WISCONSIN PRIVATE ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT

WISCONSIN

PRIVATE ONSITE WASTEWATER

TREATMENT SYSTEM (POWTS)

INSPECTOR’S HANDBOOK

SBD-10089-P (R. 02/22)

FORWARD

The “Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Inspector Handbook” is intended

to be a self-taught instructional publication primarily for persons interested in becoming certified

POWTS inspectors. This handbook and the associated required and recommended reading

materials provide the basic knowledge required to perform soil and site verification inspections,

review basic POWTS plans, issue state sanitary permits, inspect new system installations, and

seek code compliance, if necessary.

The implementation of a significantly revised chapter Comm 83, (now referred to as SPS 383)

Wisconsin Administrative Code, on July 1, 2000 has resulted in many new technologies being

acceptable for POWTS. The technologies offer many options for property owners to choose

from on how to treat their domestic wastewater. The use of some of these technologies requires

that POWTS Inspectors and installers receive additional training on the installation and use of

these system components. Private industry has been very cooperative in providing several

opportunities each year to POWTS Inspectors to receive training on the various technologies

now available. It is extremely important for the POWTS Inspector to understand these systems

and obtain additional training to insure their proper installation, operation, and maintenance.

The “Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Inspector Handbook” may also be

of interest to those that inspect existing systems for code compliance or are interested in taking

the Certified Soil Tester exam.

This handbook is not intended to prepare a person for the Certified Soil Tester exam. It will not,

by itself, be sufficient reading and study material for the POWTS Inspector exam because other

publications are referenced as necessary study materials.

Other necessary reference materials include the following:

Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook, Rev.01/07 Form SBD-9046 April 2021 Edition

Soil Survey Manual, Chapter 3, March 2017 Edition

Wisconsin Administrative Codes, Chapters SPS 305, SPS 381-387 and SPS 391

If you have any questions about the reading material or self-checks that you will be completing,

please feel free to contact one of our wastewater specialists. Please consult the map at the

following Department of Safety & Professional Services website for the wastewater specialist

nearest you. https://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/Programs/Maps/Wastewater.pdf

POWTS Inspector examinations are conducted monthly at several locations in the state. Exam

applications must be submitted 30-days prior to the exam date. You may contact the

department’s credentialing section at (608) 261-8500 for further information.

Additional information may be obtained on the Department of Safety & Professional Services

website: www.dsps.wi.gov

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

POWTS INSPECTOR

Chapter Page

Chapter 1 Basic Principles of Onsite Treatment and

Dispersal

Systems

Chapter 2

Basic Soils

Chapter 3 Legal Land Descriptions of Wisconsin Real

Estate

Chapter 4

Site Requirements

Chapter 5 Sizing, Design, and Construction of

Conventional Systems

Chapter 6

Pressu

re Distribution Design

Chapter 7 Mound Systems: Principles, Design, and

Construction

Chapter 8

Initial Adverse Determination

Chapter 9

Sanitary Permits

Chapter 10

Inspections

Chapter 11 Options for Failing Systems and Existing

Noncompliant Systems

Chapter 12

Prosecutions and Legal Actions

111

Self Check Answers

WISCONSIN

PRIVATE ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

INSPECTOR’S

HANDBOOK

An instruction aid prepared by

Division of Industry Services

staff for onsite system practitioners.

Department of Safety & Professional Services

Industry Services Division

4822 Madison Yards Way

Madison, WI 53705

February 2021

(Revised)

The Department of Safety & Professional Services does not discriminate on the basis of race,

color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment of the provisions of services.

The Department of Safety & Professional Services does not discriminate on the basis of

disability in the provision of services or in employment. If you need this printed material

interpreted or in a different form or if you need assistance in using this service, please contact us.

Deaf, hearing or speech impaired callers may reach us through the Wisconsin

Telecommunication Relay System (WI TRS). TTY (608) 264-8777.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 1

POWTS INSPECTOR - CHAPTER 1

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ONSITE TREATMENT

AND DISPERSAL SYSTEMS

INTRODUCTION

Domestic wastewater may contain harmful substances and must be treated and dispersed in a

safe manner to protect the health of the public. To ensure safe dispersal of this wastewater in un-

sewered areas, Chapters SPS 383 and 385 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code and approved

design manuals, establish siting, design, installation, inspection, and maintenance criteria for

POWTS. In order to properly inspect these systems, the inspector must understand not only the

code, but also the basic principles involved.

OBJECTIVES:

IDENTIFY the harmful substances contained in domestic wastewater.

UNDERSTAND the basic principles that apply to the dispersal of wastewater in relation to

protecting public health and the environment.

DEFINE the term local environment as used in the Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook.

IDENTIFY the components that have most often been used in Wisconsin for onsite treatment

and dispersal.

DESCRIBE the basic operation of a septic tank.

DETERMINE how often the septic tank scum and sludge layers must be pumped out.

IDENTIFY the general content of the wastewater or clarified liquid (effluent) flow from the

septic tank.

IDENTIFY the substances that are not affected in the septic tank but can be removed by soil

absorption.

DETERMINE how inground dispersal cells are constructed.

RECOGNIZE and UNDERSTAND the six factors that must be considered in evaluating land

for onsite systems.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

READ Chapter 1, Pages 3-9 Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook, April 2021

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 1

READ Chapters SPS-381, 383, 384 and 385, Wisconsin Administrative Code. Inground Soil

Absorption Component Manual for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Version 2.0

SBD-10705-P (N.01/01)

(Optional) VIEW Producing Watertight Concrete Septic Tanks, Video by NOWRA/NPCA,

1998

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 1

SELF-CHECK

1. Of the following named substances, circle those considered to be undesirable and

potentially harmful contaminants in domestic wastewater.

a. Graywater

b. Pathogenic bacteria

c. Anaerobic bacteria

d. Infectious viruses

e. Putrescible organic matter

f. Rainwater

g. Toxic chemicals

h. Drinking fountain wastes

i. Excess nutrients

2. Every building for human habitation which cannot be served by a ___________________

sewer must be served by a ___________________ that treats and disperses wastewater so

that it does not discharge to _____________________ or ________________________.

3. What is local environment as used in the Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook?

4. Circle the item(s) that can be used to treat and disperse wastewater onsite.

a. Cesspools

b. Holding tanks

c. Spray Irrigation

d. Septic tank - soil absorption systems

e. Landfill areas

5. In your own words, how does a septic tank operate to treat domestic wastewater?

6. How often must the sludge and scum layers be pumped from a septic tank?

a. When it does not receive any waste or is plugged

b. Every three to five years

c. When the combined volume of the sludge and scum exceeds 1/3 the capacity of

the tank

d. Each year in the fall or early winter

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 1

7. Circle the items considered to be the general content of the septic tank wastewater or

effluent.

a. Odorous liquid

b. Suspended solids

c. Organic material

d. Fats, oil and grease

e. Ammonia nitrogen

f. Pathogenic bacteria and viruses

8. What substances are not significantly affected in the septic tank but can be eliminated by

soil absorption?

