I WPA News
Spring 2019 Quarterly publication of Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association
www.iowpa.org
Another Product That Could Harm Septic Systems The Switch
From Employer to Employee
How to Obtain a Residential Onsite Sewage System Permit
2019 Conference Recap • ISDH News • calendar Iowpa News • Spring 2019
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IOWPA News Spring 2019
IOWPA News is the official publication of the Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association, Inc. (IOWPA) and is published quarterly.
Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association 7915 S. Emerson Avenue, Suite 132 Indianapolis, IN 46237 Phone: 317-965-1859 • Fax: 317-534-3460 www.iowpa.org Publisher Jane Breeding, Executive Director, IOWPA 317-965-1859 indianaonsitewastewater@gmail.com
In this issue . . . 10 Another Product That Could Harm Septic Systems 11 The Switch 12 Are Flushable Bathroom Products Safe for Sewer and Septic Systems? 13 How to Obtain a Residential Onsite Sewage System Permit
Editor and Ad Sales Mary Breidenbach, Cumulus Design 317-757-8634 • mary@ecumulus.com Advertising Rates: Rate sheet available online at www.iowpa.org or by contacting Mary Breidenbach at 317-757-8634 • mary@ecumulus.com.
Reprint Permission: Please email IOWPA to request permission to reprint. Direct your email to indianaonsitewastewater@gmail.com and include the title of the article and publication date. Views expressed in articles or editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the association or its directors, but are those of the writer. Trade names used in articles are for identification only. No discrimination is intended toward similar products and IOWPA does not endorse the use of the products mentioned. Subscriptions: Subscription is included with IOWPA membership. Nonmembers: $20.00 per year (4 issues per year). For questions regarding subscriptions, please call IOWPA at 317-965-1859.
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Plus More! 2 President’s Message
IOWPA History
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Calendar
Septic Smart Week
On the cover: Mick — friend and coworker of L.A. Brown. Are everyone’s employees as eager to get to work in the morning as Mick? Photo courtesy L.A. Brown.
IOWPA Patches
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2019 IOWPA Conference Review
IOWPA Committees Call for Volunteers
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IOWPA Ralph Reed Memorial Scholarship
8 New Territories for ISDH OSS Residential Field Staff
ISDH Annual Onsite Sewage Systems Meeting
In Memoriam: Jack M. Deal
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NOWRA Legislative Fly-In: April 11
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President’s Message
Dear IOWPA Members, We are looking forward to leaving a wet 2018 and are hopeful for a great 2019 season. We had another great turnout at the conference this year. The conference gives us the chance to meet people who are either new to the industry or new to our organization, as well as catching up with our old friends. It is also an excellent opportunity to visit with the vendors and see what is new in the industry. Greg Inman
I look forward to serving as the IOWPA President for 2019. I have had the privilege of seeing the industry from two different professions. The first was from a local health department as an onsite system inspector and then moving on to the Environmental Director with the same health department. I am now working for a decentralized wastewater product manufacturing company. With these experiences I hope to be an asset to the organization. Our Field Day Committee is already working on a field day for 2019, which will provide a great hands-on training opportunity for new or experienced industry professionals. We are also hard at work planning the 2020 IOWPA Conference. Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out the 2019 conference survey. We have compiled everyone’s responses and are using them to build the 2020 conference. We are always looking for feedback from our members throughout the year on other topics such as field days, installer certification, trainings, etc., so please feel free to reach out to me or one of the other board members. Thank you for supporting our organization and thank you to the team who produced a wonderful 2019 IOWPA Conference! Greg Inman Infiltrator Water Technologies 317-452-571 ginman@infiltratorwater.com
A look at our past On March 28, 2003 Sam Baker reported to the Board that we had 115 members. My how we have grown! At the May 16, 2003 board meeting it was suggested IOWPA do a joint conference with the Soil Scientists. In 2019 it finally happened. Getting the IOWPA 501(c)(3) non-profit status took three years and over 165 man hours. Final approval came April 15 2005. 2
IOWPA.org • Ph: 317-965-1859
President: Greg Inman (2022) Infiltrator Water Technologies 800-896-9565 ginman@infiltratorwater.com Treasurer: Gary Steinhardt (2022) Purdue University, Dept. of Agronomy 765-494-8063 gsteinhardt@purdue.edu Vice President: Karl M. Glaze (2022) Daviess County Health Dept. 812-254-8674 eehs2@daviesshealth.com Secretary: Kyle Nix (2022) S&M Nix Enterprises, LLC 812-347-2920 kylenix2007@yahoo.com Executive Director: Jane Breeding 7915 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 132 Indianapolis, IN 46237 317-965-1859; Fax: 317-534-3460 indianaonsitewastewater@gmail.com
Board of Directors
IOWPA History IOWPA has a wonderful history. However not all of it was documented. Do you have any recollection of past conferences, volunteer days, or meetings that you could share? Please send them to IOWPA. In the future we hope to have a page on the website for our history to fill in the gaps. Thank you!
