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13-76 ■ SECTION 13: Forms and Reference
<br />UNIVERSITY
<br />OF MINNESOTA Septic System Best
<br />Management Practices
<br />Septic systems protect boors¢ health and the environmant by safely recycling wastewater and returning it to the natural
<br />environment. It is yomjob as the homeowner to be sure this happens
<br />effectively and safely. As with your car, regular
<br />maintenance and ettentio¢ is needed to keep it operating afficientiy in a nos[ effective nuumer.
<br />Septic Thnk
<br />Fnncdons:
<br />30ll 1Yeatment Area: 'h�ench or Moue
<br />• Separates into three layers: scum (stuffthat floats),
<br />sludge (sNffthat sinks), and the liquid.
<br />�cflo� .
<br />ganisma destroy pathogens (bacteria, vvusea).
<br />• The solids and scum are held until removed b the
<br />maintainer. Anaerobic bacteria break down
<br />• Ramous phospharos, reduce nitrogen content.
<br />Recycle clean water into the soil end ground water.
<br />work to
<br />wastes, Prepare the liquid for the dreitment
<br />• The liquid is delivered
<br />R'a� ap l nutrients enter the ground water, evaporate
<br />through plants, and ere used by
<br />to the soil treatment area to
<br />complete the treatment process.
<br />planta.
<br />Best mar+agement practices:
<br />• If solids are not removed, they can end up in the soil
<br />treatment
<br />• Maintain vegetative cover (turf grass, native grasses,
<br />flowers). Mow, but do fertilize,
<br />area, rea causing (often irreparable)unpin damage.
<br />• Factors that increase frequencynt Pumping: user
<br />not bum or over -water.
<br />• Keep all vehicles, bikes, snowmobiles, are, off.
<br />garbage disposal, water treatment unit that discharges
<br />into the septic system, in-home daycare
<br />• Do not plant trees or shrubs near dr unfield.
<br />• Impact for cracked, miss' inspection pipe covers.
<br />or other reason
<br />a large number n people are present most of the time,
<br />laundry on the tad floor, excessive
<br />• Follow practices to prevent freezing, including
<br />mulching the entire system if needed.
<br />use of water and
<br />strong cleaning products.
<br />Household Best Management Practices
<br />Item management pracdc"..
<br />lMogge water we.,
<br />• Tanks need to be evaluated every two to three years
<br />and Pumped if necessary. Some
<br />• Repair all leaking faucets, toilets, fixtures.
<br />Change
<br />counties require
<br />pumping an a specified basis New homes—pwnp
<br />• to low flow toilets, shower heads,
<br />• Replace appliances with low water use
<br />within 3-12 months of occupancy the fust time.
<br />• ev allow a tank to be cleaned through the inspection
<br />models.
<br />• Spread water uses evenly throughout the day and week..
<br />• Re-route clean
<br />NO- This is not allowed by code, and it does not allow
<br />a good cleaning to occur. Scum
<br />water sources: water softener, treatment
<br />unit recharge water, high efficiency furnace drip sump
<br />can plug the baffle,
<br />battles can be knocked off. Tanks should only be
<br />pumps to separate drainage area.
<br />a ow 'n.
<br />cleaned through the manhole or maintenance hole.
<br />• Be sure baffles,
<br />- rhe
<br />• The toilet is not a garbage can—nothing should be
<br />effluent screen, Pumps and other
<br />Components are inspected when the tank is pumped.
<br />Install
<br />flushed except human waste and toilet paper.
<br />• Excess medication– rntum to pharmacy land
<br />• risers on the manhole covers to allow easier
<br />or -fill.
<br />• Limit or eliminate drain cleaner use.
<br />access. Insulate the cover and secure tightly,
<br />• An effluent screen will prevent most solids from
<br />• Do not use automatic toilet cleaners, disposable brushes.
<br />• Do not use
<br />reaching the soil treatment area. Install and clean
<br />every -use or automatic shower cleaners.
<br />• No hazardous waste, paints, solvents, chemicals. Use
<br />according to manufacturer recommendations.
<br />disposable paint brushes.
<br />• Never use additives. The cleaners are harmful to your
<br />system They do not replace good management
<br />• Eliminate or limit use of garbage disposal.
<br />• No chlorine
<br />practices. Starters and feeders are not effective.
<br />treated water such as from hot tubs.
<br />Alalias ora, t use
<br />• Warning; NEVER go into a septic tank—there are
<br />dangerous
<br />• Minimize use of anti -bacterial soaps, cleansers.
<br />guses and no oxygeal
<br />• Do not ignore alarms—troubleshoot the problem
<br />• Detergents: measure accurately, use as little as possible.
<br />• Limit use Of bleach -based cleansers.
<br />Septage—the solids from the tank are usually land -applied. Limn is added in the track
<br />to destroy pathogens and help
<br />control odors. Septic pumpers must follow strict guidelines to Protect public safety and water quality. Septage disposal is
<br />managed by the MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Environmental Protection
<br />Agency (EPA).
<br />POnsosmwv tnjormarlon; Omer the Septic System Owner's (.Idle Cell 800.876.8636 or go to httpl/Shop.=temiom. .eda
<br />itea Sewage Tmetment Pmgmm web site: 11MA tic .d University
<br />of Minnesota Extemiwhem/ /www
<br />6200BRegmmo£th•Univ<rsftyafMimewta Allrighm aemed, Tho port,
<br />Writtenb Valerie
<br />t Y Prax, Regional Bxtemion Educator, 6/07/
<br />made available in dtemedve 6aaua tm O�000'Odu®pryd°ppolW°ity eq,�rsttR and Deploy-. Thlemeb.I.ba
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