CHAPTER 5: ONSITE WASTEWATER - Geosyntec Consultants

Massachusetts Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Manual

C H A P T E R 5 : O N S I T E W A S T E W A T E R


Underlined bold blue indicates an active web link.

Bold purple indicates that a term is defi ned in the Glossary of Terms.

CHAPTER 5Onsite Wastewater

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Conventional onsite wastewater treatment systems (septic tank, soil absorption system) are still the primary form of wastewater management in areas that do not have centralized sewer. Septic systems that are not properly sited or maintained are major contributors of nonpoint source pollution of rivers, coastal waters, groundwater, and surface water. Properly designed and maintained septic systems do not effectively remove nutrients. As a result, systems sited close to water bodies can still cause water quality problems even when well maintained. Pollutants include harmful pathogens and nutrients that can degrade both recreational and drinking water supplies.

Introduction:

Nonpoint Source Pollution Management For Onsite Wastewater

Primary NPS Pollutants and Issues

• Nutrients

• Pathogens

Who Typically Gets Involved?

• Local Boards of Health

• Property Owners

• Conservation Commissions (MA-DEP Title 5)

Onsite wastewater systems are used to treat wastewater fl ows under 10,000 gallons per day from homes and commercial facilities that are not connected to a public sewer. A typical septic system consists of an underground septic tank, distribution box, and soil absorption system. The traditional system accepts both greywater (wastewater from showers, sinks, and laundry) and back-water (wastewater from toilets). Conventional septic systems work well and can last a long time if (1) they are installed in areas with appropriate soils and hydraulic capacities and (2) they are designed to treat the incoming waste to meet public health, groundwater and surface water performance standards. Proper design, installation, operation and maintenance are required to ensure long-term septic system performance. Innovative and alternative systems are available for use in Massachusetts to provide higher levels of treatment and a better effl uent quality.

In Massachusetts, Title 5 (310 CMR 15.000 of the Massachusetts Environmental Code) (http://www.

mass.gov/dep/brp/fi les/310cmr15.pdf) provides specifi cations for the siting, construction, upgrade, and maintenance requirements of onsite sewage systems. Local Boards of Health regulate septic systems with MA-DEP oversight in certain situations. As discussed in detail in this chapter, proper system management is the most important onsite wastewater issue for municipal offi cials.

Click here for a link to the Chapter 2 overview of municipal Board of Health responsibilities and jurisdiction

with regard to onsite wastewater systems and other issues.

http://www.mass.gov/dep/brp/fi les/310cmr15.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/dep/brp/files/310cmr15.pdf





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Massachusetts/EPA Onsite Wastewater Resources

Massachusetts Title 5 Regulations, Policies and Technical Guidelines can be accessed via the MA-DEP website at

http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/policies.htm#t5guid

Innovative/Alternative (I/A) Technology in Massachusetts.

http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/t5itprog.htm

Massachusetts Association of Boards of Health. http://www.mahb.org/

Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center. http://www.buzzardsbay.org/etimain.htm

New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission. http://www.neiwpcc.org/

Lehner, P., G. P. Aponte Clark, D. M. Cameron and A. G. Frank. 1999. Stormwater strategies: community

responses to runoff pollution. National Resource Defense Council.

http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution /storm/stoinx.asp

MADEP. 1998. Community Septic Management Program: Project Manual. Massachusetts Department of

Environmental Protection, Boston, MA.

http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/proman.pdf

USEPA. 1993. Guidance specifying management measures for sources of nonpoint pollution in coastal waters.