2019 IOWPA Officers
Special Request
Do you have photos related to IOWPA? If so, the IOWPA Communications Committee would appreciate if you would share them with IOWPA. We sometimes come up short on documenting our great events, field days, gatherings, etc., and we could use your help. Photos from the distant past to today — we’d love to see them and possibly use them in our communications. Please send photos to: indianaonsitewastewater@gmail.com We thank you in advance!
Will Banks (2022), Ike’s Septic 765-448-1443 • wbanks0610@gmail.com Rick Becht (2020), Becht Enterprises 502-664-2978 • bechtent@gmail.com Mark Bousquet (2020), Black Diamond Exc. 765-588-6400 • blackdiamondex@gmail.com John Hack, II (2022) Hack Excavating, Inc. 765-538-2998 • jhack@tds.net Jon Houseknecht (2022), Sunset Septic & Excavation 219-778-8100 • sunsetseptic@yahoo.com Andrew McAfee (2022), L.A. Brown Company 260-273-9322 • admmcafee@gmail.com Randy Staley (2021), Staley’s Soil Service, Inc. 812-939-2752 Alice Quinn (2018), Indiana State Dept. of Health, 317-518-4388 • alquinn@isdh.in.gov
Proxy Board Members Dick Blazer, Blazer Farms L.A. Brown, L.A. Brown Company Julia Hayes, ISDH John Kennard, Brown County Health Department Chris Leon, ADS Mark Miller, Greene Co. Health Department William Pursley, Shelby Co Health Department Jason Ravenscroft, Marion Co Health Department Brant Ricker, Huntington Co. Health Department Pete Sabo, AK Industries Lisa Zeiner, Putnam County Health Department
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Iowpa News • Spring 2019
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Calendar April 11
IEHA Spring Conference
Valle Vista Conference Center, 755 East Main St., Greenwood, IN More information: https://www.iehaind.org/Conference for registration and agenda
May 1
IOWPA Scholarship Application Due Date
See page 7 for more information about IOWPA’s Ralph Reed Memorial Scholarship. To apply, download the application from IOWPA’s website at www.iowpa.org/scholarship.html.
May 9
IEHA Wastewater Committee Meeting
Dates for the remaining 2019 IEHA Wastewater Committee meetings are June 13, August 8, and November 14.
June 13
IOWPA Quarterly Board Meeting
All meetings begin at 3:00 pm and meet at the IEHA. Dates for the remaining 2019 board meetings are August 8 and November 14.
