Date: Fri 12-Jul-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

health-dept-septic-system

Full Text:

Health Dept. Reviews Policy Explaining Septic System Requirements

B Y K AAREN V ALENTA

The Newtown Health District is reviewing a policy which would explain the

criteria used to determine whether septic system modifications are needed when

existing houses are renovated or enlarged.

"There have been a tremendous number of additions and alterations done (to

homes) in existing developments in the past few years," Kathleen Purches, the

district's environmental director, told the Health District Board at its

meeting on Monday.

Ms Purches said the state's public health code includes a paragraph (section

19-13-B100) which addresses building conversions, "but it isn't clear enough

to explain to persons what they need to do."

The problem, she said, is that many times a lot of even two or three acres

cannot support the septic expansion required when a homeowner wants to add

bedrooms or items like swimming pools.

The policy states that before a bedroom addition is done, the existing septic

system must be in working condition. It must be a conventional sytem (septic

tank with leaching fields) and properly sized for the existing number of

bedrooms already within the dwelling.

The addition will require identification of an area on the property which

would allow for a replacement of the entire septic system if it ever becomes

necessary.

"This addresses those houses that do not have an identified reserve area -

houses built before 1980," Ms Purches said.

Mark Cooper, the district's health director, said the policy spells out what

is already being done but it also includes one change which is less

restrictive.

"Previously, if someone was adding bedrooms, we would require a septic system

upgrade," he said. "Now they will only have to show that the existing system

will comply."

Often there is confusion on the part of homeowners over what constitutes a

bedroom as it applies to the septic code. A homeowner may be planning an

addition or renovation to create a den, sewing room or library, but if the

room has two or more features like an adjacent full bath, a closet and a

entrance off a hallway or a direct outside entrance, it is considered to be a

bedroom. That's because the room could be used as a bedroom at any time by

that owner or a subsequent owner, putting more stress on the septic system.

Mr Cooper said the written policy was done not only for the benefit of the

public but also so that the health district staff will be consistent in its

decision making.

"The policy is more explanatory. It puts it in writing," Ms Purches added.

The next meeting of the health district is scheduled for 9 am Monday, August

5, in the conference room at Town Hall South. For more information about the

policy, call the health district at 270-4291.