Massachusetts Public Health Inspector Training Wastewater Certificate Program (MA PHIT WW) Session 5: Design and Plan Review— Non-Conventional Systems

Learning Objectives After completing this session, you will be able to:  Describe situations that require non-conventional solutions  Explain non-conventional solutions and the required approval process for each  List and define the innovative/alternative (I/A) technology classifications  Describe certain I/A technologies 2 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

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Non-Conventional Designs SituationSolution Soil too wet for percolation testSieve test and analysis (upgrades only) – part of Local Upgrade Approval (LUA) Upgrade plan does not meet all Title 5 standards Local Upgrade Approval or Variance* Project is proposed for over 2,000 gallons per day Assessment of the soil and ground- water conditions and pressure distribution (PE must be designer) Domestic garbage grinderOversize/multi-compartment septic tank and SAS Upgrade is costly and waivers to standards are being sought MassDEP Cost Guidance 4 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Non-Conventional Solutions SituationSolution Cannot meet new construction requirements of Title 5 Variance* Shared system or componentsApplication and approval process Nitrogen concernsNitrogen loading and aggregation Variation from design flow tableSite-specific flow determination Severe limitations to conventional treatment Tight tank Composting toilet Innovative/Alternative (I/A) Technology 5 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Soil Is Too Wet to Perform a Percolation Test 6 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Upgrade Plan Does Not Meet Title 5 Standards 7 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Flow Over 2,000 GPD 1. Assessment of the soil and groundwater conditions beneath the proposed SAS 8 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Flow Over 2,000 GPD, cont. 2. Pressure distribution or drip dispersal (MassDEP Guidance) 9 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Pumping in General Pumping to septic tank  Permitted if comply with 310 CMR  If not, MassDEP approval is required (BRPWP67) Pumping to SAS  Pressure distribution  Required for all systems of 2,000 gpd or greater Dosing vs. Pressure Distribution 10 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Domestic Garbage Grinder  Under sink garbage disposal impacts the design of an onsite wastewater system 11 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Upgrade is Costly 12 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Cannot Meet New Construction Requirements  Variances may be allowed  High standard  Application and review process 13 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Shared System or Components  One or more properties sharing all or parts of an on-site wastewater system 14 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Nitrogen Concerns  Nitrogen is a pollutant of concern in potable drinking water, and in coastal embayments which are not well flushed 15 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Design Flow Variations  Title 5 has a table for standard facilities but sometimes this table is not relevant. A site- specific assessment must be made, for design purposes. Examples? 16 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Severe limitations May install:  Tight tanks  Composting toilets  Innovative or Alternative (I/A) Technology 17 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

I/A Certification There are four types of approvals  Remedial  General  Provisional  Piloting massdep/water/wastewater/title-5- innovative-alternative-technology- approvals.html 18 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Limitations to Conventional Treatment 19 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

I/A Classification  Secondary treatment units  Buried filter units  Alternative disposal systems  Restorative treatment 20 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Secondary Treatment Units 21 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Buried Filter Units 22 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Alternate Disposal Systems 23 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Restorative Treatment 24 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

I/A Summary  Allowed by Title 5  Generally provide equal or better protection of the environment  Require more detail by designer  Require vigilant review by BOH  Use MassDEP website for approval lists and letters 25 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5

Session Recap  After completing this session, you will be able to:  Describe situations that require non-conventional solutions  Explain non-conventional solutions and the required approval process for each  List and define the innovative/alternative (I/A) technology classifications  Describe certain I/A technologies 26 MA PHIT- Wastewater Certificate Program, Session 5