2019 Septic Smart Week September 16–20
Since 2015, the EPA has promoted the onsite wastewater industry in its annual Septic Smart Week. The main goal of Septic Smart Week is to inform the public about septic system care and maintenance, to assist local agencies in promoting homeowner education and awareness, and to educate local decision makers about the role that onsite wastewater plays in vital infrastructure for their communities. Last year Governor Eric Holcomb recognized the onsite wastewater industry’s vital role in protecting health, preserving the environment, and providing essential infrastructure services for the 3.2 million Indiana Hoosiers by signing a Governor’s Proclamation designating Septic Smart Week to be officially recognized by the state. Hopefully he’ll also declare 2019 Septic Smart Week as well, which we fully expect to happen. Multiple counties across the state also officially declared Septic Smart Week and made efforts to promote it locally. For the fourth year, the EPA is continuing to promote Septic Smart Week during September 16 – 20, 2019. This is a great opportunity to engage with our local communities as onsite wastewater professionals.
Proclamation Brant Ricker from Huntington County Health Department holding the signed Huntington County proclamation for Septic Smart Week in 2018.
Last year for Septic Smart Week, the Marshall County Health Department, ISDH, and local IOWPA members LA Brown Company, Stone Excavating, and AK Industries together co-hosted an educational seminar and luncheon at Plymouth, Indiana’s farmers market where members of the public were able to see first-hand all the components of a septic system from the pipe, tank, soil absorption field, even a pumper truck. The crowd had many questions, which we were able to address, and many people were very thankful for having the opportunity to see what the wastewater infrastructure below ground at their home looks like.
September 16–20
2019 Septic Smart Week
Read story (this page) about this national event and how you can get involved.
IOWPA Patches An IOWPA member has graciously donated embroidered IOWPA patches to the organization for its members. These patches come with adhesive and stick to most surfaces. If you would like a patch please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: IOWPA
7915 S. Emerson Avenue, Suite 132 Indianapolis, IN 46237 Limit 2 per member please.
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IOWPA.org • Ph: 317-965-1859
Septic Smart Week 2018 Event IOWPA members held an educational seminar at Plymouth, Indiana’s farmers market, which gave people a firsthand look at all the components of a septic system.
It’s IOWPA’s goal this year to continue building on the success of Septic Smart Week and offer more educational opportunities, subsidized services, or community engagement endeavors to raise awareness about the Indiana onsite wastewater industry. If you’re planning something for Septic Smart Week in your local area, please let IOWPA know so that we can help publicize your event. Also, if you’re interested in hosting a Septic Smart Week Event but aren’t sure what options are available, please reach out to IOWPA, and we will help plan it with you.
2019 IOWPA Conference Review Pete Sabo, AK Industries Thank you to everyone who attended the 2019 IOWPA Conference. It was one for the record books! We broke our previous record for the largest attendance. In total we had 377 attendees and 19 vendors registered. Our theme for the conference was ‘Septic Evolution’ with the goal of addressing the changes over time that the industry has experienced. From ceramic clay pipe to PVC pipe, our septic pipes have evolved. From steel barrels in the ground to reinforced concrete and advanced polyethylene septic tanks, our septic tanks have evolved. And lastly, from rotary dial to smart phones that are always connected, our industry has witnessed sweeping changes that affect each and every one of our businesses daily. With the continued growth of the industry and our organization, we need to plan ahead and address these advancements whether it be proposed new legislation for the septic industry, technological changes, or new business practices. Thank you to all our presenters and speakers. We received very good evaluations from the attendees. Many people commented on how informative the topics were and how engaging the speakers were with the audience and subject matter. IOWPA Conference 2020
Looking forward to the 2020 IOWPA Conference, it will be held around the same time — 3rd week of January — and the theme for this conference will be Onsite Wastewater Problems where we will focus on trouble shooting common problems in the onsite wastewater industry. If you’d like to get involved, or have ideas for the conference, please consider joining the Conference Committee. Contact Conference Committee co-chairs: Kyle Nix (kylenix2007@yahoo.com) or Julia Hayes (juhayes1@isdh.in.gov) to get involved.
Help grow the association!
