Transcript On-Site Wastewater Program Evaluation Implementation Plan

Butte County
On-Site Wastewater
COWA Conference
May 15, 2008
Tom Loushine, REHS
Charlotte Walters, REHS
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Presentation Outline
Part One: Background
Part Two: On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
Part Three: Staff Concerns
Part Four: Questions
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Background
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part One
Background
October 2004
Public Health and Public Works Departments recommendation for
outside consultant to develop policy recommendations for onsite
wastewater treatment systems
January 2005
Request for Proposal (RFP) by the Public Health Department
June 2005
Public Health Department contract with Questa Engineering
Corporation
August 2005 - February 2006
Outreach by Questa in a series of workshops and sessions with the
Land Use User’s Group
June 2006
Board’s acceptance of Questa On-Site Wastewater Program
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part One
Background
August 2006
Implementation Plan approved by the Board
1. Form advisory group (Wastewater Working Group)
2. Development an on-site wastewater ordinance to provide the
program’s administrative framework
3. Develop on-site wastewater manual to provide technical
specifications and guidance
3. Development of an operation and maintenance program for
wastewater systems
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
Introduction
COWA Conference
Wastewater Working Group
Category
Name
Realtor
Tony Kilcollins
Association of Realtors
Building Industry
Bill Dinsmore
Rolls, Anderson & Rolls
Regional Water Quality Control Board
Environmental Consultant
Academia
Septic Tank Pumper/Manufacturer
On-Site Wastewater Consultant/Engineer
On-Site Wastewater Vendor/Proprietor
Citizen-at-Large
Ron Dykstra
CVRWQCB
Ken Shuey
Kennedy Jenks Engineering
Stu Oakley
CSU Chico
Buddy Nottingham
Hydrotech Solutions
Nick Weigel
Northstar Engineering
Phil Decann
Ovoville Products
D. C. Jones
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Introduction
Other Regular Participants
Justin Seufert, PE, Consultant
Jan Hill, REHS, Consultant, Regulator (Sutter County)
Mike Elliot, REHS, Consultant
Scott Perkins, Consultant
Rick McCauley, Industry
Mark Henderson, Industry
Doug Fogel, REHS, Land Use Program Manager
Charlotte Walters, REHS, Senior Environmental Health Specialist
Tom Loushine, RHES, Senior Environmental Health Specialist
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part One
Background
June 2007
WWWG 7 policy recommendations to Board as basis for an on-site
wastewater ordinance and manual
1. Minimum soil requirements (vertical separation)
2. Standards for Repair
Repairs to meet the requirements of the new ordinance to the
maximum extent allowed by the site
3. Minimum Land Area for Creation of New Parcels
Allow zoning requirements, not wastewater requirements, to
determine lot sizing and density
4. Site Evaluation Process
Butte County Hybrid: Standard gravity without consultant,
pressure distribution and supplemental treatment collaboratively
with consultant
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
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Part One
Background
5. Authorization to Design Pressure Distribution and Supplemental
Treatment Systems
Limit to PEs, PGs, certified soil scientists, and REHS
6. Variances and Appeals
EH Director may grant variances to Manual, EH Director’s
determination can be appealed to 3 members selected from
Wastewater Advisory Committee
7. Operation and Maintenance Program
Inspections by certified O&M Specialists and septic pumpers,
with Operating Permits required for all new and repaired systems
and at point-of-sale
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part One
Background
October 2007
WWWG completion of draft On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
March 2008
WWWG completion of On-Site Wastewater Manual
5 key policy issues identified and brought to Waste Subcommittee
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Operating permits for all gravity systems?
Supplemental treatment for repair systems with shallow soil?
Comprehensive local certification program?
Use of non-discharging toilets?
Elimination of Appendix 7 density requirements?
