The Board should follow rules outlined for operators in another state:

Minimum Standards for Operators of Alternative Sewage Systems. 

An inspection shall consist of the collection and recording of the following information:

(a) a general description of the system components and layout;

(b) quantification of the source/type of sanitary sewage. This should include type of use (domestic or commercial/industrial) as well as the design flow and whether or not the facility being served is occupied at the time of the inspection;

(c) an analysis of the factors for the system proper function; and, threats to public health and environment;

(d) water use records for the previous two years for facilities served by public water supply, if available from the supplier;

(e) a description of the septic tank including:

1. approximate age, size, and condition of the tank;

2. distance between bottom of grease/scum layer and the bottom of the outlet baffle;

3. distance between the top of the scum layer and the top of the outlet tee;

4. thickness of the grease/scum layer;

5. depth of the sludge layer and distance from sludge to outlet tee;

6. physical condition of inlet and outlet tees;

7. any evidence of leakage into or out of tank; and

8. any evidence of backup of effluent.

(f) a characterization of the distribution box, and of dosing tanks with pumps, if any, including:

1. any evidence of solids carryover;

2. leakage into or out of the distribution box;

3. whether the flow is equally divided; and

4. any evidence of backup.

(g) a description of the condition of the soil absorption system including:

1. any signs of hydraulic failure;

2. condition of surface vegetation;

3. level of ponding within disposal area;

4. encroachments into disposal area; and

5. other sources of hydraulic loading.

(h) the location of private water supply well (if any) in relation to system components; and

(i) a copy of pump-out records on file with the local Approving Authority.

The inspector shall make reasonable professional efforts to determine the location and condition of all system components and relevant physical features. If any component cannot be located or inspected, or any determination cannot be made, the inspector shall state on the inspection form the reasons and the steps taken to complete the inspection. At a minimum, reasonable professional efforts require compliance with the inspection requirements and protocol set by law or regulation.

Where an inspection is conducted for the purpose of refuting or corroborating the findings of a prior inspection, reasonable professional efforts shall require, at a minimum, that the inspector employ methods to determine the location and condition of all system components and relevant physical features that are comparable to the methods employed by the prior inspector. 

If the system includes a septic tank and distribution box, the condition of these components and the surrounding soil shall be observed for indications as to whether groundwater has infiltrated the system. The elevation of nearby water bodies, or evidence of groundwater infiltration in other subsurface structures (for example, cellars), or hand augering to determine depth may aid in determining whether the system is located in the groundwater. The methods used to determine high groundwater elevation shall be described in the inspection report.

All components of the soil absorption system shall be located. Where the failure criteria are not triggered, the location may be approximated by considering design flow, location of the distribution box and direction of outlet pipes, and physical condition of the site. The location may also be determined by running a metal snake or similar device from the outlet of the distribution box and using a metal detector, or use of similar methods. Nothing written above shall prevent an owner from choosing to establish the location of the leaching system through other methods.

(6) Compliance with Department Guidance. The inspector shall complete the system inspection in accordance with the Department’s Guidance for the Inspection of Subsurface Disposal Systems as in effect on the date of the inspection and approved by the Board.

The operator shall note the following:

Whether there is backup of sewage into the facility served by the system or any component of the system as a result of an overloaded and/or clogged soil absorption system or cesspool;

Whether there is a discharge of effluent directly or indirectly to the surface of the ground through ponding, surface breakout or damp soils above the disposal area or to a surface water of the Commonwealth;

Whether the static liquid level in the distribution box is above the level of the outlet invert;

Whether the liquid depth in a cesspool is less than six inches from the inlet pipe invert or the remaining available volume within a cesspool above the liquid depth is less than ½ of one day's design flow;

Whether the septic tank or cesspool requires pumping more than four times a year;

Whether the septic tank and/or the tight tank is made of metal, unless the owner or operator has provided the System Inspector with a copy of a Certificate of Compliance indicating that the tank was installed within the 20 year period prior to the date of the inspection; or the septic tank and/or the tight tank is cracked or is otherwise structurally unsound, indicating that substantial infiltration or exfiltration is occurring or is imminent;

Whether a cesspool, privy or any portion of the soil absorption system extends below the high groundwater elevation;