IOWPA Committees Call for Volunteers Volunteering with IOWPA helps grow the association, the onsite wastewater industry, and your own network of colleagues and friends. Join one of IOWPA’s seven committees listed below. Look over the list and contact the committee chair to discuss how to get involved. You won’t regret it. Conference Committee
Co-chairs: Kyle Nix: kylenix2007@yahoo.com Julia Hayes: juhayes1@isdh.in.gov Certification Committee
Co-chairs: John Hack II: jhack@tds.net Gary Steinhardt: gsteinhardt@purdue.edu Communications Committee
Co-chairs: Pete Sabo: pete@akindustries.com Andrew McAfee: admmcafee@gmail.com
Summer Field Day Committee
Awards/Scholarship and Membership Committee
Co-chairs: Karl Glaze: ehs2@daviesshealth.com L.A. Brown: labrownco@sbcglobal.net
Long Range Planning Committee
Co-chairs: Pete Sabo: pete@akindustries.com Rick Becht: bechtent@gmail.com Education/Code of Conduct Committee
Chair: Pete Sabo pete@akindustries.com
Chair: Mark Bousquet, blackdiamondex@gmail.com
You can’t take it back, but you can apologize. At the IOWPA appreciation dinner, several people became uncomfortable with several comments I made. Fortunately they expressed their feelings and concerns on the exit comment sheet, otherwise I would never have known. As soon as I saw the comments I knew that I needed a face-to-face meeting to make things right. The last thing I wanted was for someone to say “ L.A. gets up and talks about all of us getting along but does not practice what he preaches” During the two hour drive to the meeting I had plenty of time to think. I was not thinking about making excuses. Instead I was trying to figure out how I could avoid comments in the future that would seem negative or offensive. I was glad that the person cared enough about me and IOWPA to point out the problem. I thanked them for that, and promised I would do better. Some of the membership have had formal training in the area of proper communication, etc. I have not and bet there are many within our organization who could benefit from some training. I have asked the conference committee to dedicate one session at the 2020 conference for the purpose of helping all of us to be more sensitive and point out things we can do to better get along. For the ones that I have offended please accept my apology. Please help me practice what I preach. Thanks, L.A. Brown
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IOWPA.org • Ph: 317-965-1859
IOWPA’s Ralph Reed Memorial Scholarship Applications Due: May 1
The deadline to apply for the Ralph Reed Memorial Scholarship is approaching. This scholarship requires that the applicant is a family member of an IOWPA member. So members, if you have a student starting in the fall or currently in college, they are eligible. If you have a student that has submitted in the past and is still in college, they are eligible to resubmit, even if they were awarded the scholarship previously.
Marlee Stoner is a senior studying Nursing at the University of Southern Indiana. Member is Geoff Stoner, Washington, Indiana.
Michael Swango studies Software Engineering at Trine University. Member is Jennifer Scott, Wabash, Indiana.
Alexis DiBattiste is studying nursing at IUPUI. Member is Trevis Bright, Marion, Indiana.
Tobias Smith studies Aviation Flight Science at Indiana State University. Member is Darryl Smith, LaPorte, Indiana.
To apply, visit IOWPA’s website and download the application at http://www.iowpa.org/ scholarship.html. Pictured here are the 2018 Scholarship Recipients.
Nicholas Garcia studies Visual Communications Technology at Bowling Green State Univ. Member is Alfredo Garcia, Middlebury, Indiana.
