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Huron-Kinloss Community Septic Inspection (HK-CSI)

 

The Township of Huron-Kinloss initiated the Huron-Kinloss Community Septic Inspections (HK-CSI) program in the spring of 2007. The goal of this program is to encourage regular maintenance of septic systems, through mandatory inspections. If unmaintained, septic systems are a threat to public health and the environment. Regular maintenance, however, can ensure that systems work efficiently and safely, protecting the natural environment. Through the program, every property with a septic system (including outhouses/pit privies) will be inspected on a rotating basis over a six to seven year period.

If you own a septic system in the Township of Huron-Kinloss, here’s what you need to know about the HK-CSI program:
• Property owners must call the Township (519-395-3735) to book an appointment for an inspection.
• Inspections are done between spring and fall, weather permitting.
• Appointments are available Mondays to Fridays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, with some evening and Saturday appointments available as well.
• If you haven’t had your septic tank pumped in the last twelve months, it is recommended that you have it pumped prior to the inspection.
• Inspections are carried out by a qualified Ontario Building Code Part 8 Sewage Systems inspector.
• At no time during the inspection will you be asked for payment. The program is funded by a flat rate of $55 on the annual tax bill of properties with a septic system.
• Once an inspection is completed, property owners are mailed an inspection report which includes an aerial photograph of the property outlining the location of the septic system.
• If you sell your property, please leave the inspection report for the new owners.

Visit our blog at  hkcsi.blogspot.com  for additional information or to post any comments you have.

The Huron-Kinloss septic inspection program represents a proactive step on the part of the Township and the citizens in addressing the possibility of septic systems affecting surface and groundwater quality. The project was developed as a response to requests from property owners throughout the Township and designed to complement the existing water quality monitoring program.

Septic systems are a common method of waste treatment and disposal within the Township; it is estimated that there are approximately 2800 private septic systems along the lakeshore and in the rural areas of the Township. Properly maintained systems are very effective in treating and disposing of wastes, however, poorly designed, installed or maintained systems can have serious environmental and health impacts. With these impacts in mind, the Township implemented a septic inspection program to identify systems with deficiencies and work with property owners to ensure that their septic system operates properly.

On a 6 to 7 year inspection cycle, all septic systems in the Township will be inspected. Each year, between 300 and 400 tanks will be inspected. The inspection is a non invasive, visual inspection carried out by a qualified Part 8 inspector. Pump outs are not mandatory, but are recommended. Also, if tank levels are too high during the inspection, the inspector can order a pump out. The inspector, when on site, will document the location of buildings, wells, watercourses and property lines in respect to the location of the septic system. Vegetation around the drainfield and any septage leaks will also be noted. For inspections it is recommended that the property owner is present to answer any questions the inspector may have. After an inspection, the property owner will receive the results of the inspection and notice if any follow up actions are required.

Inspections will first be conducted on properties identified as high risk. High risk properties are those that have no record of an approved septic system or the existing system is greater than 20 years old. After the high risk systems have been inspected, moderate risk (systems between 10 and 20 years in age) and low risk (systems less than 10 years old) systems will be inspected.

The HK-CSI is funded by a flat rate of $55, assigned per eligible property on the annual taxes. A flat rate is assigned to the annual taxes so that property owners will not be charged for anything at the time of inspection.

If you have any questions about the HK-CSI, please contact the Township of Huron Kinloss municipal office at 519-395-3735.

Program Statistics
 

2007-2011 Risk Rating Statistics

Risk  Assessment	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	TOTAL
Low	202 (75%)	214 (60%)	212 (58%)	198 (48%)	279 (46%)	1105 (55%)
Mediun	63 (23%)	129 (36%)	134 (35%)	195 (4%)	305 (50%)	826 (41%)
High	5 (2%)	13 (4%)	17 (5%)	19 (5%)	21 (4%)	74 (4%)
TOTAL	270	356	363	412	605	2006

Rating Definitions:
Low

Medium Age
Medium Minor Repairs
Medium Non-Conforming (to current Ontario Building Code standards)

High - Environmental Hazard
High - Structurally Unsafe
 
 

Septic System Information

In many small communities and rural areas, septic systems are a common method of waste disposal and treatment. Septic systems are common in these areas because they are the most cost effective and efficient waste treatment technology. If properly designed, installed and maintained, a septic system can service a home for up to 25 years. However, poorly designed, installed or unmaintained systems may be a hazard to the environment and public health through inadequately treated wastes.

