01-Introduction to Septic Systems at Utah OSR

Introduction to Septic System at Utah OSR

Septic Systems are an alternative to public sewer systems and is a critical part of your home and other infrastructure. A home owners guide to septic systems by the EPA.  Go to https://swuhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/A-Homeowner-Guide-to-Septic-Systems-EPA.pdf

Most counties in Utah do not allow RV’s to reside on site until their septic system is installed and has passed a final inspection.

Please be sure that you haul your black water off site, and safely unload at a designated black water dump site. OSR must maintain a reputation as law abiding citizens.

The primary role of a septic system is to guard ground water sources from waste. Most commonly, septic systems include a tank and a drain field. Water leaving a home is carried to the septic system through a pipeline. Once there, most solids settle at the bottom. Lighter solids float, and form a layer at the water surface within the tank. The water held in the middle moves into a drain field. Utilizing a septic system prevents contamination of ground water.

Utah regulates septic systems through local governments i.e., for OSR, Central Utah Public Health Department, Nephi, Utah or Richfield Utah. Be sure that you adhere to all regulations, requirements, permitting and laws.

Local health departments must first conduct a thorough analysis and review of ground water and soil conditions before a septic system can be installed. The evaluation will consider whether there are adequate soil conditions beneath the proposed trenches and the location of the water table.

What is A Perc Test?

A perc test allows an engineer to determine if a septic system will work on your specific lot. The engineer will dig a few holes on the property. 3′-4′ deep shallow holes. These holes are filled with water and draining time is recorded. One deep hole. This hole is used to determine how deep the ground water is.

 

Soil Analysis /Evaluation. As part of your septic permit process, Russ Shank conducts a soil analysis evaluation instead of a perk test to determine if your lot is suitable for a septic system. Prior to receiving an approved septic permit and installing a septic system, a 10-11’ hole will be dug and soil samples will be collected to determine soil characteristics. This cost will be added to Russ’ permit processing fee.

Requesting Variance. Sometimes homeowners must request a variance due to specific construction conditions. The State of Utah possesses a variance request process to help address these specific issues.

To install an alternative septic system, (mound septic, aerobic, at grade and shallow at grade, bio digester, composting toilets, etc.) you must be approved by the local health department in Richfield, Utah. You are on your own and must work with Eric Larsen, Director, Richfield Utah on alternative septic systems. Please see the Septic Contact Information.

Please take responsibility! OSR information is an aid only.

Install your septic system per your approved permit with the Health Department.

Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality, Utah Administrative Code: Rule R317-4 applies to Onsite Wastewater Systems. See Website: adminrules.utah.gov