Iowpa News • Spring 2019
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New Territories for ISDH OSS Residential Field Staff The residential on-site sewage systems program in the Environmental Public Health Division of ISDH has recently become fully staffed once again. Field staff territories throughout Indiana have been shifted to meet the location of the field staff and the needs of the local health departments they serve. David Ortel has been with the division for over 25 years and serves as a field staffer in northwest Indiana. Joe Rakoczy, has been with the division for three years and serves as a field staffer in northeast Indiana. Southeast Indiana is now served by Julia Hayes who has been with the program for two years. Our newest staff member, Garry Davis, serves the southwest part of Indiana and has just recently been hired into the program. Garry formerly worked at Morgan and Greene County Health Departments. Contact information for the ISDH EPH residential staff is as follows:
On-Site Sewage System Field Staff Areas Effective February 25, 2019
Alice Quinn, Supervisor alquinn@isdh.in.gov • 317-518-4388 David Ortel dortel@isdh.in.gov • 317-412-2118
Rakoczy Ortel
Joe Rakoczy jorakoczy@isdh.in.gov • 317-503-2437
Quinn
Julia Hayes juhayes1@isdh.in.gov • 317-771-9918 Garry Davis gdavis@isdh.in.gov • 317-864-6452
Hayes Davis
ISDH Annual On-site Sewage Systems Meeting ISDH held our annual On-site Sewage Systems Meeting on February 26 and 27 in Indianapolis and had a great turn out. The two-day meeting was packed with educational opportunities for local health department staff. The topics presented were varied and all relevant to on-site sewage systems. Some examples include: Kayla Hansen, Director of Technical Services with the National Precast Concrete Association, presented Keys to Quality, Durable Onsite Wastewater Tanks. Gary Kent, PS with The Schneider Corp., discussed many aspects of easements and rights of way with the attendees. Rick Neilson, State Soil Scientist, NRCS, and Dena Anderson, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, spoke on site and soil disturbance. Kim Anderson, with the Orange County Health Department, and Jim Brown, IRSS, discussed a site in Orange County with high shrink/swell clay soils. Tom Duszynski, MPH, Ph.D. ISDH staff also presented on a variety of topics from septic tank installation, final inspection of technologies new to Indiana, biomat, and antiquated technologies such as drywells, seepage pits, and cesspools. 8
IOWPA.org • Ph: 317-965-1859
In Memoriam
Jack M. Deal AUGUST 16, 1934 – FEBRUARY 11, 2019 Jack M. Deal, 84, passed away February 11, 2019. He was born August 16, 1934 in Marion, Indiana to the late Riley and Hannah Huntington Deal. Jack received a B.S. in Agriculture from Purdue University and was a Professional Certified Soil Scientist. He received Certificates of Recognition from the U.S. Senate in 1987, the Hoosier Chapter Endowment Fund, and the Putnam County Soil & Water Conservation for outstanding leadership and devotion toward resource conservation and development. Jack loved nature and the outdoors, gardening, and traveling the world with his wife — especially Canada and Alaska. Most importantly, he loved his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Tom and Nancy Deal. Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Lesley Jo Deal; children, Wendy Forsythe (John), Cindy Wuthrich (Ben), Mindy Coon (Jim), Brad Deal (Amy), and David Deal (Laurie); grandchildren, Eileen Scott, John Forsythe, Ryan Deal, Kaylin Deal, Evan Deal, Amanda Martin, Alan Coon, and Heather Hamman; great grandchildren, Evelyn Scott, Cale Hayes, and Brooklyn Deal; step-children, Jason Schulz, Brian Schulz (Kelli), and Thomas Schulz (Jacquline); and step grandchildren, Nicholas, Cherlanda, Aarika, Chloe, Jarod, and Jacob Schulz.
NOWRA Legislative Fly-In Washington, DC —April 11, 2019 Pete Sabo, AK Industries Every year NOWRA (the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association) hosts a Legislative Fly-in to Washington, DC in an effort to connect local, onsite wastewater professionals and constituents with their local representative in the House of Representatives and the Senate. I have personally attended this event for the past two years, and I believe it is a fundamental step in improving and protecting the onsite wastewater industry in Indiana. It is my goal to communicate the magnitude and significance of the work done by the onsite wastewater professionals in our state. From 2017 to 2018, NOWRA set up certain legislative goals, and they have largely achieved them through concerted efforts and targeted campaigns toward government decision makers. These efforts consist of applying pressure through local
constituents communicating the importance of the onsite wastewater industry, which is severely under funded federally. Last year they were able to acquire funding for investing onsite wastewater treatment, as well as putting a question about septic systems back on the American Community Survey. This year their goal is to expand the percentage of new construction that utilizes onsite wastewater. Many areas do not consider onsite wastewater infrastructure a long-term, viable option for development. It is our goal to ensure that our government representation understands the viability and benefits of the septic industry in their state. Last year, I was fortunate enough to spend 10 minutes speaking my with local