9. Based on the Inground Soil Absorption Component Manuals, dispersal system

components may be constructed to a maximum of ________________ feet wide. The

undisturbed earth between each dispersal component is a minimum

of____________________ feet wide. The top of the distribution cell is a minimum of

_____________ inches from the original surface.

10. Determine which soil and site factors in Column I apply to the characteristics listed in

Column II. Place the capital letter of the soil or site factor in Column I in the blank space

to the left of the number in Column II. (Some items in Column II may have more than

one answer.)

COLUMN I

COLUMN II

A. High groundwater 1. Land in excess of 25 percent requires

additional consideration for conventional

systems.

B. Bedrock 2. Systems located in floodplains could

become a source of water pollution and

health hazards.

C. Flooding 3. May restrict vertical movement of liquids

and can result in back-up or surface

discharge of liquids.

D. Land slopes 4. Soils affected are unsuitable for POWTS

because they result in failure during periods

of seasonal saturation.

E. Permeability 5. It is essential to have 3 feet of soil from the

bottom of the system infiltrative surface to

a limiting condition.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 1

F. Setback 6. Soils having design loading rates of .5 to

0.7 gal/ft

/day are most desirable; those

with rates of .3 or slower are generally less

suitable for con

ventional systems.

7. Construction of systems on steep areas is

sometimes impractical. Systems may be

subject to erosion hazards and side hill

seepage of wastewater.

8. Should be evaluated only after other four

factors are evaluated and determined not to

be problems.

9. Systems located too close to water mains

and wells could compromise public health

and ground water.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 1

(BLANK)

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

POWTS INSPECTOR - CHAPTER 2

BASIC SOILS

INTRODUCTION

Soil is defined differently by different people. For example, a biologist or plant scientist accepts

the dictionary definition that is “the loose surface material of the earth in which plants grow.”

Geologists may think of soil as the upper part of the earth’s crust that covers the rocks.

Engineers usually define soil as any unconsolidated material over bedrock. Soil scientists think

of soil as a collection of three-dimensional bodies that together blanket most of the earth’s land

surface.

Inspectors of Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) that utilize soil for

dispersal of treated domestic wastewater must be able to verify findings of soil testers and

determine whether the soil is correctly described in the soil test reports. To inspect is sometimes

to challenge. Therefore, it is vital to understand the basic concepts of soil science to be able to

make the necessary determinations.

This chapter is split into four parts dealing with basic soils. The learning activities for each

section are listed at the start of each section. The objectives of this chapter (listed by each

section) are:

OBJECTIVES FOR SECTION A:

LIST the five soil-forming factors that determine the way a soil develops.

DEFINE soil parent materials.

IDENTIFY three soil parent materials and MATCH the description of the material to its

numerical symbol.

IDENTIFY the three basic types of land slopes and DESCRIBE how runoff water is affected by

these slopes.

IDENTIFY the four natural drainage classes of soil used for soil testing and briefly DESCRIBE

each class.

OBJECTIVES FOR SECTION B:

DETERMINE the three basic particles defined as soil separates. APPLY the separates to an

USDA system for classifying soil as to size and texture.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

MATCH the twelve texture classes of soil used by soil testers with feel and appearance

characteristics for moist soil conditions.

DETERMINE the types and grades of structure used to describe soil structure.

OBJECTIVES FOR SECTION C:

DEFINE terms used to describe water movement in soil.

DESCRIBE what soil mottling is and how it can be identified in soil and described in a report.

IDENTIFY the groundwater monitoring procedures used to document whether mottling is an

accurate indication of groundwater at a specific site.

CITE reasons for dispersal area failure due to high groundwater.

OBJECTIVES FOR SECTION D:

IDENTIFY the two general types of soil maps.

IDENTIFY the limitations in using soil maps. Given an example of a parcel of land as a

proposed subdivision site, LOCATE the site on the maps concerned.

IDENTIFY the types of soils on the parcel, briefly DESCRIBE the soils, and DETERMINE if

a soil treatment and dispersal area would be allowed.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

SECTION A: BASIC SOIL TERMINOLOGY

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

READ Chapters II, III, and IV in Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook, April 2021

READ Chapter 3 Examination and Description of Soils in USDA Soil Survey Manual

(Optional) READ Soils of Wisconsin (1976) by F. D. Hole or The Soils of Wisconsin (2021) by

Bockheim & Hartemink

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

SELF-CHECK

1. What are the five soil forming factors that the character and arrangement of horizons in

each soil depend on?

2. Continuum, to a soil scientist, means:

a. Water moving at a continuous rate

b. All soils the same texture

c. How individual soils blend into each other

d. Loose surface material of the same color

3. What are soil parent materials?

4. Below are two columns of information. Match the correct term from Column I with the

description in Column II. Place the capital letter of the term in Column I in the blank

space to the left of the number in Column II. (The responses in Column I may be used

more than once.)

COLUMN I

COLUMN II

A. Residuum 1. Fine sands, silts, and clays; laminated or

massive; deposited in lake environment;

usually nearly level areas, glacial lake

plains and terraces.

B. Glacial till 2. Material transported by flood waters and

deposited on lands along waterways; may

be transported for some distance; usually

silty, loamy, or clayey.

C. Glacial-fluvial 3. Mainly sand or gravel; good to poor

stratification; deposited by glacial melt

waters as outwash plains, kames, and

eskers.

D. Glacial-lacustrine 4. Weathered in place from igneous,

metamorphic,

or sedimentary rock.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

E. Alluvium 5. Material moved downslope by gravity,

sheet erosion, rilling or gullying and

redeposited on lower portions of slope or in

fan-shaped local deltas; composition

ependent on source.

F. Colluvium 6. Heterogeneous deposits; lithology related to

source materials; transported by glacial ice;

found in ground moraine, end moraine,

drumlins

, etc.

5. Organic soils are typically not suitable for POWTS because:

a. They are too permeable (fast)

b. They are very wet

c. They are not permeable

6. A soil dispersal component will have the least trouble with runoff if it is located on a:

a. Plane slope

b. Concave slope

c. Convex slope

7. Using the three basic types of slopes in Column I, match them with the effects of water

movement in Column II. Place the capital letter of the type of slope in Column I in the

blank space to the left of the number in Column II.

COLUMN I

COLUMN II

Convex

Runoff c

arrying and contributing areas.

Concave

Runoff receiving areas.

