an on-site wastewater treatment
system or a proposal for a subdivision of land to ensure compliance
with groundwater separation requirements as specified in this chapter.
Areas proposing on-site wastewater treatment that are subject to monitoring
include, but are not limited to:
1.
Valleys,
ravines, swales;
2.
Areas
near waterways or springs;
3.
Areas
with soils having confined and unconfined sand and gravel strata;
4.
Areas
with shallow topsoil;
5.
Areas
with soil strata that show mottling and/or grey to black colorations;
6.
Areas
with a known history of seasonal high groundwater; and
7.
Areas
with swampy/marshy appearances or supporting the growth of water-loving
vegetation such as cattails, willows, perennial grasses.
B.
A registered
professional or other individual approved by the Department shall
perform all groundwater monitoring and all data shall be collected
in coordination with the Department.
D.
Seasonal
high groundwater monitoring shall be performed between the months
of November through April.
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
A.
The
Department discourages the use of alternative on-site wastewater treatment
systems in lieu of a standard gravity flow or standard pressure dosed
system when the proposed site can meet the requirements for the installation
of such system. Experimental systems should be considered a last resort
and will be approved by the Department on a case by case basis. The
Department reserves the right to refer all applications for experimental
systems to the State Water Resources Control Board for approval and/or
regulation.
B.
All
on-site wastewater treatment systems shall be designed based on the
following:
1.
Available
effective absorptive area in both primary and reserve disposal fields;
2.
Separation
between disposal field bottom and groundwater or a restrictive soil
layer;
3.
Ground
slope in both the primary and reserve disposal field areas;
4.
Influent
wastewater strength and quantity;
5.
Setback
requirements; and
6.
The
required level of wastewater treatment so as to not adversely affect
water quality or endanger public health.
C.
Unless
otherwise approved by the Department, the following minimum requirements
shall determine the design parameters for on-site wastewater treatment
systems:
1.
Effective
absorptive area shall have percolation rates between five and sixty
(60) minutes per inch.
a.
Soils percolating faster than five minutes per inch will require
a pressure dosed disposal field and will not be permitted by the Department
unless there is demonstration of adequate soil filtration capacity
to prevent groundwater degradation.
b.
Soils percolating between 61 and 120 minutes per inch shall be approved
for a standard on-site wastewater treatment system provided the septic
tank effluent is pressure dosed into the design of the disposal field.
Exceptions may be granted for seepage pit type disposal fields or
parcels having sufficient space for both primary and reserve disposal
field areas provided the on-site wastewater treatment system is individually
designed by a registered professional and the design is approved by
the Department.
c.
Soils percolating slower than 120 minutes per inch shall only be
approved for alternative on-site wastewater treatment systems provided
appropriate wastewater treatment technology is utilized and the system
can be designed and installed in compliance with this chapter.
d.
Should the Department approve the
use of soil textural classification in lieu of percolation testing
the following shall apply to standard on-site wastewater treatment
systems:
i.
Only soil types A through D from Table 2 of this chapter shall be
considered effective absorptive soil for shallow trench or bed type
disposal fields.
ii.
Only soil types A and B from Table 2 of this chapter shall be considered
effective absorptive soil for deep trench or seepage pit type disposal
fields. The soils may or may not contain gravel.
iii.
All effective absorptive soil shall be non-cemented.
2.
At
least five feet of soil shall be present between disposal field bottom
and groundwater should a bed or trench be proposed as the disposal
field type. Ten feet of separation shall be required for seepage pit
type disposal fields.
a.
Three feet of separation shall be permitted if the septic tank effluent
is pressure dosed into a disposal field consisting of a shallow trench
or bed.
b.
Less than three feet of separation shall require the use of an alternative
on-site wastewater treatment system meeting the requirements of this
chapter.
c.
Designs for alternative on-site wastewater treatment systems proposing
less than two feet of separation may require approval by the California
State Water Resources Control Board.
3.
There
shall be a minimum of five feet of continuous effective absorptive
soil below the bottom of a shallow trench or bed type disposal field.
a.
Three feet of separation shall be permitted if the septic tank effluent
is pressure dosed into the disposal field.
b.