2018 Legislative Fly-in Pete Sabo meeting with his representative, Jackie Walorski in Washington, DC in 2018.
representative, Jackie Walorski. She admitted that she had not spent as much time thinking about septic systems as she could have, but she did ask questions about the challenges facing the industry and genuinely wanted to know what our wastewater professionals thought about a range of topics from tax cuts to requirements for septic inspections before the point of sale.
Iowpa News • Spring 2019
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Another Product That Could Harm Septic Systems Sara Heger, Ph.D., University of Minnesota This article first appeared online at Onsiteinstaller.com on July 5, 2018, published by COLE Publishing, Three Lakes, Wis. It is reprinted by permission.
If your customers are frequently indulging in the use of bath bombs, it could mean bad news for their onsite system. Bath bombs are hard-packed mixtures of dry ingredients that effervesce when wet. They are used to add essential oils, scent, bubbles, and color to bathwater. They are a mixture of salts, colorants, oils, and solid items such as flower petals or glitter. When added to a bath, the sodium bicarbonate reacts with citric acid to release carbon dioxide gas (like Alka-Seltzer®). As it is breaking down, it releases colorants, fragrances, salts, and oils. Potential problems
1. Solid particles in bath bombs could include natural things like lavender buds and flower petals or synthetic materials such as glitter and confetti. None of these items will dissolve. Along with the other items present in the waste stream, these could plug up plumbing and negatively affect the septic system. It is best to use bath bombs that do not contain solid particles or you could place a length of pantyhose or a fine mesh strainer over the tub drain to collect any solids. The natural products could contribute to the oxygen demand of the system and the synthetic ones could accumulate in the tank, clog effluent filters, and potentially harm downstream components. 2. There are fats and oil in most bath bombs. Oils are liquid at room temperature and will make their way to the septic tank where they will hopefully float to the top and accumulate in the scum layer. Fats or butters in bath bombs can be a problem as
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IOWPA.org • Ph: 317-965-1859
they have a variety of melting points and if they cool too fast while traveling through the pipes, they can solidify and create a blockage similar to grease in the kitchen. Typical bathwater is usually around 105 degrees F. Cocoa butter has a melting point around 97 degrees F, but at the end of the bath, the water may have cooled to close to 98 degrees. When the drain is opened, the pipes are easily going to bring that temperature below the 97 degrees F solidification point and potentially create a buildup in the interior plumbing. Most bath bombs have such a low butter content that it should not create much of an issue in the plumbing, but if bombs are used frequently, it could accumulate in piping and the tanks outside the home. Bath “truffles” have a much higher butter content and should be avoided. These oils and greases can accumulate in the tank, clog effluent filters, or exert an additional oxygen demand in the overall system. 3. The salts used in some bath bombs may not totally dissolve. Partially dissolved bath salts can result in clogs as a few undissolved chunks can become caught in the drain, which will then catch hair and other pieces of debris. In high amounts, these added salts will harm the bacteria in the system. In general, bath bombs are not a product recommended for frequent use for those on septic systems. For those connected to wastewater treatment plants, care should be taken to not clog drains.
About the Author:
Sara Heger, Ph.D., is an engineer, researcher and instructor in the Onsite Sewage Treatment Program in the Water Resources Center at the University of Minnesota. She presents at many local and national training events regarding the design, installation, and management of septic systems and related research. Heger is education chair of the Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association and the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, and she serves on the NSF International Committee on Wastewater Treatment Systems. Ask Heger questions about septic system maintenance and operation by sending an email to kim.peterson@colepublishing.com.