EPA 840-B-92-002. US Environmental Protection Agency, Offi ce of Water, Washington, DC.

http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/MMGI/

USEPA. 2002a. National Menu of Best Management Practices for Storm Water Phase II. Accessed 3/7/2002.

http://www.epa.gov/npdes/menuofbmps/menu.htm

USEPA. 2002b. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual. EPA 625/R-00/008. US Environmental Protection

Agency. http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm

USEPA. 2003. Draft Management Handbook for Management of Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater

Treatment Systems EPA 832-D-03-001. http://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/home.cfm

For a general overview of onsite wastewater disposal technologies and regulations in Massachusetts, see the

following slide show prepared by the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center.

http://www.buzzardsbay.org/sepslide.htm


http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/t5itprog.htm

http://www.mahb.org/

http://www.buzzardsbay.org/etimain.htm

http://www.neiwpcc.org/

http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution /storm/stoinx.asp

http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/proman.pdf

http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/MMGI/

http://www.epa.gov/npdes/menuofbmps/menu.htm

http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm

http://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/home.cfm






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A Conventional Septic System:A conventional septic system consists of a septic tank, a distribution box and a soil absorption system, all connected by pipes, called conveyance lines. A conventional septic system is capable of removal of suspended solids, biodegradable organic compounds and pathogens if properly designed, sited, operated and maintained.

Your septic system treats household wastewater by temporarily holding it in the septic tank where heavy solids and lighter scum separate from the wastewater. This separation process is known as primary treatment. The solids stored in the tank are decomposed by bacteria and later removed, along with the lighter scum, by a professional septic tank pumper.

Typical onsite wastewater treatment system

http://www.buzzardsbay.org/sepslide.htm provides a link to the Buzzards Bay Project National Estuary

Program online slide show on septic system installation.

After partially treated wastewater leaves the tank, it fl ows into a distribution box, which separates this fl ow evenly into a network of soil absorption system trenches. Drainage holes at the bottom of each line allow the wastewater to drain into aggregate (gravel/crushed stone) trenches for temporary storage. This effl uent then slowly seeps into the subsurface soil where it is further treated and purifi ed (secondary treatment). As of January 2004 the allowable percolation rate for onsite disposal systems was increased to 60 minutes per inch (see more information on percola-tion rate regulations at http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/policies.htm#t5guid). A critical siting com-ponent is the vertical separation distance from the bottom of the drainfi eld and the estimated high groundwater elevation level. This separation creates an aerobic environment that is essential for removal of most pathogens. In Massachusetts, Title 5 requires the minimum vertical separa-tion distance of the bottom of the stone underlying the soil absorption system above the high ground-water elevation to be:

(a) four feet in soils with a recorded percolation rate of more than two minutes per inch;(b) fi ve feet in soils with a recorded percolation rate of two minutes or less per inch.





Bold purple indicates that a term is defined in the Glossary of Terms.


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The accumulated solids in the bottom of the septic tank should be pumped out every three years to prolong the life of your system. On-site systems must be maintained regularly to function properly. If solids are not removed regularly, they will eventually accumulate in the septic tank and overflow into the soil absorption system. This quickly destroys the leach field by plugging the outlets and the pore spaces so that the effluent cannot filter out.

Title 5 requires the inspection of on-site sewage disposal systems at the time of transfer of title of the facility served by the system, unless “the facility is subject to a comprehensive local plan of on-site septic system inspection approved in writing by the Department and administered by a local or regional governmental entity, and the system has been inspected at the most recent time required by the plan.” The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the system is appro-priately sized and correctly functioning at the time of the inspection. Failed systems are required to be repaired. Septic systems fail because of improper design, improper installation, and over-loading of waste and water.

A septic pump truck





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Homeowner Septic System Management Tips:

DO have your tank pumped out and system inspected every 3 to 5 years by a licensed septic contractor

(listed in the yellow pages).

DO keep a record of pumping, inspections, and other maintenance.

DO practice water conservation. Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets, run washing machines and

dishwashers only when full, avoid long showers, and use water-saving features in faucets, showerheads and

toilets.

DO learn the location of your on-site system and drain fi eld. Keep a sketch of it handy for service visits. If

your system has a fl ow diversion valve, learn its location, and turn it once a year. Flow diverters can add

many years to the life of your system.

DO divert roof drains and surface water from driveways and hillsides away from the septic system. Keep

sump pumps and house footing drains away from the septic system as well.

DO take leftover hazardous household chemicals to your approved hazardous waste collection center

for disposal. Use bleach, disinfectants, and drain and toilet bowl cleaners sparingly and in accordance with

product labels.

DON’T allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system. The area over the drain fi eld should be

left undisturbed with only a mowed grass cover. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage

your drain lines.