Septic systems treat household wastes onsite using a series of natural processes. These natural processes occur in the different components of the septic system. The two major components of septic system are the septic tank and the drainfield (which is also known as the leach field or a weeping bed). Some systems may include a distribution box between the septic tank and the drainfield. Distribution boxes are concrete or plastic structures that ensure effluent from the septic tank is evenly distributed to the drainfield.

The septic tank is a watertight container that is either single or double chambered and buried beneath the ground. Most tanks are made of concrete, but fibreglass and plastic tanks are also available. Tanks are come in a variety of sizes; most homes will have tanks sized between 500 and 2500 gallons. All tanks have an inlet, which is connected to the sewer pipe from the house, and an outlet, which is attached to the drain field. At both the inlet and the outlet there is a ‘Tee’ or baffle, which keeps the waste flowing in the right direction. At the top of the tank there is an access port, which allows for top of the tank pumping. The access port should always be accessible, in case an emergency pump out is needed.

In the septic tank, the first stage of waste treatment occurs. When household waste enters the tank, the solid part of the waste separates from the liquid. The solids collect at the bottom forming a ‘sludge’ layer. On top the liquid, oil and grease collect and form the ‘scum’ layer. Bacteria in the tank then begin to naturally decompose the wastes in the sludge and scum layers. The wastewater that remains between the sludge and scum layers is gradually pushed out into the drain field for another stage of treatment.

The drainfield consists of a series of trenches, typically 1 to 3 feet below the surface. In each trench is a length of perforated pipe, surrounded by either gravel or coarse sand. The size of the drainfield is dependent on the expected wastewater flow and soil quality. Wastewater flows into the drain field and is distributed throughout the series of pipes. Slowly, the wastewater percolates out of the pipes into the gravel or sand liner and then the soil below. The liner and soil filter out nutrients, bacteria, metals and other chemicals from the waste water. The treated water continues to move through the soil to enter the groundwater supply.

Regular pumping of the septic tank keeps the system functioning properly and prevents solids from entering and clogging the drain field. Septic tanks should be pumped every 3 to 5 years. Unpumped systems can allow excess nutrients and disease causing bacteria to move through the system and pollute groundwater. Signs of system failure include foul odour, soggy lawns, slow drains in the house and lush vegetation growth over the drainfield. If you see any of these signs, contact a septic professional to deal with the problem. Never try to inspect or repair a tank yourself, as the bacteria in the septic tank produce deadly gases.

Septic system maintenance, in addition to regular pumping includes conserving water and watching what goes into the septic system. Conserving water by fixing leaky taps and installing water-saving showerheads and faucets can reduce the total amount of waste water entering the system. This prevents the drainfield and septic tank from being overloaded. To maintain the environment within the tank and ensure that the sludge and scum layers do not accumulate to excess, care should be taken when disposing of household materials. Some materials, such as chemical cleaners, bleach, paint, cigarette butts, paper towels, kitty litter and coffee grinds, should never enter the septic system. Also, products advertised as septic system additives, enhancers, starters or rejuvenators are not necessary to maintain a septic system.

Maintaining your septic system is important, not only for the environment and public health, but also for your pocket book! Replacements or repairs can be very costly. The best way to avoid unnecessary costs and extend the lifetime of your septic system is to simply maintain it! As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Septic System Maintenance

Septic system maintenance is important: it helps to prevent system failure which is beneficial for the environment and your pocketbook! Failed systems are expensive to repair or replace and can have serious environmental consequences. A few simple maintenance steps can help your septic system function longer and safer.

Conserve Water

• Using water wisely prevents saturation of the soil in the drainfield.
• Fix leaky faucets and running toilets
• Use washing machines and dishwashers when there's enough for a full load
• Don't let the water run when washing hands or brushing teeth.
• Avoid taking long showers
• Install water saving faucets and shower heads
• Reduce water use by toilets by installing a low flow toilet or a toilet dam

Be gentle to the drainfield!