Plane

Water shedding areas.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

8. Circle the letter of the soil drainage class that represents a soil that has seasonal saturation

at a depth of one to three feet below the surface.

a. Excessively drained

b. Well to excessively drained

c. Somewhat excessively drained

d. Moderately well drained

e. Somewhat poorly drained

f. Poorly and very poorly drained

9. A soil that has mottles which begin at 3 1/2 feet from the surface is:

a. Well drained

b. Poorly drained

c. Moderately well drained

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

SECTION B: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL

INTRODUCTION

In Section A, the concepts, formation, profiles, horizons, and composition of soil were covered

by reading Chapters II, III and IV of the Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook. In this section, soil

properties, such as mineral and organic, will be covered. Texture and structure are very

important properties, with texture being the most important single property. It is vital for the

POWTS inspector to know these properties in order to inspect the site or to determine if reports

and test results are valid.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

READ Chapter II and III, Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook, April 2021

READ Chapter 3 Examination and Description of Soils in USDA Soil Survey Manual

(Optional) PARTICIPATE in a soil verification onsite in the field with a county soil specialist

or Wastewater Specialist present. Compare soil observation findings.

(Optional) READ Soils of Wisconsin (1976) by F. D. Hole or The Soils of Wisconsin (2021) by

Bockheim & Hartemink

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

SELF-CHECK

1. The three phases found in soil, identified as the three-phase system are:

a. Solid phase

b. Sandy phase

c. Silty phase

d. Liquid phase

e. Clay phase

f. Gas (or air) phase

2. The three basic particles defined as separates are:

a. Sandy loam

b. Sand

c. Silt loam

d. Clay loam

e. Silt

f. Mineral

g. Gas

h. Clay

3. If the average diameter of a soil separate was 0.05 to 0.002 mm in size, it would be

identified as:

a. Sand

b. Silt

c. Clay

4. If a soil separate was gritty (individual particles that are readily seen when dry and gritty

when moist), it would be:

a. Sand

b. Silt

c. Clay

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

5. Below are two columns of information. One statement from Column II is closely related

to an item in Column I. Place the capital letter of the soil class in Column I in the blank

space to the left of the number of the description in Column II.

COLUMN I

COLUMN II

A. Sand 1. Barely forms a moist cast which can bear

slight pressure. Does not form a ribbon.

Feels very gritty.

B. Loamy sand 2. Moist casts can bear considerable handling

without breaking; forms a long flexible

ribbon and retains plasticity when

elongated.

C. Sandy loam 3. Moist cast can be handled quite freely

without breaking; very slight tendency to

ribbon; slightly gritty, fairly smooth and

slightly plastic.

D. Loam 4. Dry soil is loose; single grains feel gritty

and can be seen with the naked eye; when

moist and squeezed in hand, the soil mass

crumbles when touched.

E. Silt loam 5. When moist, feels very gritty; forms a cast

that bears careful handling without

breaking; doesn’t form a ribbon; will

compact when squeezed between thumb

and for

efinger.

F. Clay loam 6. When dry, peds can be easily pulverized;

feels soft and floury. Moist casts can be

freely handled. Will form a ribbon short

ribbon with broken appearance.

G. Clay 7. Moist casts can bear much handling without

breaking; pinched between the thumb and

forefinger, it forms a short ribbon whose

surface tends to feel slightly gritty when

dampened and rubbed.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

6. In Wisconsin, the adjectives that are accepted and used in modifying textural classes by

the rules of soil science are:

a. Clay loam

b. Gravelly

c. Loam

d. Cobbly

e. Silt loam

f. Sand

g. Stony

h. Sandy loam

7. These adjectives are used to modify the soil textural class when the soil horizon has an

amount of the soil occupied by rock fragments in the range of:

a. 1% - 5%

b. 5% - 10%

c. 15% - 35%

d. 20% - 25%

8. If a soil horizon had rock fragments raging in size from 3 to 10 inches (75-250 mm), it

would have a texture adjective of:

a. Gravelly

b. Cobbly

c. Stony

9. The textural class adjective given to horizons with 15% - 35% of the material being 12

inches average size would be:

a. Gravelly

b. Cobbly

c. Stony

10. In your own words, define soil structure.

11. Match the type of soil structure in Column I with the definition in Column II. Place the

capital letter of the soil structure in Column I in the blank space to the left of the number

of the definition in Column II.

COLUMN I

COLUMN II

A. Platy 1. Soil peds are longer in the vertical than in

the horizontal direction. The peds look like

columns or are columnar and the vertical

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

surfaces ar

e relatively flat and well defined.

B. Blocky 2. The soil peds have a blocky appearance and

the edges and the sides of the ped can be

either flat or somewhat rounded.

C. Granular 3. The soil peds are platelike and are oriented

in a horizontal p

lane.

D. Prismatic 4. The soil peds have surfaces that are

rounded or irregular and the peds are

spheroidal or look like crumbs.

12. Match the grade of structure with the description that best fits the grade. Place the capital

letter of the structure grade in Column I in the blank space to the left of the number of the

description in Column II.

COLUMN I

COLUMN II

A. Structureless 1. Has well-formed, distinct peds that will

bear careful handling; is still hard to see

when in place; is evident when observed in

an open pit wall.

B. Single grained 2. Soil has poorly formed peds that are not

very distinct (barely visible in place); are

easily broken when disturbed or h

andled.

C. Massive 3. If a soil contains a considerable amount of

clay and is plowed, driven on, or walked on

when it is very wet, it will form large clods

when it dries out.

D. Weak 4. Is easily seen in undisturbed soil; the peds

are durable and can easily be picked out of

the wall of an observation pit.

Str

ong

A fine textured soil that is structureless.

F. Moderate 6. Sands are structureless and are further

described as being of this grade.

7. A soil such as sand; has no observable

aggregation of particles.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

SECTION C: WATER MOVEMENT IN SOIL AND SOIL MOTTLING

INTRODUCTION

The principles of water movement in soil have been studied for many years and continue to be

studied today. Much is known about the movement of water in soils. Research studies have

influenced the development of codes and guidelines that will safeguard the health of the public.

The Wisconsin code has been revised several times over the years to apply what is known about

water movement in soil as it relates to POWTS. The applicable code provisions and these

principles must be understood in order to properly inspect, evaluate, and determine the suitability

of soils for POWTS.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

READ Chapter III of Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook, April 2021.

READ Section SPS 385.20, 385.30, and 385.40 Wisconsin Administrative Code, “Soil

evaluations”, “Soil profile description and interpretations”, and “Evaluation reports.”

READ Section SPS 385.50 and 385.60, Wisconsin Administrative Code, “Governmental unit

review”, “Soil saturation determinations”.

(Optional) READ Redoximorphic Features for Identifying Aquic Conditions NCSU Tech. Bul.

301, Dept. of Agr. Communications, Box 7603 North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

27695-7603

(Optional) READ National Resources Conservation Services publication: "Indicators of Hydric

Soils."

