Agenda - 03-16-2010 - 8a - Laserfiche WebLink

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System Rating 2 2 The following criteria were used to rate system performance: • Compliant means the system meets all operation and maintenance guidelines and there are no adverse issues with the system. • Non-compliant means there may be some adverse impacts on the system, but not to the extent of causing system failure. Examples include building a deck or outbuilding over the septic system, removing an access riser, encroaching on the system with a water line or structure. Needs maintenance includes observations such as the tank needs pumping or the drainfield area needs clearing or mowing, but the system is not malfunctioning. Malfunctioning means at least one of the following conditions have been observed: • Sewage discharging to the top of the ground or to surface waters • Sewage backing up into the airspace within the septic tank or into the house plumbing from the tank • Sewage effluent ponded in the trenches to within three inches of the ground surface The systems that were malfunctioning were further classified as one of the following: • Maintenance related failure -System failure can be caused by a variety of reasons. Some causes are as simple as a clogged septic tank filter, tree roots growing in the drainlines, leaking plumbing fixtures, or a crushed pipe. These may be relatively easy fixes that don't require complete system replacement. • End of life failure -this occurs when the soil in the drainfield can no longer absorb any more effluent and sewage begins to back up into the tank or run out into the yard. This type of failure usually requires system replacement. Septic System Results Septic System Failure Rate Of the 45 septic systems that were evaluated, the following is a breakdown of the system performance status: Se tic S stem Status Number Percenta e Com liant 21 47% Non-com liant 10 22% Needs Maintenance 2 4% Malfunctionin 12 27% Of the 12 malfunctioning septic systems, seven were further classified as maintenance related failures while five were found to be end-of--life failures. Further investigation has revealed that for the five end-of--life failures, there is no suitable soil for an on-site repair. Follow-up Plans Orange County Health Department staff will prepare reports to the homeowners summarizing the outcome of their septic system evaluations. Staff will make themselves available to the owners to discuss strategies for repairs and identify improvements that can be made for septic system performance. Finding resources to implement repairs may be a significant obstacle for some owners. Staff will continue to serve as a liaison and information clearing house for these property owners, Page 10 of 11