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1 3-](■ SECTION 13: Forms and Reference UNIVERSITY Septic System OF MINNESOTA P y tem Best Management Practices Septic systems protect human health and the environment by safely recycling wastewater and returning it to the natural environment. It is your job as the homeowner to be sum this happens effectively and safely. As with your car, regular maintenance and attention is needed to keep it operating efficiently in a cost effective manner. Septic Tank Soil Treatment Area: Trench or M° Functions: • Separates into three layers: scum (staff that floats), sludge (stuff that sinks), and the liquid. Functions: • Soil organisms destroy pathogens (bacteria, viruses). • The solids and scum are held until removed by the • Remove phosphorus, reduce nitrogen content. • Recycle clean water into the soil and ground water. maintainer. Anaerobic bacteria work to break down Water and nutrients enter the ground water, evaporate wastes, prepare the liquid for the drainfield. through plants, and are used by plants. • The liquid is delivered to the soil treatment area to Best management practices: complete the treatment process. • If solids are not removed, they can end up in the soil • Maintain vegetative cover (turf grass, native grasses, flowers). Mow, but do not fertilize, bum treatment area, causing (often irreparable) damage. or over -water. • Keep all vehicles, bikes, snowmobiles, etc. off. • Factors that increase frequency of pumping: use of garbage disposal, water treatment unit that discharges • Do not plant trees or shrubs near drainfield. • Inspect for cracked, inspection into the septic system, in-home daycare or other reason 1 missing pipe covers. • Follow practices to prevent freezing, including a arse number of people are present most of the time, mulching the entire system if needed. laundry on the 2nd floor, excessive use of water and strong cleaning products. Household Best Management Practices Best management practices: Manaee_ water use; • Tanks used to be evaluated every two to three years • Repair all leaking faucets, toilets, fixtures. and pumped if necessary. Some counties require • Change to low flow toilets, shower heads. pumping on a specified basis. New homes --pump • Replace appliances with low water use models. within 3-12 months of occupancy the that time. • Spread water uses evenly throughout the day and week.. • Never allow a tank to be cleaned through the inspection • Re-route clean water sources: water softener, treatment Pipe. This is not allowed by code, and it does not allow unit recharge water, high efficiency furnace drip, sump a good cleaning to occur. Scum can plug the baffle, Pumps to separate drainage area. baffles can be knocked off. Tanks should only be Bch what aces Li"n the drain.: cleaned through the manhole or maintenance hole. • The toilet is not a garbage can—nothing should be • Be sure baffles, eluent screen, pumps and other flushed except human waste and toilet paper. components are inspected when the tank is pumped. • Excess medications—return to pharmacy or land -fill. • Install risers on the manhole covers to allow easier • Limit or eliminate drain cleaner use. access. Insulate the cover and secure tightly. • Do not use automatic toilet cleaners, disposable brushes. • An effluent screen will prevent most solids from • Do not use every -use of automatic shower cleaners. reaching the soil treatment area Install and clean • No hazardous waste, paints, solvents, chemicals. Use according to manufacturer recommendations, disposable paint brushes. • Never use additives. The cleaners are harmful to your • Eliminate or limit use of garbage disposal. system. They do not replace good management • No chlorine treated water such as from hot tabs. practices. Starters and feeders are not effective. Manage product use • Warning: NEVER go into a septic tank—there are • Minimize use of anti -bacterial soaps, cleansers. dangerous gases and no oxygen) • Detergents: measure accurately, use as little as possible. • Do not ignore aterma—troubleshoot the problem. • Limit use of blcach-based cleansers. Septage—the solids from the tank are usually land -applied. Lime is added in the truck to destroy pathogens and help control odors. Septic pumpers most follow strict guidelines to protect public safety and water quality. Septage disposal is managed by the MN Pollution Control Agency (MPGA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), For more information: Order the Septic System Owmer's Guide. Call 800-876-8636 or go to http://shop.mtmion.=.edu. Gusite Sewage Treatment Program web site: http I eR1i2-UEaa-edu. University of Minnesota Extension bM //www ten ' ed u. Written by Valerie Prax, Regional Extension Educator 6/07 04008 Regeun of the University ofMiuveson. All rights Reserved. The Udvmsiry ofMmueeuta is an egad oPpor4mity-ducat« and employer. This unledd can be