(Optional) PARTICIPATE in verification evaluation of soil backhoe pit to observe and identify

soil mottling.

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

SELF-CHECK

1. Match the following terms in Column I with the proper definition in Column II. Place

the capital letter of the term in Column I in the blank space to the left of the number

definition in Column II.

COLUMN I

COLUMN II

Bulk density

The energy status of water in soil.

B. Particle density 2. Measurement of the ability of soil to

transmit water.

C. Hydraulic Conductivity 3. To measure the density of the soil particles

only.

Permeability

Water having an attraction for itself.

Moisture potential

Densities measured in soils.

F. Gravitational potential 6. The total amount of pore space in a given

vol

ume in soil.

Matric potential

The attraction of water to soil particles.

H. Cohesion 8. The effect of the attraction of water toward

the center of the earth.

2. Soil mottling is:

a. A morphologic indicator of soil saturation

b. A contrast of colors in a soil indicating seasonal groundwater level

c. Caused by a fluctuating water table or seasonal zones of saturation

d. A powerful tool for soil testers to estimate high groundwater conditions

e. All the above

3. List the three main categories or descriptors used to describe soil mottling.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

4. Other than the three main descriptors found in the Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook,

what main items are used to describe soil mottles?

5. The creation of a soil mottle results from a bacterial action that occurs above the

temperature of:

a. 0° F.

b. 32° F.

c. 40° F.

d. 50° F.

6. Soil mottling is dependent upon the following item(s):

a. The pH of the soil

b. Presence of iron and manganese

c. Temperature above 40° F.

d. Temporary unsaturated conditions

e. All the above

7. Premature POWTS failure due to high groundwater can be caused by: (Circle T for

TRUE or F for FALSE before each statement.)

T F a. Soil flowing at saturation and clogging the dispersal

com

ponent

or distribution piping.

T F b. The travel times in sandy soils being long enough to

assure treatment at all moisture potentials below

saturation.

T F c. Accelerated clogging of the dispersal component by

slime bacteria that operate during high groundwater and

wet soil conditions.

T F d. Slow or no movement of wastewater out of the dispersal

component because the soil is already filled with water

and is unable to accept additional liquid.

T F e. The movement of liquids and gases in soil that occurs in

the soil pores which are the voids between soil particles

and soil peds.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

8. One condition that is encountered where soil mottling from wetness need not be used to

estimate high groundwater is:

a. Fine textured soil with a mottled zone less than two feet thick that has a depth in

the unmottled loamy sand or coarser material, adequate to accommodate a

distribution cell.

b. If a site with more than one foot of mottling is used, the POWTS must be

monitored and inspected annually.

c. The temperature of the soil must be high enough to allow biological activity.

9. If a property owner or developer takes the option to provide documentation that soil

mottling is not an indication of high groundwater, a soil saturation determination could be

performed according to what section of the code?

a. SPS 383.44 (3)

b. SPS 385.50 (2)

c. SPS 383.42

d. SPS 385.60 (3)

10. According to the code section that applies to soil mottling and soil saturation

determinations, the soil saturation determination shall be done according to the following

statements: (Circle T for TRUE or F for FALSE before each statement.)

Monitoring shall be done in a near normal fall season.

T F b. A near normal spring season is when precipitation

received for two out of three years is equal to or exceeds

8.5 to 7.6 inches.

Monitoring shall be done by a master plumber.

At least four

locations

shall be monitored at each site.

T F e. In general, observation wells should extend to a depth of

at least 4 feet below ground surface and shall be a

minimum of 2 feet below the designated system depth.

T F f. Observations shall be made within two weeks after the

frost is absent and thereafter every seven days

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

T F g. If any of three of the successive observations show the

presence of water above the critical depth, the site is

unacceptable.

T F h. A site that is saturated above the critical depth for more

than ten days is an unacceptable si

te.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

SECTION D: USE OF SOIL INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

Soil is managed to a greater extent than years ago. Many studies have been done and much

information has been recorded on national, state, county, and municipal levels. Standards have

been developed that help understand the language of soil scientists and other groups working

with soil. This valuable information should be used to help inspect sites and to aid in evaluation

of soil.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

READ Chapter 4, Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook, April 2021.

(Optional) OBTAIN and READ published soil surveys (or NRCS Web Soil Survey) for the

county of your residence. LOCATE your land and WRITE a brief summary of the land

description.

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

SELF-CHECK

1. In the following matching exercise concerning the categories used by the National Soil

Survey, place the capital letter of the term in Column I in the blank space to the left of the

number for the descriptor or related item in Column II.

COLUMN I

COLUMN II

A. Soil series 1. Consists of two or more soil series that

occur in such an intricate pattern that it is

not possible to map them out at the scale

used.

B. Soil phase 2. Name is usually the name of a town or

geographic feature near the place where the

series was first observed.

C. Soil complex 3. A unit of classification used in detailed

mapping that varies slightly from the

typical series description.

D. Map Unit 4. A named group of soil having soil horizons

similar in differentiating characteristics,

and arrangement in the soil profile, except

for texture for the surface soil.

5. Soils of the same series; having similar

surface textures; are included in a single

oil type (e.g., Plainfield Loamy Sand).

2. What are the two general types of soil maps?

a. Complex

b. Reconnaissance

c. Topographical

d. Detailed

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 2

3. In the following matching exercise, place the capital letter of the term in Column I in the

blank space to the left of the number of the item that best applies in Column II.

COLUMN I

COLUMN II

A. Reconnaissance map 1. Are tools for a certified soil tester when

understood properly.

B. Detailed map 2. Can provide expected site conditions such

as possibility of high groundwater, bedrock,

steep slopes, or impermeable soils and the

extent of suitable soils such as well drained

sandy soil.

3. Map units consist usually of soil

associations and land types (e.g., wet

marsh, stony, geographically associated

soils).

4. Usually prepared on air photos at a scale of

3.17 or 4 inches to

one mile.

5. Generally of a scale of one inch to one mile

or less and made in the field by studying

soils at wide intervals.

6. When making the map, soil scientists

periodically examine soil profiles and

record their observations by means of a

detailed description.

4. Published soil surveys contain:

a. All the soil maps of the survey area

b. Descriptions of the soil map units and their inclusions, interpretive sections for

use and management of soils

c. Engineering section including information on limitations for POWTS

d. All the above

5. Describe in your own words what an inclusion is; and what the size is of the smallest

acreage that can be shown on a soil map and be effectively mapped as a map unit.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 3

POWTS INSPECTOR - CHAPTER 3

LEGAL LAND DESCRIPTIONS OF WISCONSIN REAL ESTATE

INTRODUCTION

It is necessary for POWTS inspectors to find properties where POWTS installations are

proposed. To do this, the inspector must know how to read legal land descriptions and maps.

