On-Site Sewage Disposal

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On-Site Sewage Disposal
Septic 101
Presented By Robert Palin, I-CBO-SS On Site
Sewage Disposal Program Manager North Bay Mattawa
Conservation Authority Director, Ontario Onsite
Wastewater Association MMAH Certified Part 8
Facilitator
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Common Questions

• How can you tell if it is functioning properly?
• Are there new regulations concerning septic
  systems?
• Are there different rules for waterfront?
• How long does a septic bed last?
• How often does it need to be emptied?
• Can you plant a garden on it?
• Can you cut the grass with a riding lawnmower?
• Can you drive on it?

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Site Plan
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Types of Septic Systems

• Class 1 Privies outhouse, portable
  composting toilets
• Class 2 Leaching pit (grey water pit)
• Class 3 Cesspool
• Class 4 Septic tank Leaching bed Aerobic
  Systems Biofilter (media)
• Chamber Systems
• Class 5 Holding Tank

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Class 4 Septic Systems
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Septic Tank

• Wastes from the kitchen, bathroom, toilets, and
  laundry enter the septic tank were the separation
  of liquids and solids occur
• The lighter solids float to the top, producing a
  scum layer which assists in odour control
• The heavier solids sink to the bottom where they
  form the sludge layer
• The organics are broken down by bacteria in your
  septic tank system
• Once the organics are broken down, the liquid
  part leaves the septic tank
• An effluent filter (if installed) will assist in
  keeping solids in the septic tank

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Leaching Bed System

• In the leaching bed system, the partially treated
  wastewater from the septic tank is discharged
  into the soil.
• Away from the warmth of the human body, bacteria
  and viruses are killed off and more nutrients are
  broken down as the wastewater passes through the
  soil filter system

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Sundridge Zoning By-Law
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Strong Zoning By-Law

• Zoning By-Law 2005-1511 (Amendment to 93-1307)
• 3.27 - Setbacks from Watercourses and Fisheries
  Habitat
• The minimum setback from the top-of-bank of any
  cold water stream as identified on Schedule A-1
  for any
• building or structure, including septic systems,
  shall be 30m.
• The minimum setback from the top-of-bank of any
  other stream or watercourse as identified on
  Schedule A-1 for
• any building or structure, shall be 15m.
• Notwithstanding any other shoreline setback
  specified in this By-Law, on Lake Bernard, the
  minimum setback
• from any Type 1 Fish Habitat as identified on
  Schedule A-2 for any building or structure,
  including septic systems, shall be 30m
• 3.12 Minimum Opening Elevations Lake Bernard
  is 330.5m (CGD)

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Be Good to Your System

• Keep the area of the septic bed grassed and mowed
• Do not plant bushes or gardens on your bed
• Do not drive on or near your bed
• Ensure that surface water flows away from the
  septic bed
• Keep the area of your septic bed in direct
  sunlight

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Signs of Failure

• Your septic system
• may be failing if
• A foul rotten-egg smell is noticed
• Your tank overflows
• The soil around the tank is soggy
• Yours drains are slow or overflow
• There is a gurgling sound when sinks are drained
• A foul smelling liquid leaches out
• There is dark green grass around your tank and/or
  bed
• There is a wet, black oozy liquid around the
  trenches

• Your septic system may fail for any of the
  following reasons
• Your leaching bed is not coping
• Your septic tank is full, get it pumped out!
• There is too much water going into the system,
  check for leaks, reduce water usage,
• Toxic substances are being flushed into your
  system killing the bacteria before treatment can
  occur, eliminate/reduce the use of harsh
  chemicals
• Your septic system has out lived its life
  (approx 20-25 years)

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How Your Septic System Can Impact On The Water
Cycle

• If your septic system fails then the effluent
  from it may pollute the water in your well, local
  streams, rivers and lakes
• Discharges from failing systems contain bacteria,
  viruses and nutrients that will harm the
  environment
• These materials can be both bad for your health
  and the environment. For this reason it is vital
  that your septic system is maintained and
  operated properly and that you do not dispose of
  medicines, pesticides, paints, varnishes,
  thinners and other harsh chemicals in your septic
  tank

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Keeping Your Septic System Happy!

