contains the rules for the OSSF permitting. 1, eff. 11.12, eff. The evaluation includes conducting a survey of the entire lot and a soil analysis in the proposed disposal area, and identifying other criteria necessary to determine suitability for a standard OSSF system. Any sewage treatment method has two components: a pre-treatment option, such as a septic tank or sand filter, and a dispersal system, such as a leach field or low-pressure distribution setup. Sept. 1, 1989. 1.023, eff. (a) A person commits an offense if the person violates this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. (d) Except as provided by this subsection, an ordinance under Subsection (c) may not require a utility to build, retrofit, or improve fire hydrants and related infrastructure in existence at the time the ordinance is adopted. Sept. 1, 1993. 678, Sec. (c) A public school lunchroom must comply with the state food and drug rules. TOILET FACILITIES. The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) maintains a public database of septic system professionals who are also NOWRA members. POOL SAFETY. 11, eff. 1430 (S.B. 341.035. If you notice an odor, it may be coming from a roof vent or other vent pipe that allows the system pressure to equalize. One way to determine if your home has a septic system is to check your property records. 3.0858, eff. April 2, 2015. (c) A notification or order issued under this section may be delivered by facsimile, by personal service, or by mail. Our non-traffic rated precast concrete septic tank sizes range from to 300 to 3,500 gallons. Sept. 1, 1993. (f) A public water system that paints all or the cap of a hydrant black as required by Subsection (c)(2) may also ensure by any reasonable means that the hydrant is identifiable in low-light conditions, including by installing reflectors. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 3.0862, eff. In many states, a septic system must be inspected with the transfer of real estate. The commission may approve infrastructure improvements and make corresponding changes to the tariff or rate schedule of a utility that is a public utility as needed to permit compliance with this section. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. (2) if the hydrant continues to be unavailable for use in a fire emergency, paint all or the cap of the hydrant black as required by Subsection (c)(2). A good number of the local authorities in Texas have become authorized agents of the 1 (S.B. 11 locations provide Septic Services in Cameron County, Texas. Sec. Regulation of onsite wastewater treatment systems: For additional information,visit EPA'sFunding for Septic Systemsor Water Finance Clearinghouse. are sized and constructed in accordance with 285.33(b)(3). Additional fixtures above the norm can also increase the tank and/or drain field size required; examples include large volume bathtubs . Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. ft. - minimum of 1,050 Gallons . (e) The distribution system of a public drinking water supply and that of any other water supply may not be physically connected unless the other water is of a safe and sanitary quality and the commission approves the connection. (d) An ordinance under Subsection (b) may not require a utility to build, retrofit, or improve infrastructure in existence at the time the ordinance is adopted. 1 (S.B. A failing septic system likely discharges untreated wastewater, which contains pathogens (e.g.. 341.046. Above ground storage tank regulations. (d) The superstructure and floor surrounding the seat riser and hopper device of a privy constructed and maintained in conformity with the department's specifications shall be kept in a sanitary condition at all times and must have adequate lighting and ventilation. There are charcoal filters available for roof vents that may also alleviate the odors. 5.95(49), (59), eff. site map| 1 (S.B. SANITATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, CHAPTER 341. 1, eff. A rule of thumb is to pump the tank when the solids are two-thirds of the volume in the tank. FAIRGROUNDS, PUBLIC PARKS, AND AMUSEMENT CENTERS. 1 (S.B. are constructed with either pipe and gravel, leaching chambers, or gravel-less pipe in either a trench or bed configuration and backfilled with sand. To set up a septic system in Texas, one must get permission from the state. Sealy, Texas 77474 Phone: 979 . (j) A comb or hairbrush used by two or more persons may not be permitted or distributed in a bathhouse of a public swimming pool or of an artificial swimming lagoon. (c) The bacterial content of the water in an interactive water feature or fountain may not exceed the safe limits prescribed by the standards adopted under this chapter. 5. In these cases, the vent may need to be cleaned or raised. 341.038. The tank has a leak and is discharging wastewater into the ground instead of into the drainfield. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 821 (H.B. Water treatment plants, including aeration, coagulation, mixing, settling, filtration, and chlorinating units, shall be of a size and type prescribed by good public health engineering practices. (e) The department shall give each surveyed establishment a summary of the studies and findings under Subsection (d) and make necessary recommendations for the adequate protection of the health, safety, and well-being of the workers. (c) If it is shown on a trial of the defendant that the defendant has been convicted of an offense under Subsection (a) within a year before the date on which the offense being tried occurred, the subsequent offense under Subsection (a) is a Class B misdemeanor. (a-1) The licensed operator of a water supply system may be a volunteer. is a method that disposes of secondary treated effluent onto the surface of the ground after. 821 (H.B. Many materials that might be poured down the drain do not easily decompose. 