This chapter will help in becoming familiar with the maps, procedures, and descriptions of land

in Wisconsin.

OBJECTIVES:

IDENTIFY the methods used in layout of the north-south, east-west lines for townships in

Wisconsin.

DETERMINE how land descriptions are written and read.

DEFINE terms used in land description and location.

DESCRIBE the Wisconsin Coordinate System.

IDENTIFY the procedures for establishing plats of land.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

READ Chapter 5, Legal Land Descriptions of Wisconsin Real Estate, in Soil and Site Evaluation

Handbook, Rev. 04/21

(Optional) SECURE and READ one or more of the “Maps in Common Use,” listed on Pages

60-61 of the Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook, Rev.04/21.

(Optional) LOCATE and GIVE a legal land description of the property you own or rent.

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 3

SELF-CHECK

1. The familiar checkerboard pattern of the fields in Wisconsin is the result of the

_____________________ land survey.

2. The method employed in making the survey in Wisconsin was to run parallel east-west

lines across the state at ____________________ intervals.

3. Townships have __________________ square miles with _______________ acres in

each square mile and a total of __________________ acres in each township.

4. When you write descriptions of land, start with the _________________ unit and end

with the ____________________ unit.

5. If given the description NW of the NW, Section 36 - 37 - 9, which number indicates the

township?

6. Using the figure on page 67 of the Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook, give a legal

description of a 40-acre parcel in the southeast corner of the section.

7. Using the figure on page 67, give the legal description of a 20-acre parcel in the bottom

of the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of the same section.

8. Any statement that describes a parcel of land by starting from a known point and

following the outside boundaries of the parcel, giving the direction and length of each

side, is a __________________ and ________________ description.

9. Using the figure on page 69 of the Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook, write the

abbreviated identification of the line in the NW 1/4 of the circle.

10. In your own words, describe the Wisconsin Coordinate System.

11. When a parcel of land is platted, it is done in the following sequence: (number the items

in order, 1, 2, and 3, in the space before the item)

a. The corners of each lot are marked on the ground and a detailed map is made

giving all necessary metes and bounds descriptions for locating the boundaries of

each lot.

b. It is surveyed and divided into lots and blocks, each of which is given a number.

c. The map is called a plat and is recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds in

the county where the land is located.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 3

12. A subdivision as defined in Chapter 236, Wisconsin Statutes, is:

a. A division of land 10 acres or less divided into 2 acres or less

b. A division of land within a period of five years in five or more parcels of 1 1/2

acres or less

c. A division of land within a period of ten years in five or more parcels of 1 acre or

less

d. All of the above

13. The following statements are either TRUE or FALSE. (Circle T for TRUE or F for

FALSE before each statement.)

T F a. The platting of land is a complex procedure that requires

the services of an attorney and a certified soil tester.

T F b. It is illegal to divide any lot of any state level plat for the

purpose of sale or building development if the resulting

parcels do not conform to the requirements of Chapter

105, Wisconsin Statutes, and local government units.

T F c. Any person causing or making an illegal plat

subdivision is subject to forfeit not less than $100 nor

more than $500.

T F d. A certified survey map of not more than six parcels of

land may be recorded in the Register of Deeds office in

the county in which such land is located.

T F e. Only registered soil testers can perform the survey and

record the Certified Survey Map.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 4

POWTS INSPECTOR - CHAPTER 4

SITE REQUIREMENTS

INTRODUCTION

The procedures for soil and site evaluation are detailed and defined in Chapter SPS 385

Wisconsin Administrative Code. It is the job of a certified soil tester (CST) to carefully evaluate

the soil, establish a permanent elevation reference point (bench mark), determine slope, and

locate and size the soil dispersal component area. The POWTS inspector must make sure that

the evaluation is correct and properly reported. The POWTS must be designed and installed in

accord with the results of the soil test, all measurements, elevations, and slopes. At times, the

POWTS inspector may have to re-evaluate the soil or advise if site conditions are actually the

way they were reported and whether the site will support a code compliant POWTS.

OBJECTIVES:

IDENTIFY purpose for and information needed by a certified soil tester when making client

contact.

DETERMINE items to be considered by the certified soil tester when conducting an initial site

review.

SELECT and IDENTIFY procedures and the needed number and locations of soil borings when

making soil evaluations.

LIST requirements needed to document test site locations.

DETERMINE information needed and items reported on the SBD-8330 report form.

IDENTIFY safety requirements when digging and entering excavations and trenches.

IDENTIFY the horizontal and vertical distance requirements involving soil dispersal

components.

CALCULATE land slope using hand-held and tripod-mounted instruments.

IDENTIFY procedures for installation of soil dispersal components on a slope or grade.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

READ Chapter 6, Soil and Site Evaluation Handbook, Rev.01/07.

READ Chapter SPS 385, Wisconsin Administrative Code, Soil and Site Evaluation.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 4

(Optional) READ Excavation and Trenching Operations (SBD-6920)

(Optional) READ Builder’s Level (SBD-6921)

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 4

SELF-CHECK

1. The following items concern client contact. (Circle T for TRUE or F for FALSE before

each statement.)

T F a. When the client makes contact, the soil tester should

obtain the legal description of the property, the size of

the property, and other needed information to locate the

property bou

ndaries.

T F b. If a home is to be built, the size of the bedrooms must be

known.

T F c. There should be a written contract between the client

and the soil tester.

2. When making an initial site review, the following items should be done:

a. Check published soil survey from county

b. Check shoreland areas for flood hazard map

c. Check road maps to find area

d. All of the above

3. The following statements are TRUE or FALSE. (Circle T for TRUE or F for FALSE

before each statement.)

T F a. A check of the vegetation and topography will help rule

out some areas of wet soil, bedrock outcroppings, and

steep slopes.

T F b. Cattails, tag alders, dogwood, willows, tamaracks, and

sedge grasses all indicate dry soil.

T F c. Areas of a site that are 20 feet back from the top of a

slope that exceeds 25 percent must be ruled out for a soil

dispersal component.

T F d. A 25 percent slope is the maximum allowed for a

conventional system under the component manual.

T F e. When cutting a site to reduce the critical slope, 5 feet of

permeable soil over bedrock and high groundwater must

be present after cutting.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 4

4. The following statements are concerning soil testing procedures. (Circle T for TRUE or F

for FALSE before each statement.)

T F a. Soil borings, backhoe pits, or other observation pits

must be constructed to a depth of at least 5 feet below

the expected bottom of the system.

T F b. Backhoe pits should be inside and within the area to be

used for the sy

stem.

T F c. On a new property, three borings are usually required as

a minimum.

T F d. For sites with estimated daily flows of 1,000 gallons per

day or less at least one “soil boring” must be constructed

as a soil pit.