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
Part Two
COWA Conference
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-2. Purpose
•
•
•
•
Public health and the environment
Administrative framework for science-based standards
Enforcement of regulatory program
Compliance with RWQCB standards
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
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Part Two
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-4. Applicability
Systems approved after effective date of ordinance
• Single family residences
• 1+ multi-family on single parcel (<2,500 gpd)
• 1+ non-residential on single parcel (<2,500 gpd)
Repairs
• Compliance to extent allowed by site constraints, except
supplemental treatment not required unless failure to upgrade
would:
1. Result in hydraulic failure of the system
2. Result in sewage discharge to watertable
3. Result in pubic health or water quality hazard
Existing systems approved under permit
• All provisions of ordinance except siting and construction
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
Part Two
COWA Conference
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-6. Site Evaluation
• No consultant for standard gravity site
• Collaboration with consultant for other sites
• Specifics, including percolation tests and groundwater
monitoring found in Manual
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
Part Two
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On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements
Vertical separation
Effective
Soil
Vertical
Separation
Limiting Layer: Hardpan, Fractured Rock,
Seasonal Watertable
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part Two
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements
Systems only allowed in Soil Groups A-E, perc rate 1-240 mpi
Soil
Group
A
B
C
D
E
USDA Soil Texture Classification
Gravel, coarse sand, fractured rock
Medium to coarse sand
Fine sand, loamy sand
Sandy loam, loam, sandy clay loam
Silt loam
Clay loam, silty clay loam, sandy clay
Clay, highly compacted soil
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
Part Two
COWA Conference
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements
Vertical separation
• Creation of new parcels: 3 ft standard gravity, 2 ft supplemental
treatment
• Existing parcels: 3 ft standard gravity, 18 inches supplemental
treatment
• Existing parcels: Further reduction with use of either engineered
fill or disinfection
• Existing parcels: Large lot exemption
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part Two
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements
Permitting
• Construction Permit (based on site evaluation)
• LEA Notification
• Operating Permit and OM&M (specifics outlined in Manual)
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
Part Two
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On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements
Operating Permits
WWWG Recommendation
All new, repair, and point-of-sale (including standard gravity)
WWWG Alternative
None
EH Staff Alternative
All pressure distribution and supplemental treatment
Areas of Environmental Concern for standard gravity with
emphasis on homeowner education
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
Part Two
COWA Conference
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements
Operation and Maintenance
• Operating permits
• Locally certified OM&M Specialists
• Permit renewal and inspection frequency based on system
type
O&M
Specialist
Certification of Specialists
OM&M
Specialist
Selection
Butte County
Environmental
Health
Data
Entry
Analysis
O&M
Database
Renewable
Operating
Permits
OM&M
Report
System Owner
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
Part Two
COWA Conference
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements
Prohibitions
Non-discharging toilets (holding tanks, composting toilets,
vault privies) only for:
a. Non-residential
b. Non-commercial
c. Examples: limited ag buildings, primitive-type picnic
grounds, campsites, recreational areas
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part Two
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-8. Connection to Public Sewer
Required if within 250 ft of dwelling and:
•
•
•
•
Application for new development or repair; and
Sewer has adequate capacity; and
Connection is permitted by the utility; and
Sewer main is adjacent to property line.
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part Two
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-5. On-Site Wastewater Manual
Part One:
Process
Part Two:
Materials
Part Three:
System
Requirements
Part Four:
OM&M
Program
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
On-Site Wastewater Manual
Part 1 Process
•Site Evaluation
•Construction Permit
•Operating Permit
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
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On-Site Wastewater Manual
Part 2 Materials
•Septic tanks
•Risers
•Fittings
•Distribution Boxes
•Diversions Valves
•Dosing and Pump Tanks
•Pumps, Controls, and Alarms
•Piping
•Drain rock
•Barrier Material
•Sand Filters
•Mounds
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
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On-Site Wastewater Manual
Part 3 System Requirements
•Standard Gravity Systems
•Supplemental Treatment
•Engineered Fill
•Pressurized Systems
•Mounds
Miscellaneous
•Curtain Drains
•Easements
•Setbacks
•Subsurface Drip
•Slopes
•Non-Residential Systems
•Seepage Pits
•Non-discharging Systems
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
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On-Site Wastewater Manual
Part 4 OM&M
•Administration
•Roles and Responsibilities
•Data Management
•Operating Permit
•Inspections
•Maintenance
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
Part Two
COWA Conference
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-10. Creation of New Parcels
Site Requirements:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
36 inches vertical separation for gravity
24 inches vertical separation for supplemental treatment
Slope 30% or less
Receiving soil in Groups A-E
Percolation, if measured, 1-120 mpi
Minimum Useable Wastewater Area
Minimum Parcel Size
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part Two
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-10. Creation of New Parcels and Parcels within Watershed
Protection Overlay Zone
Minimum Useable Wastewater Area
Table One. MUWA Requirements per Residence or Residential Equivalent
Soil
Group
USDA Soil Texture Classification
Rate of
Percolation
(Minutes/Inch)
MUWA
(Total Square Feet for
Primary and Repair Areas)
Gravity
Pressure
Distribution
Distribution
Not Suitable for Parcel
Gravel, coarse sand, fractured rock
<1
Creation
1,2
A
Medium to coarse sand
1-5
Not Allowed
6,000
B
Fine sand, loamy sand
>5-15
9,000
6,000
C
Sandy loam, loam, sandy clay loam
>15-30
12,000
8,000
D
Silt loam
>30-60
15,000
10,000
1,3
E
Clay loam, silty clay loam, sandy clay
>60-120
Not Allowed
15,000
Not Suitable for Parcel
Clay, highly compacted soil
>120
Creation
1
Subject to percolation test in addition to using soil texture determination.
