#611 ON-SITE TESTING AND EVALUATION

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1 OBJECTIVES: After completing this chapter, you will be able to... Discuss the on-site testing requirements for planning and permitting. List the planning modules required for specifi c applications and describe their on-site testing requirements. Identify the on-site tests that an SEO must complete or observe. Describe the SEO s role in on-site testing for planning and permitting. Revised MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

2 Course Overview COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course provides an overview of the on-site testing and evaluation that must be completed on a property proposing onlot sewage disposal. After completing this self-study, you will be able to... Explain the difference between the on-site testing for planning and permit issuance. Describe the SEO s responsibility for on-site testing. Obtain soil mapping and other resources to assist an on-site evaluation. Explain the effects that surface features and isolation distances have on the suitability of a site. Recognize the impact of slope on absorption area design. Properly locate soil test probes during an on-site evaluation. Use a soil profi le description to characterize a proposed absorption area. Review percolation test procedures. Explain how the absorption area size and dimensions depend upon conditions found during the soil testing analysis. Apply soil testing and morphological assessment results to size an absorption area. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

3 On-Site Testing for Planning and Permitting On-site testing is required for both planning and permitting activities. General site suitability is addressed at the planning level. Specifi c site suitability is necessary for the local agency SEO to permit an onlot system. Before scheduling any fi eld work, the SEO must recognize whether the on-site testing will be conducted for planning approval or for actual permitting of an onlot system. This chapter will review how the on-site testing requirements for planning and permitting differ and what the SEO s role is during on-site testing. Sewage facilities planning is the process of considering adequate sewage treatment in the conceptual stages of land development. Permitting is the process in which a property owner applies to the local agency for a permit to construct an onlot sewage system on a lot. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

4 On-Site Testing for Planning and Permitting Title 25, Chapters 71 or 72 In the planning stage, on-site testing determines whether a lot is generally suitable for an onlot sewage system. For permitting purposes, on-site testing determines if a specifi c site on a lot is suitable for a particular type of onlot system. The same on-site tests and procedures are often used during both the planning and the permit processes. Sometimes the on-site tests conducted during planning result in the approval of a specifi c site, where the results may be used to permit an onlot sewage system. In this case, no further on-site testing is required for permit approval. In most cases, only conventional absorption areas are proposed for planning. Alternate technologies may be permitted on approved lots. These absorption areas are based upon a soil scientist s morphological assessment and generally have a sitespecific requirement for probe locations. Other times, the property owner may want to locate an onlot system at a site not specifi cally tested during the planning process. Further testing is therefore required to determine the actual location and type of absorption area that an SEO may permit. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

5 On-Site Testing for Planning and Permitting THE SEO S ROLE The local agency SEO is the only person who may permit a site for an onlot sewage system. This determination is one of the most important aspects of the SEO s job. Site suitability is based upon the results of the on-site tests conducted on a lot. To determine if a site has proper soil conditions and land features to accommodate a system, the SEO must... 1) Confi rm that all minimum horizontal isolation distances can be met. 2) Verify the maximum slope of a site. 3) Evaluate the soil to identify a limiting zone. 4) Conduct or observe a percolation test or verify a morphological assessment. The SEO has a regulatory responsibility to ensure that all the on-site test results are complete and accurate. All testing to determine site suitability must be completed in accordance with the requirements of Title 25, Chapter 73, of the regulations and DEP policy. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

6 On-Site Testing for Planning and Permitting PLANNING ACTIVITIES Prior to issuing an onlot system permit, the SEO must be certain that all pertinent planning requirements have been met. Each planning module has specifi c conditions for approval that may affect the soil testing requirements. Consequently, the SEO should be familiar with the on-site testing requirements for each of these planning activities: Exemption Component 1 A planning module is a sitespecific form developed by DEP. The form is completed by the developer and local agency and includes the data required to determine if proposed onlot sewage facilities are adequate for the area to be developed. Component 2 Component 3s Non-building waiver MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

7 On-Site Testing for Planning and Permitting PERMITTING ACTIVITIES Specifi c activities associated with onlot systems require prior permit approval by the SEO. Often, on-site testing is required before a permit may be issued. DEP identifi es three separate permit activities: New construction Repairs Modifi cations MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

8 On-Site Testing for Planning and Permitting PRIOR TO ON-SITE TESTING Before scheduling any on-site testing for either planning or permitting, the SEO should review the individual project and confirm the corresponding site information: Project and Site Information Development information Location of development Size and type of development proposed Sewage fl ows Number of lots or EDUs Proposed sewage disposal method Request for planning exemption Onlot sewage disposal Individual onlot systems Community or large-volume onlot systems Retaining tanks An EDU is an equivalent dwelling unit. Typically, this represents 400 gallons per day. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