T F e. Boring information must include a report on the

thickness in inches of the different soil horizons.

T F f. Bedrock is defined as having greater than 75 percent

consolidated material by volume.

T F g. High chroma mottles are gray, white, or greenish blue

mottles. Low chroma mottles are red, yellow, or brown

mottles.

5. The main reason for documenting test site location is:

a. To be able to locate the site at later date

b. To keep a good county record system

c. To provide a process for a future owner to locate the POWTS

d. To eliminate failure of the soil dispersal component

6. What is a vertical elevation reference point? Please describe briefly in your own words.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 4

7. A vertical elevation point may be:

a. A pipe or stake driven in the ground where it will not be removed and may be

located later

b. The top of a well casing

c. The centerline of the road or top of a manhole

d. Lot line corner

e. All of the above

8. The following statements are concerning the soil report form (SBD-8330). (Circle T for

TRUE or F for FALSE before each statement.)

T F a. In the section dealing with bore hole data, report the

total diameter of each of the borings.

T F b. If the boring is 60 inches deep and no mottling is

observed, write >60 inches in the “estimate highest”

column.

T F c. Instead of identifying the surface soil as “topsoil,” use

proper abbreviations when describing the texture and

color of each horizon.

The abbreviations for texture are all c

apital letters.

T F e. An example of reporting a surface horizon would be 6”

10YR 2/1 sil. Thi

s means 6 inches of black sandy loam.

T F f. If the sketch on the form is not to scale, it will be

necessary to show all distances to locate test sites,

suitable areas, as well as all structures and features

requiring minimum setback.

T F g. If an extra sheet is used, three copies of the additional

sheet are needed.

Placement of fill does guarantee the

approval for the

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 4

installation of a soil dispersal component.

T F i. When cutting a site to alter the critical slope, soil test

data should be provided to show that sufficient soil

material is present over bedrock and groundwater before

and after a

lteration.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 5

POWTS INSPECTOR - CHAPTER 5

SIZING, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION OF POWTS

INTRODUCTION

The July, 2000 revisions to Chapters SPS 383, SPS 384 and SPS 385, Wisconsin Administrative

Code, altered the way information and requirements for POWTS design and installation is

obtained. Under the previous editions of the codes the required information was in the code

itself, usually in the form of specific rule requirements. The current code contains a certain

number of requirements and standards that must be met. However, design specifications and

other guidance is located in POWTS component manuals. To be able to review POWTS plans

and perform construction inspections the POWTS Inspector must be able to successfully use a

variety of documents. These documents are intended to be used individually or as a series by

soil testers, designers and installers to design what is sometimes referred to as a POWTS

“treatment train” for a property. The POWTS Inspector must be able to interpret and understand

the design to verify if it is code compliant.

OBJECTIVES:

LIST the minimum and maximum distances and measurements that apply to the installation of

POWTS.

IDENTIFY the materials, measurements, and design criteria that apply to the construction of

septic tanks.

LIST the minimum and maximum depths and distances that apply to construction and

installation of soil dispersal components.

IDENTIFY the general requirements of soil dispersal components that are installed during

periods of inclement weather conditions.

DETERMINE the sizing requirements, design criteria, and distances that apply to holding tanks.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 5

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

READ Chapters SPS 383, 384, 385, Wisconsin Administrative Code and the following

component manuals, SBD-10855-P (N.03/07), & SBD-10705-P (N.01/01)

READ Section SPS 384.25, Wisconsin Administrative Code, “POWTS holding components or

treatment components”

READ Chapter SPS 383 Subchapter V-Management, Wisconsin Administrative Code

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 5

SELF-CHECK

1. The size and potential design criteria for a proposed soil dispersal component shall be

determined from:

a. Existing, surrounding installations

b. Good plumbing practices

c. Morphological characteristics of the soil borings

2. No septic tank shall be located within ______________ feet of a structure,

________________ feet of a well, or __________________ feet from any high water mark

of any lake, stream, pond, or flowage.

3. Based on the In-ground Soil Absorption Component Manuals, for facilities that have a design

wastewater flow of _________________ gallons per day or less, flow from the septic or

treatment tank to the soil dispersal component may be by _________________ or by

________________.

4. Based on the In-ground Soil Absorption Component Manuals, for facilities that have a design

wastewater flow greater than 1,500 gallons per day, the wastewater must be discharged by

_____________ or by use of a _____________________.

5. The bottom of the soil dispersal component shall be level with the excavation no greater than

________________ feet in width. The absorption area of a stone aggregate soil dispersal

component shall be computed by using the _____________________ area only.

6. If the distribution header is constructed of approved ______________ wall pipe the bottom

area of the header excavation ________________________ be computed as absorption area.

7. Soil dispersal component excavations shall be spaced at least _________________ feet apart.

8. The soil dispersal component shall be provided with 2 observation pipes a minimum of

_________________ inches in diameter and extending to or above final grade.

9. A minimum of ________________ inches of stone aggregate ranging in size from _______

to____________ inches shall be laid below the distribution pipe and shall extend at least

_________________ inches over the top of the distribution pipe which shall be covered with

synthetic material accepted by the Department.

10. According to information contained in the In-ground Soil Absorption System Component

Manual, Version 2.0, where dosing of the distribution pipe network is required, a

______________ or ______________ pump shall be used

11. A soil dispersal component shall not be installed if the soil at the system elevation is

___________.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 5

12. If the excavated material freezes solid, it shall not be used as _________________. The first

________________ inches of backfill shall be loose, unfrozen soil.

13. Inspection of soil dispersal components installed during winter conditions shall include

inspection of the _______________ prior to placement of gravel and inspection of the

_______________ at the time of placement.

14. All septic tanks shall be fabricated or constructed of:

a. Welded steel

b. Monolithic concrete

c. Fiberglass

d. Department-approved materials

e. All of the above

15. Each covered tank shall be provided with ________ or________ openings of

sufficient_________ and located in such a manner to provide a means for _______________

or required _______________or ___________________ of the tank. Servicing and

maintenance openings for treatment tanks located below ground shall terminate no more than

______________ inches below finished grade and terminate with a ____________ that

prevents entrance of _____________________ material.

16. Covers which terminate at or above grade, 8 inches in diameter or larger, shall be provided

with a _______ __________and shall remain ______________ except for cleaning or

maintenance purposes.

17. For openings larger than _____ in diameter, a ____ x ____ label must be affixed to the cover,

warning of the hazards present when entering a treatment tank.

18. The minimum liquid capacity of a septic tank may be based on daily flow and a

__________________ year servicing cycle.

19. The wording on a warning label must be a minimum of _______ in height.

20. A _____________ inch label printed in red or other contrasting color and approved by the

___________________ must be affixed to all manhole covers used in tanks warning of the

_______________ present when entering such tanks.

21. Septic tanks and other treatment tanks shall be cleaned whenever the sludge and scum

occupies ________________ of the tank’s liquid capacity.

