WHAT REGULATIONS GOVERN SEWER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
IN CALCASIEU PARISH?
SAVE MONEY BY MAINTAINING YOUR HOME SEWER
SYSTEM!
HOW DOES A HOME SEWER SYSTEM WORK?
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HOME SEWER SYSTEM HAS FAILED?
HOW TO PROPERLY CARE FOR YOUR HOME SEWER SYSTEM.
WHY DO HOME SEWER SYSTEMS FAIL?
WHAT TO DO WHEN A SYSTEM FAILS.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PUMP?
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
THE HAZARDS OF FAILING HOME SEWER SYSTEMS
REGULATIONS
On June 5, 2003, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury amended Chapter 22 -
Sewers, of the Code of Ordinances of the Parish of Calcasieu, Louisiana
with Ordinance #4555 stated below to adopt regulations to minimize the
amount of effluent discharge into Parish roadside ditches to ensure that
disposal systems are maintained to operate properly.
Sec. 22-1. Purpose.
The purpose for adopting regulations and implementing a parish-wide sewerage
disposal ordinance is to minimize the amount of effluent discharge into the
parish roadside ditches to ensure that disposal systems are maintained to
operate properly.
(Ord. No. 4555, 6-5-03)
Sec. 22-2. Areas of Applicability.
The provisions of this chapter are applicable within Calcasieu Parish,
Louisiana, outside of the legally incorporated municipalities.
(Ord. No. 4555, 6-5-03)
Sec. 22-3. Definitions.
Absorption trench - A gravel or approved
material filled trench that accepts treated wastewater from an individual
sewerage treatment system by gravity for underground disposal.
Building site - Any lot, lot area,
grounds, premises or property where the sewerage originates.
Community-type sewerage system - A public
or private sewerage system, consisting of a collection system, a means of
final treatment and disposal and other equipment or facilities, which is
approved to serve two or more building sites.
Direct discharge - Any discharge of
effluent from the building site where it originated other than into an
approved collection system.
Drainage outfall - Any drainage facility
within any right of way or easement including, but not limited to, curbs,
gutters, swales, ditches, culverts, and pipes.
Effluent - Treated or untreated
wastewater.
Effluent reduction - A system that
significantly reduces the amount of off-site effluent discharge and is
constructed as described in the Louisiana Sanitary Code.
Individual sewerage system - Any system of
piping and/or collection and/or transportation system which serves one or
more connections and/or pumping facility, and treatment facility, all
located on the property where the sanitary sewage originates; and which
utilizes the individual sewerage system technology in Chapter 7 of Part 13
(Sewage) of the Louisiana Sanitary Code, or a commercial treatment facility
which is specifically authorized for use by the State Health Officer.
Lot - A parcel of land lawfully subdivided
and occupied or capable of being occupied by one (1) building and the
accessory buildings or uses customarily incidental to and which has been
recorded with the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court.
Louisiana sanitary code - Those
regulations contained in Title 51 of the Louisiana Administrative Code, as
codified effective June 20, 2002.
Mechanical system - An individual sewerage
treatment system that employs aerobic bacterial action and is sustained by
mechanical aeration.
New development - Any improvements moved,
placed or constructed on property conveyed after the adoption of this
ordinance.
Soil absorption system - A system of
absorption trenches or a dosing-field that will accept treated wastewater
for final disposal.
(Ord. No. 4555, 6-5-03)
Sec. 22-4. Administration and enforcement.
The provisions of this chapter shall be
administered and enforced by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury.
(Ord. No. 4555, 6-5-03)
Sec. 22-5. Fees.
The police jury shall establish a schedule of
fees and charges for applications, permits, inspections and other matters
relating to the administration and enforcement of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 4555, 6-5-03)
Sec. 22-6. Authority to prescribe standards.
The police jury is hereby authorized to adopt
and prescribe additional procedures, rules, regulations and standards to
carry out the intent of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 4555, 6-5-03)
*Editor's note: Ord. No. 4555, amended
former Ch. 22, §§ 22-1, 22-2, in its entirety to read as herein set out.