9 Planning Requirements The SEO must review and approve all appropriate planning documents. Most require on-site testing. However, the degree and extent of required testing is determined by each planning activity. Before scheduling any fi eld work, the SEO should know exactly why the soil testing is being requested. On-site testing requirements may vary according to the type of land development proposal. The following is a brief review of the individual planning options and the associated forms that accompany each option: Exemption Component 1 Component 2 Component 3s Non-building waiver MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

10 Planning Requirements EXEMPTION Title 25, Section 71.51(b)(1) The following conditions must apply to any site where a land development planning exemption is requested: Located in an area where onlot systems are permitted in the municipality s offi cial plan No carbonate geology No water supplies documented with nitrate-nitrogen areas over 5 parts per million within a quarter-mile Outside of high quality or exceptional value watersheds Minimum lot size of 1 acre A suitable primary and replacement area on each lot An exemption means that a subdivision proposal is exempt from formal planning requirements. No planning module must be filed. However, the sewage facilities planning module application mailer must be completed for DEP review and approval, and the on-site testing results must meet the regulatory requirements for an onlot sewage system. Go to Chapter 1 Resources to obtain a copy of an Exemption form. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

11 Planning Requirements PLANNING MODULE COMPONENT 1 Title 25, Sections 71.55(a) & 71.62(c) The following conditions must be present for a land development plan to be eligible for a Component 1 planning module: Detached single-family residential (no duplexes) Individual onlot systems (no community OLDS) Consists of 10 lots or less created since May 15, 1972, including residual land No water supplies documented with nitrate-nitrogen over 5 parts per million within a quarter-mile ON-SITE TESTING To be eligible for a Component 1, the land development plan must meet the regulatory requirements for an onlot sewage system for the following on-site tests: slope measurement, soil evaluation and limiting zone identification, and percolation test. One or two test sites per lot, depending upon local ordinance or possible marginal conditions Go to Chapter 1 Resources to obtain a copy of a Component 1 form. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

12 Planning Requirements PLANNING MODULE COMPONENT 2 Title 25, Sections 71.52(a) & 71.62(c) The following conditions must apply to projects proposing land development with a Component 2 module: Any type of project There are no use restrictions; residential, commercial, and institutional are allowed Any number of lots There are no lot number restrictions Water supplies documented with nitrate-nitrogen areas over 5 parts per million within a quarter-mile are allowed with appropriate hydrogeologic study ON-SITE TESTING To be eligible for a Component 2, the land development plan must meet the regulatory requirements for an onlot sewage system for the following on-site tests: slope measurement, soil evaluation and limiting zone identification, and percolation test. One or two test sites per lot, depending upon local ordinance or possible marginal conditions Go to Chapter 1 Resources to obtain a copy of a Component 2 form. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

13 Planning Requirements PLANNING MODULE COMPONENT 3S Title 25, Section 71.64(c)(1) This planning module is prepared for sites where a small fl ow treatment facility with stream discharge of treated effl uent is proposed. As part of the Component 3s submission, the SEO must demonstrate that the site is unsuitable for any onlot system, excluding the Individual Residential Spray (IRSIS). The exception for considering an IRSIS only applies if the proposed absorption area is outside of high quality of exceptional value watershed. Go to Chapter 1 Resources to obtain a copy of a Component 3s form. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

14 Planning Requirements NON-BUILDING WAIVER No soil testing is required for this land development option. A request for a planning waiver and non-building declaration must be reviewed and signed by the SEO. If no additional sewage fl ows or changes in existing approved sewage fl ows are proposed, the waiver may be granted. ON-SITE TESTING No on-site tests are required for projects with a non-building waiver. Go to Chapter 1 Workbook to complete the following exercise: EXERCISE 1-1: Planning Module Scenarios MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

15 The Role of the SEO The involvement of the SEO in the planning and permitting processes may vary based upon the requirements and directions provided by each local agency. However, the SEO should clearly understand the regulatory requirements described in Title 25, Chapters 71, 72, and 73. For both planning and permitting, the SEO is responsible for conducting or observing the on-site testing. As a result, the SEO will determine whether a site is generally suitable for onlot sewage disposal during planning or site-specifi c suitable for onlot sewage during permitting. Other duties and responsibilities of the local agency SEO are clearly stated in Title 25, Section 72. Title 25, Section 72.41(f) SEOs MAY advise applicants on options for planning, design, and construction. SEOs may NOT select the fi nal design. The SEO may advise property owners on land development planning options. Individual system and component alternatives may also be discussed. However, it is the applicant s responsibility to make specific land development and system design choices. The SEO must assure that all submissions are consistent with the provisions of Act 537 and Title 25. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

