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Butte County On-Site Wastewater

Butte County On-Site Wastewater. COWA Conference May 15, 2008 Tom Loushine, REHS Charlotte Walters, REHS. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater Program COWA Conference. Presentation Outline Part One: Background Part Two: On-Site Wastewater Ordinance Part Three: Staff Concerns

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Butte County On-Site Wastewater

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  1. Butte County On-Site Wastewater COWA ConferenceMay 15, 2008Tom Loushine, REHSCharlotte Walters, REHS

  2. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Presentation Outline Part One: Background Part Two: On-Site Wastewater Ordinance Part Three: Staff Concerns Part Four: Questions

  3. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Background

  4. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part One Background October 2004 Public Health and Public Works Departments recommendation for outside consultant to develop policy recommendations for onsite wastewater treatment systems January 2005 Request for Proposal (RFP) by the Public Health Department June 2005 Public Health Department contract with Questa Engineering Corporation August 2005 - February 2006 Outreach by Questa in a series of workshops and sessions with the Land Use User’s Group June 2006 Board’s acceptance of Questa On-Site Wastewater Program

  5. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part One Background August 2006 Implementation Plan approved by the Board 1. Form advisory group (Wastewater Working Group) 2. Development an on-site wastewater ordinance to provide the program’s administrative framework 3. Develop on-site wastewater manual to provide technical specifications and guidance 3. Development of an operation and maintenance program for wastewater systems

  6. Category Name Realtor Tony Kilcollins Association of Realtors Building Industry Bill Dinsmore Rolls, Anderson & Rolls Regional Water Quality Control Board Ron Dykstra CVRWQCB Environmental Consultant Ken Shuey Kennedy Jenks Engineering Academia Stu Oakley CSU Chico Septic Tank Pumper/Manufacturer Buddy Nottingham Hydrotech Solutions On-Site Wastewater Consultant/Engineer Nick Weigel Northstar Engineering On-Site Wastewater Vendor/Proprietor Phil Decann Ovoville Products Citizen-at-Large D. C. Jones Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Introduction Wastewater Working Group

  7. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Introduction Other Regular Participants • Justin Seufert, PE, Consultant • Jan Hill, REHS, Consultant, Regulator (Sutter County) • Mike Elliot, REHS, Consultant • Scott Perkins, Consultant • Rick McCauley, Industry • Mark Henderson, Industry • Doug Fogel, REHS, Land Use Program Manager • Charlotte Walters, REHS, Senior Environmental Health Specialist • Tom Loushine, RHES, Senior Environmental Health Specialist

  8. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part One Background June 2007 WWWG 7 policy recommendations to Board as basis for an on-site wastewater ordinance and manual 1. Minimum soil requirements (vertical separation) 2. Standards for Repair Repairs to meet the requirements of the new ordinance to the maximum extent allowed by the site 3. Minimum Land Area for Creation of New Parcels Allow zoning requirements, not wastewater requirements, to determine lot sizing and density 4. Site Evaluation Process Butte County Hybrid: Standard gravity without consultant, pressure distribution and supplemental treatment collaboratively with consultant

  9. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part One Background 5. Authorization to Design Pressure Distribution and Supplemental Treatment Systems Limit to PEs, PGs, certified soil scientists, and REHS 6. Variances and Appeals EH Director may grant variances to Manual, EH Director’s determination can be appealed to 3 members selected from Wastewater Advisory Committee 7. Operation and Maintenance Program Inspections by certified O&M Specialists and septic pumpers, with Operating Permits required for all new and repaired systems and at point-of-sale

  10. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part One Background October 2007 WWWG completion of draft On-Site Wastewater Ordinance March 2008 WWWG completion of On-Site Wastewater Manual 5 key policy issues identified and brought to Waste Subcommittee 1. Operating permits for all gravity systems? 2. Supplemental treatment for repair systems with shallow soil? 3. Comprehensive local certification program? 4. Use of non-discharging toilets? 5. Elimination of Appendix 7 density requirements?

  11. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference On-Site Wastewater Ordinance

  12. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-2. Purpose • Public health and the environment • Administrative framework for science-based standards • Enforcement of regulatory program • Compliance with RWQCB standards

  13. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-4. Applicability • Systems approved after effective date of ordinance • Single family residences • 1+ multi-family on single parcel (<2,500 gpd) • 1+ non-residential on single parcel (<2,500 gpd) • Repairs • Compliance to extent allowed by site constraints, except supplemental treatment not required unless failure to upgrade would: • 1. Result in hydraulic failure of the system • 2. Result in sewage discharge to watertable • 3. Result in pubic health or water quality hazard • Existing systems approved under permit • All provisions of ordinance except siting and construction Subcommittee Recommendation

  14. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-6. Site Evaluation • No consultant for standard gravity site • Collaboration with consultant for other sites • Specifics, including percolation tests and groundwater monitoring found in Manual

