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Volunteers
Needed for Inland Bays Septic Inspection and Compliance Program
After
considering recommendations made by the Inland Bays’ Tributary
Action Team in 2001-2008, DNREC began the On-Site
Wastewater System Compliance Program in August of 2002 in the
Inland Bays Watershed.
The Wastewater Program teaches home owners about
the importance of proper maintenance of their septic systems and
reducing nutrient loading. While program
will eventually include the entire State, implementation began
in the Inland Bays Watershed. DNREC pays for half the cost
of a pump-out by a septic waste handler and an inspection of
the
septic system by a certified DNREC Inspector. Federal grants
from Section 319 of the Clean
Water Act are used to pay personnel;
funds
from the Coastal
Nonpoint Source 6217 Program are used to subsidize
the pump-out.
There
are approximately 21,000 on-site wastewater septic systems in
the Inland Bays Watershed.
The state requires septic systems
to be inspected and pumped out every three years, that’s
7000 systems per year. In 2002 only 5,126 septic systems
were pumped out, and those pump-outs did not usually include
an inspection.
Since August 1, 2002, only 119 systems have been inspected
as part of this state-sponsored inspection and compliance program.
49 were
completed from April-September 2003. 84 of these
systems were above the state regulated solids limit of 30%. 79
were satisfactory condition and sixteen were categorized
as “satisfactory with repair”. Only 24 systems,
20% of those inspected, were rated as “unsatisfactory” and
failed the inspection.
Each
owner participated in the assessment process. Following
the inspection participants
received
the “Simply Septics” brochure, a septic permit or
plot plan, an assessment of their system, a copy of the inspection
report,
receipt for the pump out, information pertaining to the Inland
Bays Watershed. Through this program, septic system owners
are gaining a better understanding of their system and the maintenance
required to
maintain a safe
environment
and
the longevity of their system.
Faulty
and mismanaged septic systems contribute large amounts of nutrients
to the Inland Bays. After research by the DNREC Watershed
Assessment Section, it was estimated that each septic system
pumped out could result in a reduction of 2.75 lbs of Nitrogen
and 1.11
lbs of Phosphorus loading into the waterways. So far, this
program may have reduced nutrient loading in the Inland Bays by
327.25
lbs of Nitrogen and 132.09 lbs of Phosphorus.
If you
live in the Inland Bays Watershed, own a septic system that has
not been pumped out in the last 2 years, and would like
to participate in this program, please contact Brian Dotterer of
the Ground
Water Discharges Section at the Georgetown DNREC office
at (302) 856-4561.
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