The Switch
From employer to employee
In January of 2019 I made the switch from employer to employee by selling my business to Andrew McAfee. In some ways it has been great. I know that my business will continue and the customers I served for years will be well taken care of. I no longer have all the phone calls to answer or return. I don’t need to have excuses for why we can’t get there “right now.” No more worrying about the weather, or if we have all the materials for the job on the truck. I don’t have to remember to call 811 two days in advance. Pricing the jobs and scheduling are now Andrew’s responsibility. I no longer need to collect money from customers who don’t want to pay the bill on time.
to show my helpers how I wanted it done. I told the dump truck drivers exactly where I wanted the loads of stone. Even on jobs where we worked for larger companies, I was usually “boss” within an hour or so. I am trying very hard to let Andrew take the lead and just do my job. I remind myself almost daily that all I have to do now is show up, do the job at hand, and cash my check on Friday.
Not being the boss has been harder than I expected. I have been my own boss for 30 years and find it very hard not to continue. I was always the one pushing to get things done. I shouted orders. I grabbed the shovel
Although I never gave Andrew a time line for my “retirement” from the company, I did not expect it to be so difficult for him to find a person to replace me. Since I do not want to leave him without any help, I guess
I did not think about not having Andrew as my helper anymore. It just wouldn’t be right to ask my boss to help bale hay, fix the tractor, or do all the other things that aren’t business related.
I will keep digging holes in the ground, shoving them back shut, and hope Andrew will get paid for the job. I plan to stay involved with IOWPA and the onsite industry and am happy that Andrew has followed my lead by becoming a director on the IOWPA board. I will stay in touch. – L.A. Brown In the next newsletter “The Switch” will be from Andrew McAfee’s viewpoint. In future additions we plan to feature people who have switched from regulator to soil scientist, from installer to regulator, and from local regulator to State Department of Health. Stay tuned. If you know of someone who made the “Switch” please ask them to write about their experience and submit it to IOWPA. Thanks!
Iowpa News • Spring 2019 11
Are Flushable Bathroom Products Safe for Sewer and Septic Systems? Bindu Bhakta, Michigan State University Extension This article was first published by MSU Extension and is reprinted with permission of the author. In recent years, the use of products such as pre-moistened “flushable” wipes have been advertised as a way to feel “cleaner” and “fresher” but most don’t know they have caused damage to wastewater systems across the country. There are many relatively new bathroom products on the market today that are advertised as a better cleaning experience when compared to traditional toilet paper. These products’ labels indicate they are safe for sewers and septic systems. In addition to wipes, there are also other cleaning products that are labeled as “flushable” which may go down the toilet but they are not breaking down sufficiently enough. This has led to clogged pipes and jammed pumps in sewer systems across the country. “Ragging” refers to the phenomenon in which flushable wipes for adults and toddlers combine with other items such as extra-thick toilet paper, toilet cleaning wand pop-off pads, baby wipes, paper towels, sanitary pads, dental floss, and other items that are not designed to be flushed that get tangled up in sewer pipes. Flushable wipes are marketed in a variety of ways, such as “septic-safe,” “breaks down like toilet paper,” and “safe for sewer and septic.” The problem is that they appear to take longer to break down when compared to traditional toilet paper, and as a result have caused major blockages in sewer systems. Aging infrastructures have also compounded the problem. Wipes that clog pipes can lead to blockages that can cause sewage overflow into basements or streams. According to a Washington Post article on flushable wipes clogging sewer systems, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, which handles sewage for 1.8 million people, recently spent more than $1 million to install grinders to shred wipes and other debris so it won’t clog treatment 12
IOWPA.org • Ph: 317-965-1859
plant pumps. Officials with DC Water, the District’s water and sewer agency, also reported more than 500 man-hours were used over the past 12 months to remove stuck pipes and repair broken equipment, and an estimated 35 percent increase in broken pumps and clogged sewer lines over the past few years. This issue also seems to be harmful to septic systems. In Oakland County, Michigan, there are over 80,000 septic systems that can potentially be impacted. Oakland County Environmental Health Division manager/ health officer Kathy Forzley recently urged residents to think before they flush wipes and other bathroom products which may result in clogged pipes, pumps and the need to replace or upgrade septic systems. This material and others can build up and require pumping and servicing more often.