DON’T make or allow repairs to your on-site system without obtaining the required health department

permit. Use professional licensed contractors when needed.

DON’T use commercial septic tank additives. These products usually do not help and some may hurt your

system in the long run.

DON’T use your toilet as a trash can by dumping nondegradables down your toilet or drains. Also, don’t

poison your on-site system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals down the drain. They can

kill the benefi cial bacteria that treat your wastewater. Keep the following materials out of your system:

Nondegradables: grease, disposable diapers, plastics, etc.

Poisons: gasoline, oil, paint, paints thinner, pesticides, antifreeze, etc.

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The Pollution Problem: Onsite Wastewater

Pollution Problem: Nutrients

Excessive nutrients in a waterbody can have disrupting effects on the natural environment, such as causing an explosion in plant growth called eutrophication. Nitrogen is a plant nutrient that in excessive amounts can contribute to eutrophication of water bodies (especially coastal embayments or brackish waters) and the loss of dissolved oxygen in surface waters. Dissolved oxygen levels in lakes and ponds can decline rapidly in areas where large amounts of plant matter are dying and recycling. Excessive amounts of nitrogen can also harm human health. For instance, nitrates, a form of the nutrient nitrogen, can cause problems in infants and farm animals by affecting the blood’s ability to carry and release oxygen. The US-EPA drinking water standard for nitrate is 10 mg/l (310 CMR 22.06).

Typical total nitrogen concentrations in residential wastewater are in the range of 40-100 mg/l. (USEPA, 2002b). The source of the nitrogen is the organic matter and ammonia. Nitrogen contamina-tion of groundwater below the leaching fields from septic systems has been widely documented. Septic systems can only remove from 10-20% of the total nitrogen input. Recent research results for the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center reports that a typical onsite septic system will remove from 21- 25% of the nitrogen. (Costa et. al 2002). (link to report) The problem develops when the density of septic systems from residential development exceeds the dilu-tion capacity of the area and groundwater with higher concentrations of nitrogen discharges to stream, lakes, ponds and coastal estuaries. Because of the difficulty of predicting soil nitrogen removal rates Massachusetts has determined a process for limiting the number of septic systems allowed in nitrogen sensitive areas. Within Title 5 (310 CMR 15.000) there is a process called Nitrogen Aggregate Loading where the number of onsite septic systems are limited in nitrogen sensitive areas (Zone II’s to public water supplies and identified sensitive coastal areas) to protect public water supplies and coastal areas.

Phosphorus is also a pollutant of concern from septic systems. Phosphorus is an important plant nutrient that like nitrogen can contribute to eutrophication and dissolved oxygen depletion in surface waters. Phosphorus is more of a concern in fresh waters (streams, lakes, ponds) than in coastal areas. Fortunately phosphorus is rapidly used by plants and can easily be bound to fine soil particles. In certain soil types, once the soil around the leach field has taken up as much of and almost all of the phosphorus will be removed in the leach field at least for a short while. However, research has also shown that there is a limit to the amount of phosphorus that can be bound in the soil, after which the phosphorus will move with the groundwater and eventually discharge to a waterbody.

Pollution Problem: Pathogenic MicroorganismsHuman waste contains harmful pathogens, nutrients, and organic matter. The pathogens found in fecal matter and urine can cause dysentery, hepatitis, food poisoning and parasite infections in humans. Pathogens include parasites, bacteria and viruses that can cause communicable disease through direct or indirect body contact or ingestion of contaminated water or shellfish (in coastal areas). Pathogens can be transported for considerable distances in groundwater or sur-face water.

http://www.buzzardsbay.org/etistuff/results/costaenvccarticle2.pdf





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The occurrence and concentration of pathogens in domestic wastewater depends on the sources contributing to the wastewater, infected individuals, and environmental factors that control pathogen survival. For example, most microorganisms survive longer at lower temperatures and high humidity. Sunlight will kill most microorganisms, however, viruses can survive in fresh water and sewage up to 120 days, but usually their survival length is less then 50 days. Bacteria have a shorter survival time (10 –30 days) however the literature has found bacteria survival times of longer than 6 months and travel in the groundwater beyond 100 feet. (USEPA 2002b). Conven-tional septic systems result in retention and die-off of most pathogenic bacterial indicators within 2 to 3 feet of the drainfield. As long as aerobic conditions are maintained by ensuring adequate separation between the bottom of the soil absorption system and the groundwater table.

