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What is an SSTS?
While residents of towns and cities have their sewage treated at a municipal treatment plant, residents of areas without access to this type of treatment own, operate, and maintain their own "mini-treatment plants," their septic system. The purpose of an subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS), or septic system, is to treat sewage from your household.
How does an SSTS work?
Sewage flows through pipes that connect the building to the septic tank. Solids in the sewage sink toward the bottom of the tank where anaerobic bacteria break them down into carbon dioxide, methane, and water. The undigested residue (sludge) stays on the bottom of the tank. The effluent from the septic tank containing the remaining liquid waste, flows through a piping network to a drainfield. Here, perforated pipes surrounded by gravel slowly release the wastewater into the soil where bacteria finish the treatment process. Soil bacteria continue to destroy the remaining organic material in the effluent.
Why do I need good wastewater treatment?
Proper treatment of wastewater reduces health risks to humans and animals and prevents surface and groundwater contamination. It is unhealthy for humans, pets, and wildlife to drink or come in contact with surface or groundwater contaminated with wastewater. Inadequate treatment allows for bacteria, viruses, and other disease causing pathogens to enter ground and surface water. A system that fails to treat sewage can also allow excess nutrients to reach nearby lakes and streams.
What is the Faribault County 12 Year Septic Program?
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Beginning in 2001, Faribault County developed a plan for the upgrade of non-compliant septic systems in non-shoreland areas. The plan consisted of dividing up the county uniformly by section. This way contractors would be distributed evenly throughout the county in a given year. In doing this, it was determined that the county could install the number of systems needing to be upgraded over a 12 year period. |
Do I need to wait until it is my year to upgrade my system?
No, in fact we encourage upgrades be done as soon as possible as the cost of new systems will continue to increase, and everyone will eventually need to be in compliance with Minnesota State and County rules and regulations. If a property transaction occurs or a building permit is applied for, the system will need to be brought into compliance immediately.
When does my system need to be in compliance?
With the exception of the following requirements, septic systems need to be in compliance by 2012 to conform with the Faribault County Zoning Ordinance and MPCA Chapter 7080 and 7081.
SHORELAND
State statute was passed in 1994 which required the upgrade of all SSTS within shoreland areas.
BUILDING PERMITS
All applications for a building permit must submit either a Certificate of Compliance or valid Inspection Form at the time an application is made. This also includes proof that the system has been maintained (pumped) within the last 3 years.
PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
When selling property, the seller is required to provide information to the buyer regarding the status of the septic system on the property. A SSTS Property Transaction Form must be provided by the seller to the buyer at or before closing. If the existing SSTS is out of compliance, a septic system which meets existing ordinance requirements needs to be installed within 10 months of the date of the transaction.
What is the Faribault County Septic Loan Program?
Faribault County currently has a program to improve water quality by providing public loan assistance for SSTS for all property owners. The loan will show as a special assessment on your tax statement and is to be used for site evaluation, design, installation, repair, and replacement on privately owned property.
For additional information on the County Loan Program, contact the Faribault County Treasurer's Office.
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Faribault County will provide
public loan assistance
for individual sewage systems
for all property owners to improve water quality. |
What should I ask before purchasing a house with a septic system?
Before buying a home, ask questions about the current sewage treatment system. Such as, what is the condition of the tank and drainfield, when was it installed, how many bedrooms was it designed for, has it ever had a county maintenance inspection, and has it ever been pumped? Even with a Certificate of Compliance, it is still wise to hire an inspector to conduct a point of sale inspection. The party who requests the inspection generally pays for it. Contact the Planning and Zoning Office with questions or for additional information on the current system.
What should I consider when buying a lot?
Before you buy a lot, know exactly where the boundaries are. Then determine the most desirable location for your home and SSTS. When building on a new lot, it is best to have two potential sites for your SSTS. Remember that steep slopes, ponds, and marshy areas will cause construction and drainage problems.
Will adding or changing the plumbing in my house effect my system?
Before remodeling a home, consider the impacts these changes will make on the septic system. By adding a bathroom or hot tub, you may be overloading what the current system was designed to handle. Excessive water puts an unnecessary load on the system. Hot tubs and swimming pools should not be discharged into the septic tank.
What can I do to maintain my septic system?
Although the design, installation, and inspection of septic systems is controlled by state and local rules to ensure proper installation, operation and maintenance of the system is the homeowners responsibility. Here are several tips you can follow to keep your system in good working order to protect your ground and surface water.
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Good Household Habits
Conserve waterexcess water is the most common cause of failure
Repair dripping faucets and running toilets
Shorten shower times and choose showers over baths
Do not use the toilet as a waste basket
Eliminate the use of garbage disposals
Wash only full loads in washing machines and dishwashers
Use liquid laundry detergent
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Landscaping Tips
Be aware of the location of your tank and drainfield
Plant trees and shrubs at least 5 feet away from these
Route roof drains and drain tile away from the drainfield
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System Maintenance
Do not add starters or additives to your system
Do not connect the sump pump or hot tubs to the tank
Do not put toxic substances down the drain
Do not use chemicals to clean your system
Do not walk or drive over the system
PUMP YOUR TANK AT LEAST ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS if floating sludge is allowed to
enter the drainfield it will cause expensive and sometimes irreparable damage. |
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For the "Septic System Owner's Guide" go to www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD6583.html
This guide will help you:
1. Understand the basics of how a septic system works
2. Learn how to operate your system effectively and efficiently
3. Learn how to maintain your system and prevent costly repairs
4. Keep information and records about your system |
What are some indicators that my system is not working?
The fact that your toilet flushes does not guarantee that your septic system is working properly. Here are some indicators that your system is not properly designed or is currently failing.
Discharging into an ag tile line, ditch, water body, or onto the surface
Your tank has not been maintained for more than 3 years
Your tank is leaky
Drainfield is not at least 3 feet above the seasonally high water table
Grass above the drainfield is greener than surrounding areas
Sewage backup in your drains or toilet
Slow toilet flushing
Wet areas or water seeping near drainfield
Excessive growth of aquatic weeds or algae in the lake near your home
Unpleasant odors around your house
Bacteria or nitrates found in your well water
Where can I get a current list of licensed installers, inspectors, and pumpers?
The design and installation of SSTS is regulated by state rules through the Planning and Zoning Office. SSTS must be installed by a state licensed contractor. Contact the Planning and Zoning Office to obtain a current list of licensed contractors, inspectors, and installers in the area or go to www.faribaultcountyswcd.com |