861 (H.B. Some states maintain a statewide database with information at the county level. (2) provide adequate financial assurance of the ability to operate the system in accordance with applicable laws and rules in the form of a bond or as specified by the commission. Statewide Links: Texas.gov An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $10 or more than $200. (d) The public official, agent, or employee shall post on the front door of the residence a notice stating: (1) the identity of the treating authority; (2) the purpose and date of the treatment; (3) a description of the areas of the property treated with larvicide; (5) any known risks of the larvicide to humans or animals. 1, eff. (c) If, after examination of a possible violation and the facts surrounding that possible violation, the executive director of the commission concludes that a violation has occurred, the executive director may issue a preliminary report stating the facts on which that conclusion is based, recommending that a penalty under this section be imposed on the person, and recommending the amount of that proposed penalty. Unlined Evapotranspiration (E-T) systems: Contact TCEQ's OSSF program:E-mail addresses and phone numbers for assistance with technical information, licensing, complaints, and other issues about on-site sewage facilities (septic systems). If your drainfield is more than 25 to30 years old, the natural biomat that forms in the bottom of the trenches or beds can thicken and reduce the ability of the drainfield to properly discharge the wastewater into the ground. (a) In this section: (2) "Municipal utility" means a retail public utility, as defined by Section 13.002, Water Code, that is owned by a municipality. Also, place the septic tank where it is accessible for future inspections and pump outs. 2430), Sec. Emergency repairs are defined in 30 TAC Subchapter D, 285.35. 11.14, eff. Welcome to Montgomery County, Texas Home Departments Departments D - F Environmental Health Permitting Permit Department Scott Nichols - Director 501 North Thompson Suite 100 Conroe, Texas 77301 Phone: 936-539-7836 Fax: 936-538-8155 Office Hours: 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday - Friday [email protected] ________________________________________________ You also may not receive a water bill for drinking water if you have a private well. Its estimated that nearly 40% of new homes in our state use some type of septic system for wastewater treatment. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. Septic system inspections should be done every 1 to3 years for as long as you own your home. Sept. 1, 1993. HIGHWAY SIGNS FOR APPROVED SYSTEM RATING. Sept. 1, 1993. Sec. 219), Sec. 341.035(b) and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. The term does not include wastewater: (A) that has come in contact with toilet waste; (B) from the washing of material, including diapers, soiled with human excreta; or. This is to ensure that good sanitary and environmental practices have been followed. Having septic tank problems in Wood County? | Texas Homeland Security Sec. Tree and shrub roots can ensnarl and damage drainfield pipes. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, eff. Box 220 (b) This section applies only to a county, or a municipality in a county, that: (1) borders the United Mexican States or is adjacent to a county that borders the United Mexican States; (2) has a population of at least 400,000 or has a population of at least 20,000 and is adjacent to a county that has a population of at least 400,000; and. June 20, 2003. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. September 1, 2013. (f) A retail establishment is not required to make any physical changes to an employee toilet facility under this section. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. In Texas septic system or as the state calls it OSSF (On-Site Sewage Facility) separation requirements are in 285.91 (10) but geez the state couldn't have made it more difficult for a normal person to find the actual information in (10) Table X. 1, eff. Under Texas septic system laws, a homeowner can be prosecuted for deviating from the approved plan. (k) The operator or manager of a public swimming pool or of an artificial swimming lagoon shall provide adequate and proper approved facilities for the disposal of human excreta by the bathers. 1010, Sec. 965, Sec. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1468), Sec. 545 (H.B. Freshwater rivers, lakes, and ponds are more sensitive to phosphorus contamination from failing septic systems. 256 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<72C7D09D8F6EA0409EE6DFD9A8D946F9>]/Index[238 41]/Info 237 0 R/Length 96/Prev 153272/Root 239 0 R/Size 279/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream The material and human excreta may not be deposited within 300 feet of a highway unless buried or treated in accordance with the instructions of the local health authority or the department. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. (9) "Toilet" means the hopper device for the deposit and discharge of human excreta into a water carriage system. (C) eliminate habitat for mosquitoes and other vectors; (5) uses piping clearly identified as a nonpotable water conduit, including identification through the use of purple pipe, purple tape, or similar markings; (6) is generated without the formation of ponds or pools of graywater or alternative onsite water; (7) does not create runoff across the property lines or onto any paved surface; and. A septic tank and drainfield combination is the oldest and most common type of OSSF, although newer aerobic treatment units exist which represent scaled down versions of municipal sewage treatment . Sept. 1, 1989. (a) In this section: (1) "Municipal utility" means a retail public utility, as defined by Section 13.002, Water Code, that is owned by a municipality. Sec. 1, eff. 678, Sec. are constructed in open lawn areas and are not designed to handle vehicles or heavy equipment driving on them. April 2, 2015. These programs ensure that ground water resources will not be threatened, and stipulate appropriate setback distances from buildings, driveways, property lines, and surface waters. As a driver, you may also need a Class B driver's license . 