At the heart of the issues is the fact that utilities believe manufacturers of flushable products are not conducting disintegration tests for flushable wipes that mimic actual conditions in real-life sewer systems. Manufacturers don’t agree with this claim, and say their test results provide scientific evidence that wipes are safe for sewer and septic systems. Due to the many issues across the country as well as internationally, the issue of what is considered “flushable” and what specific testing that should be conducted to determine whether a product breaks down adequately enough to be flushed or not, will likely continue to garner increased interest. A short video called “Are Flushable Wipes Flushable?” produced by Consumer Reports is helpful in introducing the public to the potential danger of flushable wipes. You can find this video at https://www.consumerreports.org/video/. If you are concerned about whether flushable products are causing and/or have caused a problem to your system, stop flushing the items in question. Instead, bag them and place them in your garbage for collection. When in doubt, just because an item says it can be flushed doesn’t mean it should be. Contact your local health department or sewer utility that handles wastewater in your area for more information.
No Wipes in the Pipes Patty Potty is a campaign by Save Water Texas Coalition which has it’s own website, www.pattypotty.com.
How to Obtain a Residential Onsite Sewage System Permit Lisa Zeiner, Putnam County Health Department Keep in mind each County Health Department may require more or less than another county health department. The following steps are the minimum required to obtain an onsite sewage system permit:
Step 1:
Soil Evaluation Contact an Indiana Registered Soil Scientist who works in the county of the proposed system to be installed
(https://www.oisc.purdue.edu/irss/index.html)
a. It is a good idea to contact the local health department to see if an Environmental Health Specialist is available to meet at the site during the time the soil scientist is at the site. b. It is also a good idea for the installer and/or the designer of the onsite sewage system to be at the site with the soil scientist and the health department. c. At least three soil borings should be taken within the area of the soil absorption field. Keep in mind that some health departments may require borings in an alternate location or they may require more than the minimum recommended by ISDH.
Step 2:
Onsite sewage System Application Contact the local health department to determine what is required to be submitted with the application form. Typically the following should be submitted: a. Recorded copy of the deed showing the owner name and legal description (used to verify that all parts of the onsite sewage system is on the subject’s property). b. Copy of the proposed floor plan for the dwelling that the system will serve (used to verify number of proposed bedrooms).
Step 3:
A Plan Show the design of the proposed onsite sewage system based on the following: a. Soil report b. Number of bedrooms and bedroom equivalents (this would include any accessory buildings especially if those buildings will have plumbing). c. Minimum specifications issued from the Local Health Department based on the soil report. d. Flag the system (all components) at the site per the plan.
c. Copy of the recorded subdivision plat (if the parcel is within a subdivision) or copy of the GIS map if not within a subdivision. d. Application fee varies with each county.
Check with the local health department to determine who is allowed to design the system. Some health departments require the design to be drawn by a Professional Registered Civil Engineer. Some health departments allow IOWPA Certified Installers to design the system. Besides Rule 410 lAC 6-8.3 and the design manuals for sand lined systems, it is important to obtain a copy of the On-Site Sewage System Ordinance from the county where the system will be installed. Some counties have additional requirements that are stricter than the state rule. Working with the local health department will make the design and installation a smoother process.
Iowpa News • Spring 2019 13
Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professional Association 7915 S. Emerson Avenue, Suite 132 Indianapolis, IN 46237 Phone: 317-965-1859 • Fax: 317-534-3460 www.iowpa.org
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID INDIANAPOLIS IN PERMIT 5677