Viruses are only found in septic systems where there are infected individuals. This makes it dif-ficult to monitor and predict how long they will last and how far they can travel from the septic system.

Bacteria

PATHOGEN TYPE ORGANISM DISEASE EFFECTS

Escherichia Coli

Legionella pneumophila

Leptospira

Salmonella typhi

Salmonella

Shigella

Vibro cholerae

Yersinia enterolitica

Balantidium coli

Cryptosporidium

Giardia lambia

Adenovirus

Entrovirus (67 types, e.g. polio, echo, Coxsackie viruses)

Hepatitis A

Norwalk agent

Reovirus

Rotavirus

Gastroenteritis

Legionellosis

Leptospirosis

Typhoid Fever

Salmonellosis

Shigellosis

Cholera

Yersinosis

Balantidiasis

Cyrptosporidiosis

Giardiasis

Conjunctivitis

Gastroenteritis

Infectious Hepatitis

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis

Vomiting, diarrhea, death in susceptible populations

Acute respiratory illness

Jaundice, fever

High fever, diarrhea

Diarrhea, dehydration

Bacillary dysentery

Heavy diarrhea, dehydration

Diarrhea

Diarrhea, dysentery

Diarrhea

Mild to severe diarrhea

Eye infections

Heart abnormalities, meningitis

Jaundice, fever

Vomiting, diarrhea

Vomiting, diarrhea

Vomiting, diarrhea

Protozoans

Viruses





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In general, properly sited, designed, and operated onsite wastewater systems will provide satisfactory performance. The greatest threat is from nitrogen loading since most conventional sep-tic systems can not treat to the 10 mg/l drinking water standard for nitrogen. Phosphorus and metals may be removed through adsorption, and retention in the soils, but at some point the capacity of the soils to retain these chemicals is reached and additional inputs result in elevated concentrations in the groundwater. Proper setbacks from private wells and all resource areas are essential.

Many of the innovative/alternative (I/A) systems approved for use in Massachusetts offer new op-tions for enhanced treatment and removal of pathogens. See the discussion later in this Chapter for more details on I/A systems.

Best Management Practices for Onsite Wastewater Management:

MADEP Community Septic Management Program (CSMP)

The Community Septic Management Program (CSMP) was developed through the collaboration of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, the Office of the State Treasurer, and the Department of Revenue. Funding for the Program was provided by the 1996 Open Space Bond Bill which authorized DEP to spend $30 million to assist homeowners comply with Title 5. DEP uses the appropriation to fund loans to communities through the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust (the Trust). Using the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans from the Trust, communities can provide betterment loans to assist homeowners who must address septic system failures.

The Community Septic Management Program provides financial and management tools for local boards of health to identify and protect environmentally sensitive areas in communities. In most cases, the Community is provided with pre-loan financial assistance in the form of a grant to identify and rank environmentally sensitive areas and to create a plan to protect such areas from septic system contamination. The grant is available after submission of the application. After the development and acceptance by DEP of the local program and borrowing authorization by the Town Meeting or City Council, the community can provide financial assistance and incentives to homeowners with failed septic systems in environmentally sensitive areas and in the community at large. A Community Inspection Plan requires the regular inspection of all septic systems (at least once every 7 years) and allows the systems covered by the Plan to be relieved of the inspection upon property transfer requirement in Title 5. For more information see: http://www.mass.gov/dep/brp/files/csmpma1x.pdf

Municipal officials may also be interested in a septic system management program design by the Buzzards Bay Program to assist local officials with tracking system permits, inspections and up-grades. SEPTRACK is a free software program available to Boards of Health and is available from the following website. http://www.buzzardsbay.org/septrfct.htm

http://www.mass.gov/dep/brp/files/csmpma1x.pdf

http://www.buzzardsbay.org/septrfct.htm





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Financial Assistance Opportunities for System Owners

There are four programs to assist system owners with wastewater management problems in Massachusetts:

Betterments: Communities may provide long-term low cost fi nancing to homeowners, for the repair, replacement, or upgrade of failed septic systems by providing Betterment Loans. If you are interested, contact your local Board of Health for more information, and see DEP’s fact sheet on betterments.

