Local Agency Management Program for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Septic Systems)

Transcription

1 Local Agency Management Program for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Septic Systems) Public Information Meeting June 2016 Monterey County Health Department, Environmental Health Bureau Nicki Fowler, Supervisor

2 What is an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System?

3 Septic Tank Holds wastewater long enough to allow the solids to settle out or float (forming sludge or scum) and the liquid portion moves out to the dispersal field.

4 Dispersal Systems The wastewater exits the septic tank and is discharged into the dispersal field for further treatment by the soil. Leach Fields Seepage Pit Overhead Cross Section

5 Soil Matters The soil is the most important part of the septic system and must be evaluated and protected properly. If there is inadequate soil between the bottom of the dispersal field and groundwater, the wastewater will not be treated before it enters the groundwater. If the soil is too dense, it will not absorb all the wastewater, forcing it to the surface.

6 OWTS Regulatory Structure State Water Resources Control Board Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board Monterey County Health Department, Environmental Health Bureau

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8 What is the OWTS Policy? A statewide, risk-based, tiered approach for the regulation and management of OWTS installations and replacements. It sets the level of performance and protection expected from new OWTS and repairs/expansions to existing OWTS.

9 OWTS Policy Tier 0 Existing systems no changes required if functioning properly Tier 1 Prescriptive standards that do not consider local geology Tier 2 Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) by Monterey County with area-specific standards Tier 3 Standards for areas with impaired water bodies (none designated in Monterey County) Tier 4 Defines OWTS failure and owner responsibilities

10 History September 2000 Assembly Bill 885 requires statewide regulations for septic systems Varying degrees of opposition, controversy, litigation occur between June 2012 State Water Resources Control Board adopts the OWTS Policy

11 History cont d May 2013 Central Coast Water Board incorporates OWTS Policy into the Basin Plan, giving local jurisdictions 3 years to update their local regulations May 2016 Monterey County submits draft LAMP to Central Coast Water Board for consideration

12 Why do we need a LAMP? Opportunity for Monterey County to propose modified standards that still meet water quality and public health protection objectives. Consider local geology Consider local practices Allow for alternative (supplemental) systems

13 LAMP Overview Existing OWTS Existing, functioning OWTS No changes required as long as the system continue to function properly Liquid waste haulers will be required to report all septic tank pump outs in Monterey County

14 LAMP Overview Existing OWTS OWTS Failure Existing OWTS that are surfacing or backing up into the home plumbing are considered to be in failure and must be repaired or replaced. All OWTS permits issued after the LAMP is effective will be subject to the same design standards.

15 LAMP Overview Site Evaluation **STANDARDS PROPOSED BY MONTEREY COUNTY** REPAIRS TO EXISTING OWTS Deep, groundwater verification boring, including soil profile description NEW OWTS Deep, groundwater verification boring, including soil profile description and Percolation testing in both initial and backup dispersal field areas All site evaluation work must be completed by a qualified consultant

16 LAMP Overview Design Criteria ALL OWTS **STANDARDS PROPOSED BY MONTEREY COUNTY** 10 maximum dispersal field depth without supplemental treatment No impermeable surfaces over dispersal field without supplemental treatment Variable application rate (square footage) based on percolation rate of soil OWTS must be designed by a qualified designer

17 LAMP Overview: Development **STANDARDS PROPOSED BY MONTEREY COUNTY** Performance Evaluation required prior to approval of building remodels / additions Lot Size Requirements for Additions

18 Next Steps June 2016 Public Information Meetings July November 2016 Technical Advisory Committee sessions Winter 2016 CEQA (environmental) Review Spring 2017 LAMP adoption by Board of Supervisors LAMP approval by Central Coast Water Board Spring 2017 Spring 2018 Update septic ordinance May 2018 LAMP and septic ordinance become effective

19 Thank you. LAMP comments may be directed to Nicki Fowler at the Environmental Health Bureau or (831)