341.066. If public water (water from city or rural water district) is used, the minimum lot size requirement for a house needing a septic system is acre for most systems. When you need help with septic tanks, drain fields, or . 648, Sec. CIVIL ENFORCEMENT. Section 300f et seq.). Because the TCEQ has no control over the posting of material to these sites, the agency cannot take responsibility for their continued validity and maintenance. April 2, 2015. (b) The standards adopted by the commission under Subsection (a) must assure that the use of graywater or alternative onsite water is not a nuisance and does not threaten human health or damage the quality of surface water and groundwater in this state. (3) impose and collect a reasonable fee in connection with a permit or inspection required under this subsection provided, if the requirement is imposed by a county or municipality, the following are met: (A) the auditor for the county or municipality shall review the program every two years to ensure that the fees imposed do not exceed the cost of the program; and. 1375 (S.B. 341.035(d) and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. If this is being done, consider following the recommendations below. The permitting authority must either approve or deny the planning materials you submitted with your permit application within 30 days after receipt. (a) In this section: (1) "Industrial district" has the meaning assigned by Section 42.044, Local Government Code, and includes an area that is designated by the governing body of a municipality as a zoned industrial area. [email protected]. The notice shall include a brief summary of the charges, a statement of the amount of the penalty recommended, and a statement of the right of the person charged to a hearing on the occurrence of the violation, the amount of the penalty, or both. It's the system of choice for approximately 20% of the new homes built in Texas.an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF), commonly called a "septic system." June 15, 2017. (b) A person who causes, suffers, allows, or permits a violation under this subchapter shall be assessed a civil penalty of not less than $50 and not more than $5,000 for each violation. (5) "Person" means an individual, corporation, organization, government, business trust, partnership, association, or any other legal entity. Environmental Officers: Brittnay Cooper, D.R. 1, eff. 76, Sec. 3Can only be installed in an area where the slope is less than or equal to 2.0%. 76, Sec. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 519 (S.B. 3 bedroom homes, less than 2,250 sq. September 1, 2011. 880, Sec. Renovating vs. New Construction: Which Is Better For Your Project? (f) On the department's request, or as otherwise provided by this chapter, the attorney general shall institute and conduct a suit in the name of the state for injunctive relief, to recover a civil penalty, or for both injunctive relief and civil penalty. 1, eff. 76, Sec. SUBCHAPTER E. AUTHORITY OF HOME-RULE MUNICIPALITIES. The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized. 11.14, eff. Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. Sec. 1 An absorptive drainfield may be used, if a rock horizon is at least 6 inches above the bottom of the excavation, see 285.33(b)(1). You can also talk to your neighbors. A permit is also required to conduct Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. (2) other relevant issues pertaining to the use of the water and maintenance of the fire hydrants to ensure compliance with this section. 3216 Fax: 512-578-3501 Email: [email protected] LCRA OSSF Program - L110 P.O. Avoid steep slopes and areas of dense tree roots or other obstructions. 2, eff. The information forms the basis of an official comparative rating of public drinking water supply systems. However, the law allows the Commission to designate a local authority, when there is one, to handle the above tasks. can only be installed by an Installer Class II. Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. A 1000 gallon septic tank, for reference, is ideal for a home with three people. 821 (H.B. This may increase the cost of pumping the tank and may require replacing the entire drainfield if it becomes clogged. Surface waters can be contaminated with pathogens, such as, Pathogens can cause illnesses for recreational swimming areas, even requiring beach closures and hazards to humans and pets. Sept. 1, 1995. 3.0865, eff. 678, Sec. (b) An offense under Subsection (a) is a Class C misdemeanor. (b) A school building must be properly ventilated and provided with an adequate supply of drinking water, an approved sewage disposal system, hand-washing facilities, a heating system, and lighting facilities that conform to established standards of good public health engineering practices. Have the septic tank cleaned before sludge or scum accumulates to the bottom of the tank's outlet device (about every 3 to 5 years). 341.011. Another possibility is a down draft (changes to wind pattern) or other location-specific conditions, which can create an odor inside or outside your home. In addition to EPA, there are national financing programs available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well as other agencies. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. 219), Sec. (c) Each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense. (a) Public drinking water must be free from deleterious matter and must comply with the standards established by the commission or the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Sec. 219), Sec. Professional sanitarian can design when secondary treatment is not required. (b) Effluent from septic tanks constructed after September 4, 1945, shall be disposed of through: (1) a subsurface drainage field designed in accordance with good public health engineering practices; or. (f) A person may use, maintain, and repair a pool or spa that was in compliance with the laws of this state on August 31, 2021, and related mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in accordance with the laws applicable to the pool or system on that date. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The average cost for a gravity septic system is $1,500 to $4,000. To find your permitting authority, search by the county the OSSF is to be located. (2) a municipality, including any industrial district within the municipality or its extraterritorial jurisdiction, with a population of more than 11,000 and less than 18,000 located in a county with a population of more than 125,000 and less than 230,000. (g) On receiving the notice described by Subsection (f), the commission shall require a utility in violation of a standard adopted under this section to comply within a reasonable time established by the commission. (j) A county, a municipality, or the department may by order close, for the period specified in the order, an interactive water feature or fountain if the operation of the fountain or water feature violates this section or a permitting or inspection requirement imposed under Subsection (i). 1013 (H.B. endstream endobj startxref (c) An owner or operator of a tourist court, hotel, inn, or rooming house shall keep the premises sanitary and shall provide every practical facility essential for that purpose. Sec. 6.20, eff. (b) The commission by rule may assess penalties and interest for late payment of fees owed by persons who own, operate, or maintain public drinking water supply systems. 2, eff. (b) For purposes of this section, a device is considered to be nonfunctioning if the device pumps less than 250 gallons of water per minute. In general, an inspection will involve the following: Review of the system permit, design, and installation records (including system age), Review of the septic tank pumping and system maintenance records, Opening and inspecting all tanks (septic tank, pump tank, distribution box), Evaluating the septic tank sludge and scum levels and determining the need to pump, Assessing the condition of the septic tank effluent filter (if installed), Looking for signs of leakage, such as low water levels in the tank, Looking for signs of backup, such as staining in the tank above the outlet pipe, Evaluating the integrity of the tank, inlet and outlet pipes and looking for signs of corrosion, Verifying all electrical connections, pumps, controls, and wiring are intact, Possibly using a camera to look at solid pipes and leach lines for blockages or collapsed piping, Evaluating the drainfield for signs of system failure, such as standing water (surfacing) or unequal drainage, Possibly excavating parts of the drainfield to look for signs of ponding in the system or groundwater impacting the drainfield, Examining the distribution box for structural integrity and to make sure drain lines are receiving equal flow. (5) A two-way cleanout plug must be provided between the sewer stub out and the treatment tank. If this discharge is in close proximity to a water body, it may negatively impact water quality. a standard intermittent sand filter as described in 285.32(b)(2). (4) "Utility" includes a "public utility" and "water supply or sewer service corporation" as defined by Section 13.002, Water Code. Violating applicable regulations or state laws. Texas Septic Tank Requirements. 1010, Sec. (h) Notwithstanding any provision of Chapter 101, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, to the contrary, a utility is not liable for a hydrant's or metal flush valve's inability to provide adequate water supply in a fire emergency. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 16 (S.B. (c) If it appears that a person has violated, is violating, or threatens to violate a provision under this subchapter, the commission, a county, or a municipality may institute a civil suit in a district court for: (1) injunctive relief to restrain the person from continuing the violation or threat of violation; (2) the assessment and recovery of a civil penalty; or. (b) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules to implement Subsection (a), including a rule that in providing sufficient restrooms a ratio of not less than 2:1 women's-to-men's restrooms or other minimum standards established in consultation with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners shall be maintained if the use of the restrooms is designated by gender. Section 300f et seq.). This can be harmful to the healthy bacteria that grow in your septic tank and drainfield to help break down organic matter. expected to rectify the situation within a month, Failure to do so can result in being charged in a court of 392 (H.B. 4, eff. A civil penalty under this section may not be less than $10 or more than $200 for each violation and for each day of a continuing violation. 2, eff. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 3.1639(72), eff. Free guide published by Texas Water Resources Institute. Sec. All OSSFs require surface drainage controls if slope is less than 2%. must be designed by a professional engineer or professional sanitarian. Also, "lifetime" rarely is. 341.0695. You can learn more about fines for illegal septic system in texas. The drinking water shall be kept and dispensed in a sanitary manner. Tanks with as few as 750 gallons are great for one or two people, while up to 1250 gallons should be considered for families with more than three. 2If the slope in the drainfield area is greater than 30% or is complex, the area is unsuitable for the disposal method. A rainwater harvesting system that meets the requirements of this subsection is considered connected to a public water supply system only for purposes of compliance with minimum water system capacity requirements as determined by commission rule.