Former Ch. 22 pertained to sewers and derived from the Code of 1969 and the
following ordinances: Ord. No. 2128, §§ 1--3, 4-2-81; Ord. No. 2485, § 1,
7-21-83; Ord. No. 3603, 11-3-94.
Cross references: Buildings, Ch. 6;
floodplain management, Ch. 9; water and sewer franchises, § 10-76 et seq.;
garbage, trash and weeds, Ch. 11; health and sanitation, Ch. 12; mobile
homes, Ch. 16; planning, Ch. 19; roads, bridges, watercourses and drainage,
Ch. 21; subdivision regulations, Ch. 23; water, Ch. 25; zoning regulations,
App. A.
Art. I. Sewerage Disposal Regulations--General,
§§ 22-1--22-16
Art. II. Sewerage Disposal
Regulations--Individual Sewerage Systems, §§ 22-17--22-32
Art. III. Sewerage Disposal
Regulations--Community-Type Sewerage Systems, §§ 22-33--22-50
Art. IV. Sewerage Disposal
Regulations--Violations and Penalties, §§ 22-51--22-64
Art. V. Tampering Prohibited, § 22-65
The following information was obtained from “The Home Sewer Awareness Toolbox:
Protecting Your Health and Investment”. The toolbox was produced by:
Imperial Calcasieu Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council
SAVE MONEY BY MAINTAINING YOUR HOME SEWER SYSTEM!
An important reason for
maintaining your home sewer system is to save money. Failing home sewer
systems are expensive to repair or replace and poor maintenance is often the
culprit. Preventative maintenance, on the other hand, is much cheaper. For
example, it typically costs $3,000.00 to $12,000.00 to replace a failing
home sewer system with a new one. To have a system inspected costs
approximately $50.00 to $150.00 and $150.00 to $300.00 to have it pumped.
Maintaining a home sewer
system is like maintaining a car. A small amount of effort on a regular
basis can save a lot of money and significantly prolong the life of the
system.
HOW DOES A HOME SEWER SYSTEM WORK?
The actual treatment of sewage varies slightly
depending on the type of system that is being used. However, all systems
work in the same basic manner. First, household wastewater flows into a
septic tank. In the tank, heavy solids settle to the bottom forming a layer
of sludge, while grease and light solids float to the top forming a scum
layer. Microorganisms living in the tank help to decompose the waste
material. As more wastewater enters the septic tank from the house, the
separated wastewater in the middle layer of the tank is pushed into a drain
field, drain line, or into an oxidation pond. Microorganisms living within
the soil around the drain field, drain line, or in the oxidation pond
breakdown left over waste particles and help remove harmful bacteria and
viruses.
The sludge and scum layers remain in the tank where naturally-occurring “good” bacteria work to
break them down. However, since the bacteria cannot break down all of the solids, they continue to build up in the tank. These solids will eventually
have to be pumped out.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HOME SEWER SYSTEM HAS FAILED?
Stop, look, and smell!
The most obvious home sewer failures leave clues that are easy to spot.
Check for pooling water or muddy soil around the septic tank or drain
field. In addition, you may notice particularly lush, green grass growing
over the drain field area. Also, check for odors. If the wastewater is
surfacing, it will often have a telltale sewage odor. Slow draining sinks
may also indicate a problem. Finally, gurgling sounds or plumbing back-ups
into tubs and basins are good indicators of a failing system.
HOW TO PROPERLY CARE FOR YOUR HOME SEWER SYSTEM:
Home sewer systems
function very well with minimal care. In fact, most systems will require
only an inspection and pumping once every three years if they are maintained
properly. Most modern home sewer systems have a life span of nearly 25
years if they are maintained properly. Most modern home sewer systems have
a life span of nearly 25 years. Here are some helpful hints you should
follow to maintain a well-operating and trouble-free home sewer system.
Do’s
-
Do have the home sewer
system inspected and pumped (if needed) by a professional approximately
every three years. Failure to pump out septic tanks is the most common
cause of home sewer failure. If the septic tank fills with an excess
of solids, the wastewater will not have enough time to settle in the tank.
These excess solids will then pass on to the drain field or line where they
will cause clogs.
Don’ts
-
Do not put grease or non-biodegradable materials
down your sink or toilet. Grease can thicken and clog pipes.