16 The Role of the SEO RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES Title 25, Section 72.41(g-j) The local agency SEO may NOT perform any of the following activities within his or her geographical authority: 1) Plan, design, construct, sell, or install a system 2) Suggest, recommend, or require the use of a particular service provider, including consultant, soil scientist, engineer, and an individual or fi rm assigned to perform these services 3) Perform consulting or design work unless the service is set in the local agency s fee schedule, the fees are paid directly to the local agency, and the work is reviewed and the permit issued by another local agency SEO 4) Conduct a test, issue a permit, participate in the permit process, or review a planning module for a system in which the SEO or a relative, business associate, or employer of the SEO (other than the local agency) has a fi nancial interest MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

17 The Role of the SEO DEP NOTIFICATION FOR PLANNING DEP or a delegated local agency must be notifi ed when soil testing for planning approval is proposed. It is the responsibility of the local agency SEO to notify DEP (or the delegated local agency), regardless of whether the SEO conducts or observes the on-site testing. DEP or a delegated local agency must receive 10 days notice before soil testing can be conducted for planning purposes. DEP does not have to be notifi ed of onsite testing for permitting. No standard form is consistently used throughout the state to notify DEP of pending soil testing. Some DEP regions have developed a form that must be submitted in advance by the local agency SEO, and other regions accept phone calls or messages. Check with your regional DEP representative to be sure you are providing proper notifi cation. If using , save the message to document the notification. The SEO may also create a phone log to document telephone correspondence. Proof of correspondence about the notification should be part of the site-specific records contained within the individual job file for each project. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

18 The Role of The SEO DEADLINE FOR ONLOT PERMIT ON-SITE TESTING Title 25, Section 72.42(a)(20) Upon receiving the permit application, the local agency has 20 working days to complete and provide to the applicant the results of any site suitability review, including soil probe and soil percolation testing results. It is the SEO s responsibility to complete or observe on-site suitability testing. If these terms cannot be met, written support and approval must be presented to the applicant. If the local agency does not comply with this time limit, the applicant may request a refund of fees paid to the local agency for soil testing. The applicant may also submit the results of soil tests conducted by a third party. The 20-day review deadline does not apply if the applicant failed to comply with the Pennsylvania One Call requirements to notify the authorized call center about the planned excavation. As addressed later in this course, this notice must be no less than three and no more than 10 working days prior to the excavation. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

19 Overview of Selection and On-Site Testing Criteria The table below provides information on how on-site testing criteria may differ for planning and permitting proposals. Planning Permitting Scheduling Testing The SEO must provide advance notice (10 days) of any soil testing to the regional DEP offi ce. General site suitability. On-site testing has specifi c regulatory time limits associated with conducting and submitting test results to the applicant. Site-specifi c testing required. Paperwork/ Forms On-site testing results are recorded on the Site Investigation and Percolation Test Report form. Data is analyzed and interpreted to determine general site suitability as part of the planning module form requirements. On-site testing results are recorded on the Site Investigation and Percolation Test Report form. Data is analyzed and transferred to the Application for an Onlot Sewage Disposal System Permit. Fees Fees will vary depending on the municipal fee schedule. Planning activities are not eligible for reimbursement from the state. These activities may be eligible for a planning assistance grant Fees will vary depending on the municipal fee schedule and the number and type of tests required. Permitting activities are eligible for reimbursement. Local Ordinances A municipality s land development planning ordinances may have additional requirements. Some local agencies may add standard permit conditions for many types of onlot systems. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

20 KEY POINTS: The SEO must know if the requested on-site testing is for planning or permitting before any testing is conducted. On-site testing for planning determines general site suitability, and on-site testing for permitting is site specifi c. The SEO has a regulatory responsibility to ensure that all on-site test results are complete and accurate. The SEO must conduct or observe all on-site tests. The regional DEP offi ce or the delegated local agency must be notifi ed of soil testing for planning purposes 10 days prior to any tests being conducted.. The actual responsibilities of the SEO may vary for each local agency. However, all SEOs must act in accordance with the requirements of Title 25 and Act 537. Go to the #611 Chapter 1 materials to print and complete the Chapter 1 Quiz. This quiz was designed to check your understanding of the chapter materials. MEETING THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, AND RESOURCE NEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA S SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS