The text
(a)
Cesspools.
(1)
Cesspools are a substandard and inadequate means of onsite wastewater treatment. All cesspools are considered to be malfunctioning systems and shall be replaced with OWTS which conforms to current state and local standards within six (6) months after the sale of a property or within five (5) years of the date of the first maintenance (baseline) inspection, whichever date comes first. This provision shall not supersede RIDEM's OWTS rules pursuant to the Rhode Island Cesspool Phaseout Act.
(2)
A property owner may request, in writing, a review by the WWMD manager for an alternative to replacing a cesspool. Upon receipt of the request, the WWMD manager shall endeavor to work out with the property owner a financially feasible plan to bring the OWTS into compliance with state and local standards, which alternative may include an extension of time in which to comply with this section, the imposition of interim measures that ensures the protection of the environment and the public health, safety and welfare, and/or a remediation plan. The WWMD manager may allow an alternative to replacing a cesspool upon a finding that all of the following standards are satisfied:
a.
Requiring the replacement of the cesspool in strict conformance with this section would not be financially feasible, considering all the relevant facts and circumstances of the individual case;
b.
The system does not present an immediate public health and/or environmental threat; and
c.
The alternative system provides a level of environmental protection that is at least equivalent to that required by RIDEM OWTS rules.
d.
The decision of the WWMD manager shall be in writing and shall state specific reasons for the denial or approval.
e.
Remediation plans. The owner(s) of any lot or parcel of land containing more than one (1) detached dwelling unit may be required by the WWMD manager to develop a remediation plan. Where there are existing cesspools or substandard systems, the WWMD manager and/or his designee shall work with the owners and/or lessees to develop a remediation plan that ensures the protection of the environment and the public health safety and welfare which may include gray water systems and shared systems. The WWMD manager shall offer technical assistance in the development of the remediation plan.
f.
All cesspools shall nonetheless be replaced within six (6) months after the sale of a property.
(b)
Effluent filters and risers to help locate and facilitate the inspection and pumping of a septic tank and ultimately to increase the longevity of the OWTS, all septic tanks installed, repaired or altered after the effective date of this article, shall be equipped with access risers to grade located at the inlet and outlet ends of the septic tank and an effluent filter located at the outlet end of the septic tank. These access risers shall be a minimum of twenty (20) inches in diameter.
(c)
Mechanical and electrical components. All OWTS with mechanical components, pumps and/or electrical components shall have a written maintenance contract for those components that is registered with the wastewater management office. Only persons accredited to perform OWTS maintenance work, or the manufacturer's representative, shall fulfill the contracted requirements. Maintenance contractors must register with the wastewater management office. A list of approved maintenance contractors shall be prepared by and made available through the wastewater management office. Failure to comply shall be deemed a violation of this article, and may result in the issuance of a notice of violation.
(d)
Measures to prolong the efficient performance of a septic system. The following simple measures will extend the life of any septic system, and are very strongly encouraged:
(1)
Garbage disposal. Garbage disposals produce excess solids which can reduce the efficient functioning of a septic system. Garbage disposal discharges to a septic system is discouraged, unless effluent filters are installed.
(2)
Water saving devices. Water saving devices, including but not limited to low-flow toilets or toilet dams, faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads, are encouraged.
(3)
Outlet effluent filters. The use or retrofitting of outlet effluent filters with access manholes for septic systems are encouraged.
(4)
The use of any septic tank additives, which contain acids and/or organic chemicals, in an individual sewage disposal system, is discouraged. To date, there is no scientific information available that indicates that such individual sewage disposal system additives are beneficial and may be harmful by killing beneficial bacteria that naturally occur in septic systems. The use of acid and organic chemical solvents in any OWTS is prohibited by RIDEM OWTS rules. The RIDEM does not recognize any additive product as being beneficial to the operation of an OWTS.
(5)
The discharge of rainspouts, basement sumps or any other drains to a septic system, with the exception of household washing machines, is discouraged. The discharge of roof drains, surface drains, and subsurface drains into an OWTS is prohibited by the by RIDEM OWTS rules.
(6)
Plantings above or adjacent to the leaching area should be such that they will not compromise the operation of the leach field. Plantings should have shallow root systems that will not impinge on the leaching area. A list of proposed plantings should be submitted to the WWMD manager to confirm the plantings meet such standards.
(7)
The disposal of any hazardous materials, which include corrosive, explosive or flammable materials or materials that contain toxic chemicals into a septic system, is discouraged, as they will kill beneficial bacteria and may leach into wetlands, drinking water supplies, and coastal waters.
(Ord. of 3-8-2011, § 16)