Under the proposed ordinance, new septic systems will be required to have an effluent filter, which prevents large waste particles from entering the disposal field. Septic tanks collect waste water. The proposed ordinance calls for all existing septic systems to come into compliance with new regulations by 2015, unless the systems are malfunctioning. If a septic system is malfunctioning, property owners will be required to comply with the ordinance when repairs are made, said Cates. Businesses with a 2,000-gallon flow per day will be required to comply with the ordinance within three years after it is passed, said Cates.
Flow is the number of gallons that pass through a system.
The average residential septic tank for a three-bedroom house is 1,000 gallons, with a flow of 375 gallons per day, Cates said. In addition to the filter requirements, the ordinance proposes that those who install septic and alternative waste water systems and those who inspect them become certified. Details of the certification process have not been established, which caused concern among septic system installers at the Aug. 10 meeting. Addy said he was concerned that installers would become liable for systems if they malfunction. Cates said installers would be welcome to participate in the development of the certification process, but that it will take a year to develop it.