Health Department Question / Septic

[FlowerFarmer]

Hey all,

Quick question.

Apparently the local county health department in my area is forcing all homeowners with an aerobic septic/waste system to maintain a contract with a 3rd registered maintenance/service provider.

Does anyone know what this entails? Would having some type of maintain/service contract in place on my septic system require the provider for whatever reason to come into the house and basement?

I think it's bullshit I have to hold a contract for this rather then maintain the system on my own and have it pump when necessary.

Anyone dealt with anything like this before.

 

[HipsterDoofus]

The contractor does not enter your house or basement, unless equipment is there. The reality is that most homeowners, unlike yourself, are incompetent to maintain their own system. It's necessary to protect water quality. Are you sure that your type of system requires this kind of contract? Have you read the regulations yourself?

 

[FlowerFarmer]

I understand that... I wish that is what it all is about, but unfortunately the more I do the research on it, the more it appears it may be just another mandated tax and corrupt regulation without any real maintenance being done.

I'll have to get a hold of the actual regulation. I've only received a small card / legal notice in the mail so far.


My readings online indicate that many of these type of regulations only require/cover the few inspections each year and do nothing in the way of actual work. Any associated costs should come up is still your problem. I've heard of several coming home to find the "inspection checklist" that was completed and it's evident (through various things) that the system was never even opened/checked... let alone maintained in any way.

I'm not a septic scientist, but I don't like the sound of being mandated to pay a yearly fee to a "registered provider" from their list.

I even more so don't want any surprises of trying to come inside... as power does feed the unit from within the basement and thus the "alarm" (for grey water float/pump) is located there.


I appreciate your response.

 

[nukklehead]

God bless the EPA...

 

[dddaver]

What's "3rd registered" even mean? Was the card from the gov't? It might be best to call your local health department or maybe they are online?

 

[HipsterDoofus]

If you have an older system, it's probably an anearobic designed system and may be exempt from the contract requirement.

Determine which kind of system you have and read the regulations. This may not apply to you.

As the owner of a wetlands area managed for wildlife and with a private well on the property for my domestic water supply, it's very important to me that my neighbors inspect and maintain their septic systems.

 

[FlowerFarmer]

Unfortunately it is a newer system as the home was built in mid 2000s. It has a 3 tank aerobic system.

It's not that I don't understand the need for proper sewage treatment, and I'm sure these regulations are initially created with good intention, but unfortunately often open holes for corrupt local regulation in which the small list of local providers bid up the price (because it's a mandatory service with little competition).


I got on their website and found the PDF for regulations and revisions since 2011. It's about 81 pages long so I'll have some reading to do.

Unfortunately their explanation page for this little legal notice I got doesn't have me feeling any better. It actually states that people who live in the city pay an estimated $360/ year in sewage treatment costs.. so.. they say that's about what they are looking to charge. lol, you can't argue with that logic. Doesn't seem like it's much about health and safety, but rather the creation of a unavoidable tax for those living outside of city limits.


Never the less I'll stop talking as I don't know the details of it all in it's entirety and I need to do some reading before I go looking foolish. It's not about the $300-400 a year really... I'm growing illegally so I'll pay to play per se if I must to keep the local govs off my back. It's about the principal... and letting people on my property. I live in a deep rural property for the reason of not wanting people coming down my long driveway and into my wooded homesite. It doesn't seem like they would need in the house, but you never know. I mean.. if there is a need to power down the system do they take my word for it that the breaker has been switched off in the basement. Seems risky on their end.. much like an HVAC guy, etc has that outside electrical disconnect so they can visually see for themselves that they are working on equipment that has been disconnected from power.

I also have an outdoor wood boiler so it's likely only a matter of time before the EPA mandates that they are no longer allowed and forces homeowners to more conventional forms of heat as propane/natural gas lobbyists line their pockets. I can tell these services are becoming more prevalent in my area. I certainly don't want to be forced to hook up to natural gas, regardless of the convenience it offers.

I have properties both in the city and the country. When my city properties sit vacant they cost me many times over (due to all the bills even while idle) as opposed to my country property which only would only incur a small electricity bill should it have to sit idle.

 

[stoned-trout]

they want your money... I had an outdoor wood boiler too...heated my house/water and floor and greenhouses....went through all kinds of shit ..sold it all to my business partner...they even tried to tax me for my well...luckily there was a hidden one in my basement too...yup right in the house....yeehaw

 

[mojave green]

this aint the feds this time. this is local code bullshit. same shit they use to outlaw growing.
i would bet you are being forced to pay for, bullshit inspection services, u pay for septic pumping services. they don't need home entry for that. if it wasn't getting electric, you could handle that. they can't come in if you don't let em. call em and ask em what it entails.

 

[fishwhistle]

In the taxafornia desert they charge me 225 dollar a year fire fee for living in a rural area on top of regular public safety taxes,nothing around here to burn but a joint.

 

[stig]

...surprised there is not an external curcuit break for the system...ala A/C unit, or hot tub...