Less than three feet of separation shall require the use of an alternative
on-site wastewater treatment system meeting the requirements of this
chapter and the On-Site Wastewater Management Guidance Manual.
4.
Standard
on-site wastewater treatment systems shall only be designed on sites
with a ground slope less than 30%.
5.
The
minimum required setbacks as indicated in Table 3 of this chapter
shall be maintained at all times. An inability to maintain required
setbacks shall require an alternative on-site wastewater treatment
system or a design proposed by a registered professional with experience
in on-site wastewater treatment system design.
D.
Required
absorptive field area shall be calculated by using available effective
absorptive soil and the correct soil application rate depicted in
Table 2 of this chapter if effective absorptive soil is determined
by soil textural classification or Figure 1 of this chapter if percolation
testing was conducted.
1.
Soil
application rates derived from percolation test results shall be calculated
by using the slowest percolation test result obtained from all percolation
test holes in the area in which the disposal field will be located.
2.
Soil
application rates derived from soil textural classification, if permitted
by the Department, shall be determined by using the most restrictive
effective absorptive soil group encountered within five feet from
the bottom of a shallow trench or disposal field bed. Soil application
rates for deep trench or seepage pit type disposal fields shall be
determined by using the most restrictive effective absorptive soil
encountered within the trench or pit profile below the point at which
effluent leaves the distribution piping.
3.
Only
sidewall or bottom area but not both shall be used when calculating
the required disposal field area for a shallow trench or bed type
disposal field. Only sidewall area shall be used with deep trench
or seepage pit type disposal fields.
E.
Projected
daily wastewater flow shall be determined as follows:
1.
Wastewater
flow from residential dwellings must be calculated at 350 gallons
per day for up to a two bedroom home, 400 gallons per day for a three
bedroom home, and 100 gallons per day for each additional bedroom.
2.
Wastewater
flow from other than single-family residential dwellings shall be
estimated by using Table 4 of this chapter.
3.
In
no case shall an on-site wastewater treatment system be designed for
a flow of less than 100 gallons per day.
4.
If
proposed, the projected daily flow may be calculated by actual potable
water meter readings, or facility wastewater influent or effluent
meter readings if such records are available from the service provider
or from water meters certified to be within two percent by the water
purveyor or, in the case of wastewater metering, the meter read values
are certified as "correct" by a registered professional and agreed
to by the Department. Average daily flows shall be calculated from
peak flow days as follows:
a.
If the water meter records are recorded on a daily basis, the highest
10 day flows for a 12 month period can be averaged and used for the
design flow.
b.
If the water meter records are recorded on a weekly basis, the design
flow shall be calculated by dividing the number of days the facility
was in use into the highest weekly flow over a 12 month period and
then multiplying by 1.2.
c.
If the water meter records are recorded on a monthly basis, the design
flow shall be calculated by dividing the number of days the facility
was in use into the highest monthly flow over a 12 month period and
then multiplying by 1.5.
d.
If the water meter records are recorded on a quarterly basis, the
design flow shall be calculated by dividing the number of days the
facility was in use into the highest quarterly flow over a 12 month
period and then multiplying by 2.0.
F.
A reserve
disposal field area with suitable site conditions must be set aside
for the future installation of a replacement disposal field. The reserve
area must be:
1.
Equal
to 100% of the capacity required for the primary disposal field;
2.
Separate
from the primary disposal field area;
3.
Able
to meet all current design requirements for the type of disposal field
proposed, including soil depth, soil type, slope restrictions, and
setbacks, etc.;
4.
Fully
protected to prevent damage to soil and any adverse impact on the
immediate surroundings that may affect the installation of the reserve
disposal field or its function.
G.
Installation
of a standard on-site wastewater treatment system on parcels under
one acre in size will require that a reserve disposal field be installed
at the same time as the primary. The disposal fields are to be separated
by an approved valve to switch from field one to field two at the
recommended interval.
H.
Septic
tank capacity shall be a minimum of 1,000 gallons and a maximum of
10,000 gallons. Tanks in excess of 3,000 gallons shall have design
specifications pursuant to the most current version of the Uniform
Plumbing Code, submitted to the Department for approval.
1.