2
Must demonstrate adequate filtration capacity
3
Clay shall be non-expandable
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part Two
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-10.
Creation of New Parcels and Parcels within Watershed
Protection Overlay Zone
Minimum Parcel Size
WWWG Recommendation
• Eliminate Appendix 7 and do not use On-Site Wastewater
• Do not use wastewater ordinance to set county density or
parcel size requirements - Density is purview of the
General Plan and Zoning Ordinance
WWWG Alternative
Incorporate minimum parcel size table recommended by
CVRWQCB
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
Part Two
COWA Conference
TableWastewater
I
On-Site
Ordinance
Minimum Usable Areas (Square Feet or Acres)
Soil Depths Above A, Groundwater, or B, Impervious Stratum
(Based Upon 350 Gallons of Waste Water per Day per Area Requirement)
Appendix 7 Requirements
Perc
Value
* 0-10
11-20
21-40
41-60
61-80
81-100
101-120
A-B
7' or
Greater
6000
8000
10000
12000
27000
37000
57000
Over
10%
to
20%
* 0-10
21-40
21-40
41-60
61-80
81-100
101-120
9,000
11,000
13,000
15,000
35,000
45,000
65,000
26,000
28,000
30,000
32,000
42,000
52,000
72,000
Over
20%
to
30%
* 0-10
21-40
21-40
41-60
61-80
81-100
101-120
16,000
18,000
20,000
22,000
42,000
52,000
72,000
36,000
38,000
40,000
42,000
52,000
62,000
82,000
Slope
0
to
0.1
A-B
7' to 6'
16000
18000
20000
22000
32000
42000
62000
A-B
6' to 5'
21000
23000
25000
27000
37000
47000
67000
B
5”to 4'
31,000
33,000
35,000
37,000
47,000
57,000
77,000
B
4'to 3'
76,340
78,340
80,340
82,340
2.0 acres
2.25 acres
2.75 acres
B
3’ to 2’
5 acres
5 acres
5 acres
5 acres
5 acres
5 acres
5 acres
34,000
36,000
38,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
80,000
49,000
51,000
53,000
55,000
65,000
75,000
2.25 acres
2.5 acres
2.5 acres
2.5 acres
2.5 acres
2.75 acres
3.0 acres
3.5 acres
5 acres
5 acres
5 acres
5 acres
5 acres
5 acres
5 acres
46,000
48,000
50,000
52,000
62,000
72,000
2.0acres
69,560
71,560
73,560
75,560
2.0 acres
2.25 acres
2.75 acres
3.5 acres
3.5 acres
3.75 acres
3.75 acres
4.0 acres
4.25 acres
4.75 acres
No
Development
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part Two
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
Effective Soil
Depth
More than 5 ft
4 ft – 5 ft
3 ft - < 4 ft
Less than 3 ft
Minimum Parcel Size per Residence or
Residential Equivalent (360 gpd)
Public Water
Individual Well
System
0.5 acres
1.0 acres
1.0 acres
2.0 acres
5.0 acres
Not allowed unless consultant can show that 2 ft vertical
separation can be maintained with supplemental treatment
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
Part Two
COWA Conference
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-13. Local Certification Program
• Requirements
Category
Pumper
Installer
Designer
OM&M Specialist
Certification Program Requirements
Continuing
Examination
Education
LEA Forms
(Annual)
 Pumper Report
None
None
 OM&M for Gravity System
 Standard Gravity Design Form
Yes
4 Hours
 OM&M for Gravity System
 Pressure/Supplemental Treatment
Yes
8 Hours
Design Form
Yes
8 Hours
 OM&M
• Experience in lieu of PE, PG, Certified Soil Scientist, or
REHS for designers
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part Two
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
19-15. Appeal Provisions of On-Site Wastewater Manual
EH Director
May interpret or approve alternate provisions, if:
• Consistent with purpose of Ordinance and Manual
• Provides equivalent protection of public health and environment
Technical Appeals Board
• May hear appeal of EH Director’s determinations
• Composed of Wastewater Advisory Committee Chair, a PE, and
a non-PE, all selected by the Board
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part Two
On-Site Wastewater Ordinance
Next Step
Direct Public Health to initiate Environmental
Assessment for Wastewater Ordinance and Manual
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
COWA Conference
Part Three
Staff Concerns
Public reaction to the new ordinance
Staff relationship with the public
Extent of engineered systems that will be necessary
Not enough consultants to meet demand
Staff unable to keep up with new requirements
Unknown what staff role will actually be
Learning curve for soil evaluation, engineering review and
Responsibility for tracking OM&M of new systems
Application surge prior to ordinance implementation
Butte Couny On-Site
Wastewater Program
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Website Link for Draft Ordinance and Manual
www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/environmental
(Follow prompts to Waste Water Working Group)