-
Do not put paint thinner, polyurethane, anti-freeze, pesticides,
disinfectants, or other strong chemicals into the system. These products can
cause major upsets in the septic tank by killing the biological part of your
system, resulting in polluted surface or ground water. Small amounts of
standard household chemicals such as bleach will be diluted in the tank and
will not damage the system.
-
Do not flush indigestible materials such as diapers, cigarette butts,
feminine napkins, cat litter, plastic, nylon, or even hair into the home
sewer system. These products do not decompose and may result in costly
repairs.
-
Do not use a garbage disposal that feeds into the system. If you do have
one, limit its use. Adding food wastes or other solids reduces your system’s
capacity and increases the need for pumping.
-
Do not plant trees within 30 feet of the home sewer system, the roots may
damage drain lines.
-
Do not perform all your machine-washing on the same day. The large volume
of water can overwhelm the system.
-
Do not use septic tank additives. They usually don’t work and may harm the
system.
-
Does sewage frequently back up into your home?
-
Is there a wet, smelly spot in your yard?
-
Is the grass particularly lush or green in the area over your drain field?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your home sewer system is failing. It is not
treating sewage from your home in a safe manner. In a properly
functioning home sewer system, the solid material in the sewage settles
out in a septic tank. Bacteria decompose SOME of the solids, but much
of it remains in the tank until it is removed by pumping. The liquid
material, or wastewater effluent, flows out of the tank and into a drain
field, drain line, or oxidation pond (depending on the system). As the
effluent slowly flows through the perforated pipes of the drain field or
line, microorganisms in the soil help break down and treat the sewage
wastewater. Likewise, effluent flowing into an oxidation pond is
treated in the pond in a similar manner.
Home sewer failure is a nuisance and a health hazard that should be corrected promptly.
Failures of the system can result in pollution of drinking water wells,
bayous, lakes and coastal waters. Some of the more common reasons for
home sewer system failure are discussed here.
USING TOO MUCH WATER
Using more water than the soil can absorb in one
of the most common reasons for failure. The sewage is forced to the surface
or backs up into the house. This problem often occurs as a result of a
change of water use habits, such as an increase in the size of the family or
the addition of a water-using appliance.
Runoff from roofs, driveways and roads onto the
drain field area can also put an extra load on the system. If the soil
becomes saturated, it cannot accept any more water. The untreated
wastewater will either surface or back up. Given the normal heavy rains
that occur in Louisiana it is important to pay attention to where the runoff
around your house is going.
PHYSICAL DAMAGE
Driving, paving, or building on top of a home
sewer system can damage the drain lines. Pipes can shift or be crushed and
the soil can be compacted. Damage of this kind may also make it difficult
to locate the septic tank and may prevent access for regular pumping.
Tree roots can also clog the drain field or
damage lines. Plant grass, not trees and shrubs in the area.
IMPROPER DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Improperly designed and
constructed home sewer systems are doomed from the start. These systems
usually fail in the first few months because they are inadequately sized, or
not properly constructed. Installation should always be done by a state
approved contractor.
When constructing a home
sewer system it is essential that all components of the drain field or line
are level. If a line lies at too steep of an angle the wastewater will not
remain in the line long enough to be properly treated by soil microbes.
Excess bacteria and disease causing agents may then be released into surface
waters. The fence heavy equipment used in home construction can compact
soil and crush drain lines. During construction work, fence off the area
around the drain lines and the area directly beyond the drain field. Heavy
vehicles must be kept out. Also, constructing and excavating a system
during periods of high soil moisture (a common occurrence in Louisiana) can
result in excessive soil smearing and compaction.
LACK OF MAINTENANCE
The septic tank should be
pumped approximately every three to five years to remove the sludge and scum
retained in the tank and to prevent clogging of the drain field or line.
More frequent pumping is needed if a garbage disposal is used in the home.
Biological and chemical additives are not necessary and do not eliminate
the need for pumping.
A septic tank is equipped
with “T” fittings or baffles at both the inlet and outlet. The inlet baffle
forces incoming sewage down to the bottom of the tank, and the outlet baffle
prevents the floatable scum from moving out into the drain field or line.