  15. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements • Vertical separation

  16. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements • Systems only allowed in Soil Groups A-E, perc rate 1-240 mpi

  17. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements • Vertical separation • Creation of new parcels: 3 ft standard gravity, 2 ft supplemental treatment • Existing parcels: 3 ft standard gravity, 18 inches supplemental treatment • Existing parcels: Further reduction with use of either engineered fill or disinfection • Existing parcels: Large lot exemption

  18. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements • Permitting • Construction Permit (based on site evaluation) • LEA Notification • Operating Permit and OM&M (specifics outlined in Manual)

  19. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements • Operating Permits • WWWG Recommendation • All new, repair, and point-of-sale (including standard gravity) • WWWG Alternative • None • EH Staff Alternative • All pressure distribution and supplemental treatment • Areas of Environmental Concern for standard gravity with emphasis on homeowner education Subcommittee Recommendation

  20. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements • Operation and Maintenance • Operating permits • Locally certified OM&M Specialists • Permit renewal and inspection frequency based on system type

  21. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-7. On-Site Wastewater System Requirements • Prohibitions • Non-discharging toilets (holding tanks, composting toilets, vault privies) only for: • a. Non-residential • b. Non-commercial • c. Examples: limited ag buildings, primitive-type picnic grounds, campsites, recreational areas Subcommittee Recommendation

  22. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-8. Connection to Public Sewer • Required if within 250 ft of dwelling and: • Application for new development or repair; and • Sewer has adequate capacity; and • Connection is permitted by the utility; and • Sewer main is adjacent to property line.

  23. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance 19-5. On-Site Wastewater Manual Part One: Process Part Two: Materials Part Three: System Requirements Part Four: OM&M Program

  24. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference • On-Site Wastewater Manual • Part 1 Process • Site Evaluation • Construction Permit • Operating Permit

  25. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference • On-Site Wastewater Manual • Part 2 Materials • Septic tanks • Risers • Fittings • Distribution Boxes • Diversions Valves • Dosing and Pump Tanks • Pumps, Controls, and Alarms • Piping • Drain rock • Barrier Material • Sand Filters • Mounds

  26. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference • On-Site Wastewater Manual • Part 3 System Requirements • Standard Gravity Systems • Supplemental Treatment • Engineered Fill • Pressurized Systems • Mounds • Miscellaneous • Curtain Drains • Easements • Setbacks • Subsurface Drip • Slopes • Non-Residential Systems • Seepage Pits • Non-discharging Systems

  27. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference • On-Site Wastewater Manual • Part 4 OM&M • Administration • Roles and Responsibilities • Data Management • Operating Permit • Inspections • Maintenance

  28. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-10. Creation of New Parcels • Site Requirements: • 36 inches vertical separation for gravity • 24 inches vertical separation for supplemental treatment • Slope 30% or less • Receiving soil in Groups A-E • Percolation, if measured, 1-120 mpi • Minimum Useable Wastewater Area • Minimum Parcel Size

  29. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-10. Creation of New Parcels and Parcels within Watershed Protection Overlay Zone • Minimum Useable Wastewater Area

  30. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-10. Creation of New Parcels and Parcels within Watershed Protection Overlay Zone • Minimum Parcel Size • WWWG Recommendation • Eliminate Appendix 7 and do not use On-Site Wastewater • Do not use wastewater ordinance to set county density or parcel size requirements - Density is purview of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Subcommittee Recommendation • WWWG Alternative • Incorporate minimum parcel size table recommended by CVRWQCB

  31. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance Appendix 7 Requirements

  32. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance

  33. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-13. Local Certification Program • Requirements Subcommittee Recommendation • Experience in lieu of PE, PG, Certified Soil Scientist, or REHS for designers

  34. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance • 19-15. Appeal Provisions of On-Site Wastewater Manual • EH Director • May interpret or approve alternate provisions, if: • Consistent with purpose of Ordinance and Manual • Provides equivalent protection of public health and environment • Technical Appeals Board • May hear appeal of EH Director’s determinations • Composed of Wastewater Advisory Committee Chair, a PE, and a non-PE, all selected by the Board

  35. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Two On-Site Wastewater Ordinance Next Step • Direct Public Health to initiate Environmental Assessment for Wastewater Ordinance and Manual

  36. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Part Three Staff Concerns • Public reaction to the new ordinance • Staff relationship with the public • Extent of engineered systems that will be necessary • Not enough consultants to meet demand • Staff unable to keep up with new requirements • Unknown what staff role will actually be • Learning curve for soil evaluation, engineering review and • Responsibility for tracking OM&M of new systems • Application surge prior to ordinance implementation

  37. Butte Couny On-Site Wastewater ProgramCOWA Conference Website Link for Draft Ordinance and Manual www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/environmental (Follow prompts to Waste Water Working Group)

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