Tax Credit: Any owner of a Massachusetts residential property who occupies the prop-erty as his or her principal residence is allowed a tax credit for the expenses incurred in the repair or replacement of a failed cesspool or septic system. The maximum amount of the credit that may be claimed in any tax year is $1500. The maximum aggregate amount of the credit that may be claimed is $6000. For more information on the specifi c qualifi cation criteria, you should contact the Department of Revenue at 617 887-MDOR or visit their website.

Mass Housing Finance Agency (MHFA): MHFA off ers low-cost fi nancing to those who qualify. For more information contact Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) (617) 723-0500 or go to their website.

Federal Farmers Home Administration (FHA): FHA off ers low-cost fi nancing to those who qualify. For more information contact FHA:

• Multi-family home: (202) 708-2495

• Single-family home: (202) 708-3175

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Development of Municipal Onsite Waterwater Management ProgramsDevelopment of a comprehensive management program for onsite wastewater systems is being promoted by the USEPA and MADEP as an important step that communities must take to ensure that onsite wastewater systems do not fail to perform as designed. USEPA has recognized the need for a comprehensive management framework for communities to use to develop and im-prove onsite wastewater management programs. In fact, they have developed guidelines and a management handbook for municipalities to use to develop local programs.

The Draft Management Handbook for

Management of Onsite and Clustered

(Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment

Systems Management is intended to

complement EPA’s Voluntary National

Guidelines for Management of Onsite

and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater

Treatment Systems. The Handbook is an

implementation guide containing case

studies, detailed discussions and sup-

plementary material to assist states and

communities in implementing the man-

agement guidelines (EPA 832-D-03-001).


http://www.masshousing.com/portal/server.pt

http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/betters.htm






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Many case studies from around the country have documented that onsite wastewater systems lack adequate management and oversight, which results in inadequate pollutant treatment. The fi rst step in understanding this issue is to recognize that onsite wastewater systems (conven-tional and innovative) are a cost-eff ective and environmentally sound approach to wastewater management in many areas. Centralized collection and wastewater treatment is not the only fu-ture solution to wastewater management. Communities must weigh the large capital and main-tenance costs for installing centralized wastewater systems against developing a management program for onsite systems.

Elements of a Successful Onsite Management Program

The success or failure of an onsite wastewater management program depends upon public ac-ceptance and local political support; adequate funding; trained technical and fi eld staff ; and clear legal authority, regulations and enforcement mechanisms. EPA has developed fi ve management models around which communities can develop onsite wastewater management programs. These models progressively increase the amount of management controls that a community must implement (see the Onsite Wastewater Management Models table on following page). EPA recommends that communities with sensitive resources consider developing programs at the higher tiers in the model.

Onsite Wastewater Management Models (from EPA, 2003)

Management Model 1 - “Homeowner Awareness” specifi es appropriate program elements and

activities where treatment systems are owned and operated by individual property owners in areas of

low environmental sensitivity. This program is adequate where treatment technologies are limited to

conventional systems that require little owner attention. To help ensure that timely maintenance is

performed the regulatory authority mails maintenance reminders to owners at appropriate intervals.

Management Model 2 - “Maintenance Contracts” specifi es program elements and activities where

more complex designs are employed to enhance the capacity of conventional systems to accept and

treat wastewater. Because of treatment complexity, contracts with qualifi ed technicians are needed to

ensure proper and timely maintenance.

Management Model 3 - “Operating Permits” specifi es program elements and activities where

sustained performance of treatment systems is critical to protect public health and water quality. Lim-

ited-term operating permits are issued to the owner and are renewable for another term if the owner demon-

strates that the system is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit. Performance-based

designs may be incorporated into programs with management controls at this level.