22. If a tank is installed in groundwater, adequate _______________ provisions shall be made.

23. All chemical products and chemical restoration procedures for POWTS shall be approved by

the ___________________.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 5

24. The wastewater from holding tanks that receive greater than 3,000 gallons per day shall be

disposed of at a _________ __________ ___________ or by such manner approved by and

with concurrence of the __________ of _________ _________ for the specific installation.

25. Based on a three year maintenance cycle, the approximate minimum liquid capacity of a

septic tank for a one- and two-family three bedroom residence would be

___________________ gallons.

26. Habitable buildings shall have a minimum holding tank capacity of __________ estimated

daily wastewater flow but not less than ____________________.

27. Holding tanks shall be located __________________ feet from any part of a building.

28. An approved watertight vessel for the retention of sewage is called a __________________

tank.

29. Holding tanks shall be constructed of ___________ ___________, ____________

____________, __________________, reinforced polyester or other approved material.

30. Holding tanks shall be so located to a service road or drive so that the pumper may drive

pumping equipment to within _________________ feet of the servicing manhole.

31. All holding tanks shall be provided with a high water __________ __________ that shall be

either an _________________ or _________________ alarm.

32. Manholes on holding tanks shall extend a minimum of __________________ inches above

finish grade.

33. A vent shall terminate in accordance with _______________, Wisconsin Administrative

Code.

34. The use of _____________ ______________ switches in POWTS tanks is ____________.

35. The holding tank vent and manhole shall extend ______________ feet above regional flood

elevation.

36. A mobile home park was built to serve ten mobile homes. A design loading rate of 0.7

gal/ft

/day per day was selected for a soil dispersal component

a. Is dosing required for this system?

b. Calculate the minimum square footage required for a soil dispersal component.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 5

37. A soil tester has identified soils on a property that are assigned a soil application rate of 0.5

gal/ft

/day per square foot per day. Calculate the minimum soil dispersal component area for

a three bedroom home.

38. In a medical office building there will be 4 medical staff, 2 office staff, and 30 patients per

day. A soil application rate of 0.4 gal/ft

/day was determined from the soil test report. The

minimum soil dispersal component size required is ________________.

39. Calculate the minimum size septic tank for a 15-bedroom condominium. Calculate by

multiplying the estimated daily wastewater flow by 2.088. __________________.

40. What is the soil application rate for 2msbk sil, when discharging effluent pretreated to the

30/30 standard in Table 383.44-2 in Chapter SPS 383? ___________________. How many

square feet of soil dispersal component would be required for a 4 bedroom home on this site?

______________________.

41. By what means shall effluent be discharged to a soil dispersal component, where the effluent

is pretreated to the 30/30 standard and the fecal coliform reduced to 10,000 cfu/100 mL or

less? ____________ _______________.

42. The maximum particle size that may be discharged to a soil dispersal component is?

a. 1/4 inch

b. 3/16 inch

c. 1/8 inch

d. 1/2 inch

43. Each dose of effluent by means of pressurized distribution into a treatment dispersal

component consisting in part of in situ soil may not be less than ______ times the void

volume of the POWTS distribution laterals.

44. The design of a treatment or dispersal component consisting in part of in situ soil shall reflect

________ _________ _________ that affect _________ or _________.

45. The soil application rates specified in Table 383.44-1 shall only be recognized where the

percolation results have been filed with the governmental unit before July 02, ________.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 6

POWTS INSPECTOR - CHAPTER 6

PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION DESIGN

INTRODUCTION

A very important part of a POWTS is the soil dispersal component, commonly referred to as the

“leach field,” “filter bed,” “seepage system,” “soil absorption system”, or “dispersal cell”.

Pressure distribution of effluent has emerged as the preferable way to get wastewater spread

evenly across the soil dispersal component. Pressure distribution systems are also known as Low

Pressure Distribution (LPD) or Low Pressure Pipe (LPP) systems. This chapter provides an

overview of how to design pressure distribution systems.

OBJECTIVES:

LIST the information needed to design a pressure distribution network.

EXPLAIN what system head is.

IDENTIFY and USE the graphs and charts for pressure distribution design.

DETERMINE how a pressure system can be designed using the graphs in the

Pressure Distribution Component Manual Version 2.0 SBD-10706 (N01/01)

DESIGN a pressure distribution network.

SIZE and SELECT a pump for a pressure distribution network.

IDENTIFY minimum dose volumes and how to select the correct dose volume.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

READ the attached material.

STUDY the Pressure Distribution Component Manual and Chapter SPS 383 Wisconsin

Administrative Code and COMPLETE the design example.

(Optional) READ “Design of Pressure Distribution Networks for Septic Tank - Soil Absorption

Systems,” Publication 9.6, January 1981, SSWMP, University of Wisconsin Extension and

“Siphons for On-site Systems Lab and Field Evaluation,” Publication 9.12, Glen M. Falkowski

and James C. Converse, SSWMP, University of Wisconsin Extension.

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 6

A soil dispersal component must be able to disperse and adequately treat the wastewater it

receives. The soil dispersal component also must function for a reasonable period of time, as

nobody wants the soil dispersal component of their POWTS replaced every 4 or 5 years.

Many systems incorporate large diameter (4 inches), large perforation, gravity-fed distribution

networks, leaching chambers and other synthetic media. These “conventional” soil dispersal

components can work well for many years if installed properly. Conventional systems do not

uniformly distribute the wastewater; it flows into the pipe and out of a few holes either at the

inlet, middle, or far end. This can cause local overloading of the soil. When soil is kept

continually wet, a bio-mat formed by bacteria begins to clog the soil. Soon the soil under the

section of pipe that wastewater comes out of cannot accept the wastewater. It flows along the

soil dispersal component bottom until it reaches an unclogged area. Eventually, this area forms a

bio-mat too. This “progressive clogging” will eventually cause the entire bottom of the soil

dispersal component to become clogged. Once the entire bottom of the soil dispersal component

is clogged, wastewater will pond in the component.

Soil clogging is not all bad in a gravity-fed system. Gravity-fed systems achieve equal

distribution of wastewater only after the entire system is clogged and the bio-mat does an

excellent job of removing wastewater contaminants. The bio-mat may continue to grow and

thicken and eventually the ponding wastewater may either back up into the home or seep out at

the ground surface. This progressive clogging can be minimized by the use of a pressure

distribution system.

To achieve uniform distribution of wastewater in a soil dispersal component, a pressurized small

diameter pipe distribution network is used. The pressure distribution system, when designed

following the criteria in the Pressure Distribution Component Manual, exerts pressure of about

one pound per square inch (1 psi).

