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13-78 ■ SECTION 13: Forms and Reference
<br /> UNIVERSITY
<br /> OF MINNESOTA Septic System Best ; ' _ ,,:''.
<br /> Management Practices `}
<br /> Septic systems protect human health and the environment by safely recycling wastewater and returningit tonaturalal
<br /> environment.It is your job as the homeowner to be sure this happens effectively and safely.As with your car,regular
<br /> maintenance and attention is needed to keep it operating efficiently in a cost effective manner.
<br /> Septic Tank Soil Treatment Area: Trench or Mound
<br /> Functions:
<br /> • Separates into three layers:scum(stuff that floats Functions:
<br /> )' Soil organisms destroy pathogens(bacteria,viruses).
<br /> sludge(stuff that sinks),and the liquid.
<br /> • The solids and scum are held until removed bythe • Remove phosphorus,reduce nitrogen content.
<br /> Recycle clean water into the soil and ground water.
<br /> maintainer.Anaerobic bacteria work to break down
<br /> wastes,prepare the liquid for the drainfield. Water plants,nutrand areenusede byrpund water,evaporate
<br /> • The liquid is delivered to the soil treatment area to through gme tpr plants.
<br /> complete the treatment process. Best management practices:
<br /> • If solids are not removed,they can end up in the soil • Maintain vegetative cover(turf grass,native grasses,
<br /> treatment area,cousin flowers).Mow,but do not fertilize,burn or over-water.
<br /> • Factors that increase frequfency of puinpin use of •� Keep all vehicles,bikes,snowmobiles,etc.off.
<br /> Do
<br /> not trees or
<br /> garbage disposal,water treatment unit that discharges • Inspect for c racked,missing nspecbs near ti of pipe covers.
<br /> into the septic system,in-home daycare or other reason • Follow practices to prevent freezing,including
<br /> a large number of people are present most of the time,
<br /> laundry on the 2nd floor,excessive use of water and mulching the entire system if needed.
<br /> strong cleaning products. Household Best Management Practices
<br /> Best management practices: Manage water use
<br /> • Tanks need to be evaluated every two to three years • Repair all leaking faucets,toilets,fixtures.
<br /> and pumped if necessary. Some counties requireChange to low flow toilets,shower heads.
<br /> •
<br /> pumping on a specified basis.New homes—pump • Replace appliances with low water use models.
<br /> • Spread water uses evenly throughout the day and week..
<br /> within 3-12 months of occupancy the first time.
<br /> • Never allow a tank to be cleaned through the inspection • Re-route clean water sources: water softener,treatment
<br /> pipe.This is not allowed by code,and it does not allow unit recharge water,high efficiency furnace drip,sump
<br /> a good cleaning to occur. Scum can plug the baffle, pumps to separate drainage area.
<br /> baffles can be knocked off.Tanks should orbe
<br /> cleaned through the manhole or maintenance Watch what goes down the drain:
<br /> • The toilet is not a garbage can—nothing should be
<br /> • Be sure baffles,effluent screen,pumps and other
<br /> components are inspected when the tank is pumped, • Excess medicatrionsanretum to phaste and rmacy olet r land-fill.
<br /> • Install risers on the manhole covers to allow easier
<br /> rain cleaner
<br /> • D not uses uminate toma• Limit or t cc toilet cleaners,disposable brushes.
<br /> access.Insulate the cover and secure tightly.
<br /> • An effluent screen will prevent most solids from • Do not use every-use or automatic shower cleaners.
<br /> • No hazardous waste,paints,solvents,chemicals. Use
<br /> reaching the soil treatment area.Install and clean
<br /> according to manufacturer recommendations.
<br /> • Never use additives. The cleaners are harmful to your •
<br /> disposable paint brushes.
<br /> • Nlo chlorine treated watergor limit use of uch as from hot tubs.
<br /> system.They do not replace good managementrage
<br /> practices. Starters and feeders are not effective.
<br /> #ar
<br /> • Warning;NEVER go into a septictank—there Manage product use:
<br /> there are • Minimize use of anti-bacterial soaps,cleansers.
<br /> • Detergents:measure accurately,use as little as possible.
<br /> dangerous gases and no oxygen!
<br /> • Do not ignore alarms—troubleshoot the problem. • Limit use of bleach-based cleansers.
<br /> Septage—the solids from the tank are usually land-applied.Lime is added n the truck to destro pathogens and help
<br /> control odors. Septic pumpers must follow strict guidelines to protect public safety and water quality. Septage disposal is
<br /> y
<br /> managed by the MN Pollution Control Agency(MPCA)and the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA).
<br /> For more information:Order the Septic System Owner's Guide.Call 800-876-8636 or go to http://shop.extension.umn.edu.
<br /> Onsite Sewage Treatment Program web site: httfic.umn.edu,University of Minnesota Extension http:/www.extension.unutedu.on.umn.edu.
<br /> �20Q8 Regents of the University of Minnesota. Written by Valerie Prax,Regional Extension Educator,6/07d
<br /> 9 an
<br /> made available in alternative formats for people�withdisabilities.ieCall tthe sWater Resources Center,nteerr,612-62 49282,This material can be
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