For
residential dwellings, the minimum liquid capacity of any septic tank
shall be 1,200 gallons for up to a three bedroom residence, 1,500
gallons for up to a five bedroom residence, and an additional 200
gallons for each bedroom thereafter.
2.
Septic
tank capacity for commercial applications shall be determined by doubling
the calculated average daily flow obtained in Table 4 of this chapter.
I.
All
septic tanks, pump tanks, and distribution boxes shall be watertight
and installed level on a stable surface to prevent settling. All tanks
may be subject to a water tightness test.
J.
All
septic tanks and pump tanks shall have water tight pumping risers
extending to ground surface or above on all compartment access ports
of the tank. Risers shall be a minimum of 24 inches in diameter and
have gas-tight tamper-proof lids. Any tanks and/or risers in potential
traffic areas shall be traffic rated and capable of supporting all
anticipated loads. The original tank compartment access port lids
shall remain in place or Department approved safety grates shall be
positioned over access port openings within each riser.
K.
Disposal
fields for on-site wastewater treatment systems shall be designed
to equally distribute septic tank effluent by way of a Department
approved distribution box.
L.
Pump
tanks shall have a minimum liquid capacity equal to or greater than
one day's projected sewage flow.
N.
Disposal
fields shall be constructed as follows:
1.
Seepage
pits shall:
a.
Have a minimum diameter of 36 inches and a maximum diameter of 48
inches,
b.
Maintain a cumulative minimum five-foot column of effective soil
per pit,
c.
Not terminate greater than 40 feet below ground surface,
d.
Be installed so that there is a minimum of two pits for any one system,
and a minimum excavation of one seepage pit per bedroom,
e.
Be spaced so that there is a minimum of 16 feet between seepage pit
sidewalls,
f.
Have a Department approved inspection box at the top of each pit
surrounded by a concrete pit collar having a minimum thickness of
four inches,
g.
Meet the setback requirements specified in Table 3 of this chapter;
O.
Repair
to the existing disposal field of an on-site wastewater treatment
system shall require 100% replacement of the required disposal field
area. At the Department's discretion, a valve shall be installed in
the tight line to allow the flow of effluent to be switched between
each disposal field to allow for the recovery and future use of the
failed disposal field.
P.
Designs
for new on-site wastewater treatment systems serving commercial establishments
capable of generating wastewater containing fats, oils, grease, grit,
or sand shall be required to incorporate an outdoor grease trap or
sand-oil separator into the system design. Grease trap or sand-oil
separator size and installation requirements shall comply with the
most current version of the Uniform Plumbing Code adopted by the Sacramento
County Board of Supervisors.
|
Table 2
Soil Application Rate Based on USDA Textural Classification
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
USDA Textural Classification
|
Soil Group
|
Application Rate (gdp/ft2)
|
|
Course to medium sand
|
A
|
1.2 or less
|
|
Fine sand, loamy sand
|
B
|
1.1 to 0.8 or less
|
|
Sandy loam, loam
|
C
|
0.8 to 0.6 or less
|
|
Silt loam
|
D
|
0.6 to 0.4 or less
|
|
Clay loam, sandy or silty clay loam, sandy clay
|
E
|
0.4 to 0.1 or less
|
 Figure 1 Soil Application Rate Based on Percolation Rate
|
|
Table 3
Minimum Setback Requirements
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Distance Required From:
|
From Disposal Field
|
From Septic Tank, ATU, or Lined Sand Filter
|
|
Wells (domestic and public)
|
150′ – (deep trench, seepage pits)
100′ – (leach lines)
|
100′
|
|
Surface Waters1
|
|
50′
|
|
Reservoirs or lakes
|
200′
|
|
|
Year-round springs, streams, creeks, ponds, rivers
|
100′
|
|
|
Intermittent streams, drainage swales
|
50′
|
|
|
Curtain drains – Vertical/curtain drains
|
|
|
|
Up-gradient of system
|
20′
|
20′
|
|
Down-gradient of system
|
50′
|
25′
|
|
Cuts manmade in excess of 2.5 feet (top of down slope cut) or
escarpments2
|
4 x the height of the bank, to a maximum of 50′
|
20′
|
|
Property lines, foundation lines for any structure including
garages, out-buildings, in-ground swimming pools, water lines 3,4
|
5′
|
5′
|
|
Easements
|
Clear
|
Clear
|
|
Notes:
| |
|---|---|
|
Setbacks not specified in this table shall conform to the most
recent Board of Supervisors-adopted Uniform Plumbing Code.
| |
|
1
|
Setbacks from streams and creeks must be measured from bank
drop-off or mean yearly high water mark. Reservoirs and lakes are
differentiated from ponds by being greater than one acre-feet in size.