In time, these baffles can deteriorate and drop off into the tank. It is a
good idea to check the condition of the baffles when the tank is being
pumped and replace those in poor condition.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Any repair or new
installation of a home sewer system must be done by a state-approved
contractor.
WATER
CONSERVATION
Reducing water use in
the house reduces the flow of water through the home sewer system.
REPAIR PHYSICAL DAMAGE
Repairing crushed or
broken lines may be necessary to restore proper home sewer system function.
Tree roots may be interfering with the operation of the drain field or line
and must be removed.
Improve Surface and Subsurface Drainage
Divert all surface and
groundwater away from the drain field or line. Pay careful attention to
roof gutters and downspouts. The soil must absorb all the wastewater from
the house; surface and groundwater will only add to the load on the home
sewer system.
WHAT TO DO
WHEN A SYSTEM FAILS
Do not place more soil
over a saturated drain field or line; this does not fix the system and
effluent may soon surface again. Do not just pipe the sewage to a nearby
coulee or bayou as this creates a health hazard. Do not wait for the system
to fail before pumping a septic tank. Once a system fails, it is usually
too late to pump the tank. In some cases corrective measures are not enough
so an expensive new system must be constructed.
A properly designed and maintained home sewer
system can effectively treat wastewater for many years. For more
information on home sewer systems, contact your parish extension agent or
sanitarian @ (337) 480-2550.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PUMP?
Maintenance is the single most important
consideration in making sure a home sewer system will continue to function
properly.
An astonishing number of home sewer system
owners believe that if they haven’t had any problems with their systems,
they don’t need to pump out their septic tanks. Nothing could be further
from the truth. As your home sewer system is used, solid materials settle
to the bottom of the septic tank, forming a sludge layer. Grease and
lightweight materials float to the surface of the septic tank and form a
scum layer. A properly designed home sewer system has enough space for
approximately three years of safe sludge accumulation. When the sludge
level increases beyond this point, sewage has less time to settle properly
before leaving the tank. As the sludge level increases, more solid wastes
escape into the drain field or drain line. If the lines become so clogged
that they cannot absorb liquid at the rate at which it enters the septic
tank, the plumbing will back up or unsanitary wastewater will bubble to the
surface. It is important to note that the drain field will not fail
immediately when a full tank is not pumped. However, continued neglect will
result in a costly system failure.
Remember: Regular pumping helps
to prevent solids from escaping into the drain field and clogging the soil.
A few hundred dollars spent now could save you thousands later!
|
Household Size (Number of People) |
|
Tank size (gallons) |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
|
500 |
5.8 |
2.6 |
1.5 |
1.0 |
0.7 |
0.4 |
0.3 |
0.2 |
0.1 |
N/A |
|
750 |
9.1 |
4.2 |
2.6 |
1.8 |
1.3 |
1.0 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
0.4 |
0.3 |
|
1000 |
12.4 |
5.9 |
3.7 |
2.6 |
2.0 |
1.5 |
1.2 |
1.0 |
0.8 |
0.7 |
|
1250 |
15.6 |
7.5 |
4.8 |
3.4 |
2.6 |
2.0 |
1.7 |
1.4 |
1.2 |
1.0 |
|
1500 |
18.9 |
9.1 |
5.9 |
4.2 |
3.3 |
2.6 |
2.1 |
1.8 |
1.5 |
1.3 |
|
1750 |
22.1 |
10.7 |
6.9 |
5.0 |
3.9 |
3.1 |
2.6 |
2.2 |
1.9 |
1.6 |
|
2000 |
25.4 |
12.4 |
8.0 |
5.9 |
4.5 |
3.7 |
3.1 |
2.6 |
2.2 |
2.0 |
|
2250 |
28.6 |
14.0 |
9.1 |
6.7 |
5.2 |
4.2 |
3.5 |
3.0 |
2.6 |
2.3 |
|
2500 |
31.9 |
15.6 |
10.2 |
7.5 |
5.9 |
4.8 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
3.0 |
2.6 |
Note: This chart is only a guide. A home sewer system may need
to be pumped more or less often depending on how the system is used. A professional pumper
should always be consulted.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
Sewage Treatment
Regulations
- Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Department of Planning & Development (337) 721-3600
- Your parish health unit (LA
Department of Health and Hospitals) (337) 480-2550, 2>nd floor of
Health Unit on the corner of Kirkman
& Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles, LA
Determining Your Soil’s Suitability for a
Particular Type of System
