Sewer / Septic – West Rockhill Township

Act 537 Plan

In accordance with the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP),The Township enacted a Sewage Management Plan on November 1, 2011. The Act 537 Plan provides a comprehensive planning document to identify and resolve existing sewage disposal problems, avoid potential sewage problems resulting from new land development, and to provide for future sewage disposal needs within the community.

Do I need a Permit to install a new on-lot sewage system?

Yes. The Bucks County Department of Health requires a permit. Please contact them at: 215-536-6500

The Township requires a reviewfor any new sewage system as well asthe establishment ofa ProfessionalEscrow Account. AMaintenance Fee and Maintenance Agreement are also required to assure thatthenew system in maintained in proper working order. Please call the Township at 215-257-9063 for more information.

How an Onlot (Septic) System FunctionsThere are two basic types of anaerobic (without Oxygen) onlot systems; those with gravity distribution systems and those with pressure distribution systems. In both types, there are three major components:

Sewage flows to the septic tank, where the primary treatment process takes place. In the tank, the heaviest matter settles to the bottom (forming sludge) and the lighter matter (scum) floats on top of a somewhat clear liquid called effluent. While the sludge and scum must be pumped out regularly, the clear liquid flows out of the tank to a distribution box or dosing tank, and is then directed to the absorption area by gravity flow or through pressurized pipes. Within the absorption area, this effluent exits through pipes into a layer of gravel and then percolates through the soil for additional treatment. The bacteria in the soil neutralizes many of the contaminants in the wastewater.

Signs of an onlot system in trouble include:

Preventing MalfunctionsHomeowners can help prevent malfunctions and ensure the long-term use of their onlot system by doing the following:

Conserving Water and Reducing WasteflowOnlot systems not only treat and dispose of domestic sewage from toilets, they also receive wastewater from various other household fixtures, including baths, showers, kitchen sinks, garbage disposals, automatic dishwaters and laundries.

Conserving water and reducing the amount of wasteflow from household activities is an important step to ensuring long-term use. The more water-using devices in a household, the greater the burden is on the onlot system.

Following are some helpful water conservation tips and a comparison of water usage between conventional fixtures versus water-saving fixtures:

Pumping Your Septic TankA septic tank accumulates solids (sludge) and scum which should be pumped out at least every three years. The frequency of pumping depends upon tank size and household size. Larger households generally require more frequent pumpings (every one or two years).

In Pennsylvania, specific tank sizes are generally based on the number of bedrooms in the home because the number of bedrooms is an indicator of household size. For example, a home with three bedrooms must have a 900 gallon or larger septic tank. The more bedrooms, the larger the septic tank.

Your toilet is Not A Trash CanTrillions of living, beneficial bacteria constantly treat and decompose raw sewage in a septic system. The effectiveness of these bacteria can be impaired if harmful substances and chemicals are put into the septic system. Harmful substances/chemicals include:

Remember, what goes into your toilet and drains may eventually end up back in your drinking water. So instead of using caustic toilet bowl cleaners or bleach, try mild detergent or baking soda or one half cup of borax per gallon of water.

Also NEVER flush bulky, hard to decompose items such a sanitary napkins, diapers, paper towels, cigarette filters, plastics, eggshells, bones or coffee grounds down the toilet because they can clog the system.

Helpful Links

View original post here:
Sewer / Septic - West Rockhill Township