Landscape ponds less than 5,000 gallons are exempt from these setbacks.
|
|
2
|
The height (in feet) of the cut or escarpment as measured from
the toe of the cut or vertically to the projection of the natural
ground slope.
|
|
3
|
The Department encourages the placement of septic tanks and
other treatment units as close as feasible to the minimum separation
from the building foundation in order to minimize possible clogging
of the building sewer.
|
|
4
|
Unless otherwise approved by the Department, crossing of water
lines and effluent sewer lines is prohibited.
|
|
Table 4
Design Flow Rates
| |
|---|---|
|
Type of Business or Facility
|
Minimum Flow (Gallons per Day)
|
|
Barbershop/salon
|
100 (per chair)
|
|
Camps (4 persons per campsite, where applicable)
|
|
|
with central comfort stations
|
35 (per person)
|
|
with flush toilets, no showers
|
25 (per person)
|
|
construction camps (semi-permanent)
|
50 (per person)
|
|
day camps (no meals served)
|
15 (per person)
|
|
resort camps (night and day) with limited plumbing
|
50 (per person)
|
|
Churches
|
|
|
with kitchen
|
15 (per seat)
|
|
without kitchen
|
5 (per seat)
|
|
Country clubs
|
|
|
per resident member
|
100
|
|
add per nonresident member present
|
5
|
|
add per employee
|
15 (per 8-hour shift)
|
|
Dentist office
|
|
|
per wet chair
|
200
|
|
add per non-wet chair
|
15
|
|
Factories
|
|
|
with shower facilities, no food service or industrial
wastes
|
35 (per person, per shift)
|
|
without shower facilities, no food, service or industrial
wastes
|
15 (per person, per shift)
|
|
Hospitals
|
250 (per bed space)
|
|
Hotels or motels
|
|
|
with private baths
|
100 (per room)
|
|
without private baths
|
80 (per room)
|
|
Institutions other than hospitals
|
125 (per bed)
|
|
Laundries, self-service washing machines
|
500 (per machine)
|
|
Limited agricultural building
|
100 (per building)
|
|
Mobile home parks
|
250 (per space)
|
|
Parks, public picnic areas
|
|
|
with toilet wastes only
|
5 (per person)
|
|
with bathhouses, showers and flush toilets
|
10 (per person)
|
|
Restaurants
|
|
|
with multi-use utensils
|
50 (per seat)
|
|
with single service utensils
|
25 (per seat)
|
|
with bars and/or cocktail lounges
|
50 (per seat)
|
|
Residential structures
|
|
|
second dwelling, condominium, multifamily (duplex,
triplex, etc.)
|
Same as for full single-family residence
|
|
guesthouse
|
Same as for additional bedroom
|
|
Retail stores
|
|
|
for customer add for each employee
|
Use comparable flows from similar businesses and population
|
|
add for each employee
|
15 (per 8-hour shift)
|
|
Shopping center
|
2 (per parking space)
|
|
Schools
|
|
|
boarding
|
100 (per person)
|
|
day (without gyms, cafeterias or showers)
|
15 (per person)
|
|
day (with gyms, cafeterias and showers)
|
25 (per person)
|
|
day (with cafeteria, no gym or showers)
|
20 (per person)
|
|
Service stations
|
500 for 1st pump set, 300 for each additional
|
|
Swimming pools and bathhouses
|
10 (per person)
|
|
Theaters
|
|
|
movie
|
5 (per seat)
|
|
drive-in
|
20 (per car space)
|
|
Recreational vehicle parks
|
|
|
without individual water and sewer hookups
|
50 (per space)
|
|
with individual water sewer hookups
|
100 (per space)
|
(SCC 1465 § 2, 2010)