Management Model 4 - “Responsible Management Entity (RME) Operation and Maintenance” specifi es program elements and activities where frequent and highly reliable operation and main-

tenance of decentralized systems is required to ensure water resource protection in sensitive environ-

ments. Under this model, the operating permit is issued to an RME instead of the property owner to

provide the needed assurance that the appropriate maintenance is performed.

Management Model 5 - “RME Ownership” specifi es that program elements and activities for treat-

ment systems are owned, operated, and maintained by the RME, which removes the property owner from

responsibility for the system. This program is analogous to central sewerage and provides the greatest

assurance of system performance in the most sensitive of environments.





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Key concepts for onsite wastewater management programs include:

• An increase in the level of management as the level of risk and technical complexity increase;

• Inventory of (at a minimum) existing systems and their level of performance;

• Operating permits for large systems and clusters of onsite systems;

• Discharge permits for systems that discharge to surface waters;

• Increased requirements for certification and licensing of practitioners; and

• Elimination of illicit discharges to storm drains or sewers.

Where is Onsite Wastewater Management Happening in Massachusetts?

The Barnstable County Department of Health and the Environment (BCDHE) has worked over the last several years to develop an onsite management program. They started by instituting a homeowner awareness program and have moved forward with assistance on technology reviews and approvals, septic system mapping, and a tracking program for ensuring that alternative systems are inspected and maintained (http://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org/AlternativeWebpage/index.htm). Several other communities in Massachusetts are beginning to develop management programs with support of various program elements from DEP. If your community is interested in a more active role in managing onsite wastewater systems, contact your regional DEP Title 5 representative. http://www.mass.gov/dep/about/organization/depcon.htm

Innovative/Alternative Onsite Septic Systems:The 1995 revisions to Title 5 included provisions to promote the use of innovative/alternative (I/A) systems through the development of approval processes for more widespread use of alter-native onsite septic system technologies. An I/A system is any on-site sewage treatment systems or part of one that is not designed or constructed in a way consistent with a conventional Title 5 system. A conventional system has a septic tank, a distribution box or dosing mechanism, a soil absorption system (SAS) and a reserve area. Some examples of alternative systems are recirculat-ing sand filters, aerobic treatment units, trickling filters, peat filters, humus/composting toilets, and intermittent sand filters.

Most Massachusetts homes without access to municipal sewers use conventional septic systems provide for on-site wastewater treatment and disposal. However, site limitations can make it difficult to replace a failing cesspool or septic system with a conventional septic system that will meet state standards. Innovative/Alternative (I/A) on-site systems have several advantages:

They are generally better than conventional septic systems at removing solids and other pollutants from wastewater before they go to the soil absorption system (SAS).

The SAS following an I/A technology can be expected to have a longer life.

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•

http://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org/AlternativeWebpage/index.htm

http://www.mass.gov/dep/about/organization/depcon.htm





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I/A technology can also provide advanced treatment to reduce the wastewater’s nitro-gen content. For this reason, nitrogen reducing systems may be required for new con-struction, including additions to existing homes, near a private or public water supply well or other nitrogen-sensitive areas.

In most cases, Boards of Health are required to oversee the operation and maintenance of I/A systems.

•

Categories of I/A System Approvals in Massachusetts

The MA-DEP has developed a program where innovative and alternative systems can be approved for use in Massachusetts. The approvals fall into one of the following categories:

• Remedial Use Approval

• Pilot System Approval

• Provisional Use Approval

• General Use Approval

Technologies that are approved for use in Massachusetts are constantly changing. New products and approaches that are currently in use (as of 2005) include composting toilets, sand filters, aerobic treatment systems, filter systems, and innovative soil absorption sys-tem designs. As of May 2005, 21 new systems and technologies are approved for general use in Massachusetts; an additional 5 systems are considered provisional; 10 systems are approved for piloting; and 19 technologies and systems are approved for remedial use.

For an up-to-date list of technologies approved for use in Massachusetts, please see the MA-DEP Title 5 website

on innovative and alternative technologies at: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/septicsy.htm

http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/septicsy.htm

CHAPTER 5: ONSITE WASTEWATER - Geosyntec Consultants

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