Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 511 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH › Chapter 511-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS › Subject 511-3-1 - ON-SITE SEWAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS › Rule 511-3-1-.05 - Septic Tanks

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1)
				Design and Construction. Septic tanks shall provide a minimum of 24 hours of
				retention and shall be designed and constructed to equal or exceed minimum
				design and construction criteria set forth in the
Manual for On-Site
				Sewage Management Systems
. Any person seeking approval of septic tanks
				to be used in on-site sewage management systems shall submit detailed plans and
				specifications for tank manufacture and other information as may be required by
				the Department. Manufacturers and suppliers are subject to inspection and
				approval by the County Board of Health or the Department. Both the inlet and
				outlet tees shall be ASTM 3034 rated or equivalent. In addition, an approved
				filter shall be installed on the outlet end of the septic tank in compliance
				with the
Manual for On-Site Sewage Management
				Systems
.
(2) Location. No
				septic tank shall be installed less than fifty feet (50') from existing or
				proposed wells, springs, sink holes, or suction water lines, and tanks shall be
				located downgrade from wells or springs if physically possible; less than
				twenty-five feet (25') from geothermal boreholes, lakes, ponds, streams, water
				courses, and other impoundments; less than ten feet (10') from pressure water
				supply lines, or less than ten feet (10') from a property line. No septic tank
				shall be installed less than fifteen feet (15') from a drainage ditch or
				embankment. Septic tanks shall be installed so as to provide ready access for
				necessary maintenance, and should be at least ten feet (10') from hardscape,
				drives, swimming pools and building foundations. The County Board of Health,
				after site inspection, may allow lesser separation distances or require greater
				distances than cited herein due to unusual conditions of topography, site
				configuration, subsurface soil characteristics, or groundwater
				interference.
(3) Capacity. The
				liquid capacity of septic tanks for single family dwellings shall be one
				thousand gallons for one, two, three or four bedrooms and 250 additional
				gallons for each bedroom over four. Septic tank capacity shall be increased by
				(50%) if a garbage grinder is to be used. Auxiliary systems serving single
				family residences or other facilities shall be based on the maximum daily
				flow.
(4) Compartmented
				Tanks
.
Two compartment tanks shall be required. The first
				compartment shall be at least 2/3 the liquid capacity of the tank.
(5) Tanks in Series. The County Board of
				Health may approve the installation of tanks placed in series as equivalent to
				a single compartmented septic tank. Tanks in series should be single
				compartment tanks, with the first tank being at least 1000 gallons and equal to
				2/3 of the required liquid capacity. When tanks in series are used, they shall
				be connected with a sealed sewer line, and all sewage shall initially enter the
				first tank.
(6) Foundation and
				Backfill. Septic tanks shall be installed level on a foundation that will
				prevent settling. Backfill shall be placed so that a stable fill results and
				undue strain on the tank is avoided. Earth backfill shall be free of voids,
				large stones, stumps, broken masonry, or other such materials. A minimum earth
				cover of six inches (6") over the tank is recommended. With proper
				documentation the County Board of Health may approve less cover. All openings,
				risers, and manholes shall be constructed so as to prevent the entrance of
				surface water.
O.C.G.A. Secs.
				  12-8-1,  31-2A-6,  31-2A-11.