• Space out water use over a few days. Don't do all the laundry in one day.
• Divert roof drains, surface water and sump pumps away from the drainfield
• Don't plant anything but grass near your septic tank or drainfield. Roots can damage the pipes
• Don't let anyone drive anything over the drainfield – this includes snowmobiles and ATVs
• Don't build or plant any gardens or trees over the drainfield

Watch what you flush

Some chemicals and household products can harm your septic system

Avoid letting chemicals like paint, varnish, paint thinner, pesticides, nail polish remover, household cleaners and bleach go down drains or toilets.

Don't flush: coffee grinds, dental floss, cigarette butts, kitty litter, sanitary napkins, condoms, antibacterial soap, paper towels or kitchen wastes.

Pump it!

Get your tank pumped every 3-5 years by a professional – this may be the most important part of maintaining your septic system

Environmental Concerns

Eutrophication

Eutrophication is the slow, natural nutrient enrichment of streams and lakes. It is responsible for the ‘aging’ of ponds, lakes and reservoirs. The ‘aging’ of a water body can be a natural process, continually occurring over time. As nutrient levels increase, the number of growing plants also increase.

As these plants die, and begin decomposing, oxygen concentrations within the water decrease  Less oxygen is available for living plants and animals as a result. As the aging process continues, fewer and fewer aquatic plants are able to survive, and the water body tends to become still and stagnant. Eventually, the stream or pond will fill in, and terrestrial plants will take over. While this is a natural process, the eutrophication of water bodies can be significantly sped up when excess nutrients, such as phosphates and nitrates, are released into the water system. Phosphates and nitrates are common ingredients in many household and lawn care products. It is important to read the labels of the product before purchasing to help reduce the eutrophication where you live.

Lake Huron Water Quality

Though many people think of E.coli levels when beach water quality is discussed, algae (Cladophora spp.) blooms are becoming more and more common along the Great Lakes shoreline. Often, these blooms get washed in to shore with the waves and rot along the beaches. This results in smelly, unappealing beaches that end up being closed to users.

Cladophora blooms are occurring in the Great Lakes due to a number of factors, including increased numbers of Zebra Mussels, excess Phosphorus availability, and man-made structures (e.g. harbours, groynes) that prevent water movement and trap floating algae mats. Currently, it’s not clear which algae species is dominating these mats. Additionally, since each species has different requirements, it is also difficult to pinpoint which factor is the one that will limit the algae growth. Within the Pine River watershed, beaches such as Boiler Beach and Lurgan’s Beach are currently having issues with algae buildup, as can be seen from the images above. Both residents and visitors have noticed a change in the amount of algae buildup on the beaches. 

Phosphorous in Aquatic Ecosystems

In moderate amounts, phosphorus is one of the key elements required for the healthy growth of plants and animals. When present at proper levels, this can create more food for fish and other aquatic wildlife and improve water quality. When phosphorus is found at levels greater than 0.04 mg/L – a general standard set by Environment Canada - it can over stimulate plant and algae growth, leading to ‘choked out’ waterways and low dissolved oxygen concentrations. Often, phosphorus concentrations are higher in waterways after a rainfall event . As the rainwater travels over land, it removes excess phosphorus from the soil and washes it into local creeks, rivers and ponds. High phosphorus levels not only upset the equilibrium of aquatic environments but also cause odor, aesthetic issues and beach closures. In aquatic environments phosphorus levels become higher than the Canadian standard due to inputs from agricultural fertilizer chemicals, malfunctioning septic systems, animal feces and wastewater treatment plants.

Nitrates in Aquatic Ecosystems

Normally, only small levels of nitrates are found from natural sources within an waterway. Most often, elevated nitrate levels occur due to man-made influences, such as malfunctioning septic systems, fertilizer run-off or improperly treated wastewater. As with phosphorus, excess nitrates stimulate plant growth and can lead to the eutrophication. As well, nitrate concentrations higher than 4 mg/L have been shown to negatively impact aquatic wildlife, particularly frogs and other amphibians.

 

Interactive Documents

Downloads

Contacts

Matt Farrell

Chief Building Official
519-395-3735
cbo@huronkinloss.com

Contact Us

Fax: 519-395-4107
Email: info@huronkinloss.com
Address:
21 Queen St., Ripley ON N0G 2R0

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