• You can put wastewater from your sinks, baths,
  toilets, washing machine, and dishwasher into
  your septic system
• Be aware that kitchen garbage grinders will
  likely overload your system with solids thus
  effecting the treatment efficiency of your septic
  tank and require pump-out services more
  frequently
• Water softeners and pool discharges should not be
  directed into your septic system
• Typically septic tanks should be emptied every 3
  to 5 years depending on use
• Septic disposal beds are designed to last 20 25
  years depending on use

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Happy IDEAS

• Scrape your dishes, minimizes fats, grease, oil
  and solids from entering your septic tank
• If it doesnt come out of your body do not flush
  it
• Ensure hair does not go down the drain
• Shake all dirt and sand from your clothes prior
  to washing them
• Use laundry detergent (phosphate free) in
  moderation and spread your laundry loads
  throughout the week
• Conserve water whenever possible, only run
  automatic washers when full
• Use water efficient appliances
• Divert surface water from the area of your septic
  leaching bed
• Install an effluent filter on the outlet end of
  your septic tank
• Learn the location of all the components of your
  septic system and how to maintain them

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Wet Wipes Vs. Your Septic System

• Just a decade ago the only wet wipes were for
  babys bums. Now with societys need for
  cleanliness and convenience there has been an
  explosion of wipes for virtually every household
  chore and every part of the body.
• A recent Consumer Report put three wipes, along
  with toilet paper, through a disintegration test.
  It simulates what may happen when flushing and
  gives consumers a look at how the product could
  affect their pipes. Toilet paper tends to break
  down in about eight seconds. In contrast,
  "flushable" wipes lasted well beyond 30 minutes.
  These flushable wipes performed very poorly in
  their disintegration tests and may result in
  damage or back-up of your septic system.

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Pharmaceuticals and your Septic System

• Medications can be harmful in septic systems.
  Safely dispose of unwanted medications, protect
  the septic system, manage systems during high
  medication use
• High concentrations of antibiotics or chemicals
  can kill or retard the growth of the bacteria in
  septic tanks and in the soil treatment drain
  field.
• If the use of strong medications is extended, it
  may be necessary to use the septic tank as a
  holding tank. This prevents the drugs from
  reaching the drain field and the groundwater.

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Dispose of Extra and Expired Medications Safely

• Pills add liquid cleansers, vinegar, lemon
  juice or water to dissolve the pills. Acids like
  vinegar will ensure the pills dissolve. Be sure
  the cap is on securely.
• The destroyed pills or liquid medications can
  now be safely put in the trash. For added
  protection, put them in a zip-lock food storage
  bag. Put the bag in an opaque container such as a
  coffee can with lid, empty yogurt container, or
  anything that hides the bottle from view.

• Cleaning the medicine cabinet, and find expired
  medications? Take care to protect personal
  privacy, prevent theft and protect water quality.
  Do not dump extra medications into the toilet.
• First, check with the pharmacy. Many now take
  extra drugs back. If that is not an option,
  dispose of them safely as follows.
• Remove all product labels to protect privacy.
  If the label is difficult to remove, either use a
  heavy black permanent marker, or try soaking the
  bottle in water.
• Liquid drugs add kitty litter, soil, flour,
  cornstarch, anything that will absorb the liquid.
  Make sure the lid is on tightly.

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Safety Around Your System

• Never enter a septic tank, gasses in the tank
  will kill you in minutes
• Never smoke near septic tank openings
• Ensure that any lids are securely fastened to
  prevent assess from children
• Always wear safety glasses and gloves when
  working around your septic tank and wash your
  hands thoroughly when finished
• Beware of electrical sources when attempting to
  locating your septic system

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Locating Your Septic System

• The best way to locate your septic system is to
  visit your local septic permitting office for a
  copy of your permit and plans that may be on
  file. (NBMCA)
• If a plan is not available contact your local
  septic contractor to assist in locating the
  system for you
• Once your system is located install a riser to
  grade and a secured lid to facilitate future
  servicing

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Whats New

• Ontario Building Code Changes
• Requiring maintenance inspections in Source
  Protection Areas
• Setting up requirements for Discretionary
  Inspections
• 14 significant changes to Part 8, coming this
  fall
• Enhanced training requirements, coming this fall
• 2012 Ontario Building Code effective January
  2014
• The world of Sewage Systems is changing

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Thank You
Robert Palin, I-CBO-SS North Bay-Mattawa
Conservation Authority 705 474-5420 ext 2003 Fax
705 474-9793 E-mail robertp_at_nbmca.on.ca www.nbmca.
on.ca