2010-252A (18) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Comprehensive Plan Sanitary Sewer Sub -Element Generally, the current system of septic tank maintenance is acceptable, particularly for newer septic tanks meeting current regulations. For older septic tanks, however, lack of maintenance can be a problem, and there is no program requiring regular maintenance of these septic tanks. According to the County Health Department, a required septic tank maintenance program could reduce septic tank failures and associated adverse impacts; however, such a program would be costly and difficult to implement. In the future, the focus of the county and the IRCHD should be on providing public education programs on the proper use, inspection, and maintenance of septic tanks. Several features inherent to the operation of septic tank systems make them prone to contaminating groundwater without any visual indication. For example, septic tanks that are undersized or not emptied often enough can accumulate sludge and scum, resulting in a poorer quality effluent. If high groundwater conditions (within 3 to 4 feet of drainfield elevation) exist, additional fill is needed. Once a septic tank system is installed and buried, these and other operating problems cannot be recognized until the entire system fails and raw (untreated) sewage backs up into the house plumbing or seeps above ground. Thus, a septic tank system that appears to be functioning properly may, in reality, be providing very poor "treatment". This problem is more likely to occur in areas of higher residential density and in areas with a high concentration of commercial/industrial use. According to the United States Department of Agriculture's Soil Conservation Service, most of Indian River County's soil has severe limitations for the use of septic tank systems. Combined with the County's high water table, this creates a high potential for groundwater contamination problems. For those reasons, the IRCHD requires that the bottom of drainfields be at least 42 inches above the water table. To meet this requirement, fill material or an approved sand filter may be added to the site. Also, a minimum separation requirement between wells and septic tank system drainfields and a minimum lot size requirement must be met. Under those conditions, septic tank performance is considered adequate for developments within the County. Another problem with septic tank systems is the possibility of wastewater leachate from a septic tank entering open bodies of water in the County. This problem must be examined carefully, especially on the barrier island, in areas near the Indian River Lagoon, in areas near the St. Sebastian River, and in areas adjacent to canals, lakes or wetlands. To summarize, the problems with septic tank systems are listed below: • Physical limitations existing in Indian River County o A high water table is found in almost all areas of the county, especially during the months of June through October. Community Development Department Indian River County 28