Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: Are onsite wastewater systems permanent?
  A: Historically many practitioners viewed onsite systems as temporary. today practitioners view properly developed and managed onsite wastewater systems as a permanent element of infrastructure.

2. Q: How often should a tank be pumped?
  A: This question is asked frequently, pumping frequency depends on the number of users and the size of a tank. A system should be pumped about every 5 years to be safe. if use is intense, the system should be pumped more frequently.

3. Q: Should effluent screens be used.
  A: Effluent screens are helpful in preventing migration of solids from a tank to a soil system. Solids accumulate on the screen surface and must be removed periodically. This service should be done by a wastewater professional. It is important to retain solids in the tank and not allow them to migrate to the soil.

4. Q: Does the US EPA encourage only level 5 management programs?
  A: No, the agency encourages local government to examine local needs, technologies utilized, and risks associated with use of onsite systems.

5. Q: Will the use of onsite wastewater management programs put small business out of business?
  A: No, the development of comprehensive onsite wastewater management programs will create businesss opportunity.

6. Q: How do communities assess environmental sensitivity?
  A: There are several reports developed by state agencies that address local water quality issues. These reports are available from state water quality agencies or the USEPA. The lists containing water quality information are listed as the 303d and 305b lists.