- Your parish health unit (LA
Department of Health and Hospitals)
- Your District office of the
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) (U S Department of
Agriculture)
- Your parish extension agent (LA
Cooperative Extension Service)
How Sewage Treatment Systems Work
- Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Department of Planning & Development (337) 721-3600
- Your parish health unit (LA
Department of Health and Hospitals)
- Your parish extension agent (LA
Cooperative Extension Service)
Problems with Sewage Treatment Systems
- Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Department of Planning & Development (337) 721-3600
- Your Parish health unit (LA
Department of Health and Hospitals)
- Your parish extension agent (LA
Cooperative Extension Service)
Preventing Non-point Source Pollution
- Louisiana Department of
Environmental Quality (Water Management Division, non-point source pollution
prevention program)
- Department of Natural Resources,
Coastal Management Division
For a comprehensive catalog of septic
materials that includes videos, newsletters, computer software, brochures,
etc., call:
National Small Flows Clearinghouse
1-800-624-8301
THE HAZARDS OF FAILING HOME
SEWER SYSTEMS
Effects on Human Health:
The epidemic that killed millions of people
in the Middle Ages was caused by the mixing of human wastes with drinking
water supplies.
The primary reason for safe disposal of sewage
is to prevent the spread of infection and disease. If a home sewer system
is working properly, it will effectively remove disease-causing bacteria.
However, if the system is malfunctioning, there is a high risk of ground and
surface water contamination.
With approximately one-third of the U.S.
population on home sewer systems, over one trillion gallons of waste are
disposed of below ground every year. Inadequately treated sewage is the
most frequently reported cause of groundwater contamination. Contamination
poses a significant threat to drinking water and human health, because
diseases and infections may be transferred to people and animals.
Dysentery, hepatitis, typhoid fever, and gastrointestinal illness are some
of the more serious examples.
Nutrients from failing
home sewer systems can also cause health problems. For instance, excess
nitrates in drinking water pose a significant threat to the health of
infants. When ingested, nitrates can interfere with the blood’s ability to
carry oxygen, causing “blue baby” syndrome.
Impacts to Coastal Waters:
The contamination of
coastal waters by faulty home sewer systems can have disastrous effects on
environmental, commercial and recreational resources.
- Failing home sewer
systems may leak excessive amounts of nutrients and bacteria into coastal
waters. This pollution can harm aquatic plants and animals.
- When nutrients, such as
nitrogen and phosphorous enter watersheds, they can cause excessive plant
and algal growth. Algae may become so abundant that they block sunlight in
the water. This can shade and kill beneficial plants. In addition, the
algae will begin to decay. When this occurs, they deplete oxygen in the
waters causing fish kills. Excessive plant growth caused by increased
nutrient levels also makes boating, fishing, and swimming less enjoyable.
- Improperly treated
sewage may also contaminate surface waters, increasing the chance that
swimmers will contract a variety of infectious diseases.
- Here in Louisiana, our coastal waters provide a
tremendous economic benefit to the state and to those fishermen that depend
on our productive waters for their livelihood. Bacteria released into
coastal waters can contaminate important crab, shrimp, and oyster
fisheries. Consider the oyster. These shellfish feed by filtering water
through their bodies. If bacteria are introduced into the water near an
oyster bed, the oysters will accumulate these bacteria in their system.
Although this does not harm the oyster itself, it will certainly cause
illness in the human eating the oyster. In addition, contamination of a
particular fishery also may lead to the closure of a fishing ground,
resulting in economic hardship for those who depend on the fishery.
How to Prevent These Problems:
- Regularly pump and maintain your system.
- Conserve water in your home by installing
water-saving devices.
- Redirect surface water flow away from the
drain field or line.
- Replace your home sewer system if necessary.
- Construct new home sewer systems as far away
from the shoreline as possible
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