On-Lot Septic Program

Township On-Lot Septic System Inspector Elena Matty 494-1828

In 1990 the Department of Environmental Resources (now D.E.P.) required the Township to implement a Sewage treatment maintenance program . The reasoning for this action was due to the substantial number of malfunction septic systems in the Township. These malfunctioning systems not only pose a Health hazard, but are a leading cause of our ground water contamination.

In 1992 the Township Supervisors approved an Ordinance requiring the Township to inspect all systems every 5 years. This inspection identifies any malfunctioning system resulting in sewage waste contaminating the ground, storm water and creeks. After this inspection, your septic tank is required to be pumped out by a certified/licensed pumper/hauler. The purpose of this required pumping is:

1. To remove the waste - Systems which are not maintained have a higher concentration of waste in the tank reservoir. If the waste is not removed, it would be forced to go into the leach field, possibly causing premature malfunctioning and costly repairs.

2. To remove oils, greases and solids in the system - Major cause of plugged leach field lines.

3. To take a close look at your septic tank (if possible). Concrete tanks with baffles can deteriorate causing greases to enter your leach field lines.

NOTE: No matter how careful you are with your system, each time you wash dishes, wash the clothes or take a shower, greases and oils go into the system. Septic tanks are designed to be cleaned out periodically and Hepburn Township requires that this be done every five years.