A way to compare gravity-fed systems to pressure distribution systems would be to think of the

difference between watering a lawn with the end of a 3/4-inch hose (gravity-fed) versus watering

with a soaker type sprinkler (pressure).

The smaller pressure distribution system designs described in the manual is made up of small

diameter piping (3/4 -inch to 3-inch) with small diameter holes (1/8-inch to 1/4-inch) drilled on

the bottom of the pipe at intervals of one to five feet. The distribution system must be designed

so that the number of gallons of water passing through each hole is the same. By selecting the

correct pipe size, hole diameters and hole spacing and pressurizing the system, the gallons

supplied to each hole can be balanced. Really what is balanced in designing these systems is the

amount of head and head loss that occurs within the system. “Head” is pressure in terms of feet

of water and is a unit of pressure similar to pounds per square inch (psi). Head differences are

most easily thought of in terms of the difference in elevation between a supply of water and the

outlet for that water. In pressure distribution systems, a minimum 2.5 feet of head is supplied to

the distal end of the distribution network. If an observation pipe was installed with a tee pointing

upward on the distribution system, then, when the system was operating, there would be a

standing water level 2.5 feet above the system in the observation pipe. The pressure in a system

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 6

with 2.5 feet of head is about 1 psi. This is enough head to pressurize the system, but is still very

low pressure and will not cause damage to the piping network.

The flow in gallons/minute out of the holes in these systems is dependent on the amount of head

in the system. If there is 1 foot of head then the flow out of a 1/4-inch hole will be

approximately 3/4 gallon per minute. If 2 feet of head is supplied, then the flow from a 1/4-inch

hole would be a little over 1 gallon per minute.

When designing a pressure distribution system, the Component Manual requires a minimum 2.5

feet of head to be provided at the distal end of the distribution network.

Fortunately, it is not necessary to solve a series of complicated equations every time a small

pressure distribution system is designed. The Pressure Distribution Component Manual

includes a set of graphs (charts) and tables for designing pressure distribution systems. To

design a pressure distribution system, the following steps are taken:

1. Assemble the following information:

a. Soil test report. Check the depth to high groundwater and bedrock to make sure

the site is suitable. Be sure that enough area is available to install the system with

a level bottom (infiltrative surface) and still maintain 3 feet from the bottom of the

system to a soil limitation.

b. Find out how many bedrooms are in the home and determine the daily wastewater

load. Use 150 gallons per bedroom per day to establish the design wastewater

flow. If you are sizing for a commercial use, use appropriate factors for sizing

septic tanks. The sizing criteria for commercial/public uses are listed in a table in

the component manuals. Add the factors together and multiply by 1.5 to get the

number of gallons per day (design wastewater load).

c. Select the proper soil application rate (how much water will be put on the soil

each day) from Table 383.44-1 or 383.44-2. This is based on the soil test results

the certified soil tester has reported on the soil report form. Divide the gallons per

day from step “1.b.” above by the design loading rate. This number is the

required soil dispersal component area in square feet.

d. Pressure distribution systems can discharge to one or more cells. If more than one

cell is proposed, each must be installed at an equal elevation (level), or

calculations must be done to show that any one distribution cell will not become

overloaded. (The distribution cell with more head at the manifold will have a

higher flow rate.)

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 6

To size the soil dispersal component, choose the longest dimension possible that is perpendicular

to any slope on the property. This will be the system length. Divide the soil dispersal

component area in square feet from step “1.c.” above by the proposed length to find the soil

dispersal component width (remembering the maximum width of an in-ground system is listed in

the component manuals as 6 feet). Make sure that the area you are designing this system for is

the area the soil tester evaluated and has found suitable.

2. Size the distribution pipes:

In order to determine the size of the distribution pipes the following must be considered:

a. Length of the system.

b. Whether a central manifold or end manifold will be used.

c. Hole size.

d. Hole spacing.

The designer must pick a hole size and spacing. If at the end there is a problem with too large or

too small a flow, then a different hole size or spacing is selected and the design is reworked.

Use the graphs in the component manual to determine the distribution pipe diameter.

3. Determine distribution pipe discharge rate:

a. The distribution pipe length, diameter, hole size, and hole spacing are now

known. Use this information to determine how many gallons/minute will come

out of each distribution pipe. Turn to Table 4 in the component manual. Based

on head pressure, hole size, and number of holes, determine the pipe discharge

rate.

b. Total system discharge rate will be discharge rate/lateral times the total number of

laterals.

4. Size the manifold to serve the system:

Select either an end manifold or central manifold design. Central manifolds allow more

flexibility in that longer systems can be designed. Each lateral coming off of a central

manifold is counted as a separate distribution pipe. Table 5 in the component manual is

used to select the manifold diameter.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 6

The pipe sizes for the distribution system have now been selected. The final steps are to select a

force main diameter and size and select a pump for the system.

5. Select a force main diameter:

Refer to Table 6 of the Pressure Distribution Component Manual, Version 2.0 to

determine friction loss. A force main must be selected that will carry the wastewater to

the system without losing all its energy (pressure) in friction losses inside the pipe. Why

is friction force important to consider? Any object or liquid that is moving has a friction

force trying to slow it down. As the speed of the object gets faster, the frictional force

gets larger. Re-stated - as the velocity of an object goes up, the frictional force acting

against it gets larger. In pipes, the frictional force is due to the liquid moving through the

pipe where it is touching the side of the pipe. Friction is a contact force. It depends on

the roughness of the surfaces of the objects involved and the rate of speed (velocity) of

the two objects. As an example, radial tires are sold to people on the basis that they save

gas. Radials save gas because there is less friction (they are less rough) when they roll

than when a regular polyester tire rolls.

6. Select a pump for the distribution system:

The final component of the distribution system that must be selected is the pump or

mechanical dosing apparatus. Only pump selection will be discussed in this chapter.

Two items are needed to select a pump. One piece of information needed, is already

available. That’s the dosing rate for the system that was determined previously. The

other information we need is to calculate the total dynamic head for the system.

Total dynamic head has three parts:

a. Elevation head;

b. Friction loss in the force main;

c. Minimum of 2.5 feet of head, (hole size determines minimum head), that must be

supplied at the distal end(s) of the distribution network.

Elevation head is nothing more than the difference in elevation from the pump for the

system to the elevation of the distribution network. The system elevation was determined

by the soil tester. The house location and the elevation of the building sewer coming out

of the home influences septic tank and dose tank location. That in turn usually

determines the pump elevation.

Friction loss is calculated by taking the head loss per 100 feet from Table 6 in the

component manual and multiplying times the number of 100-foot increments.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 6

The minimum 2.5 feet of head at the distal end of the distribution network is that amount

of head required to pressurize the system. Minimum head is dependent on hole size and

ranges up to 5.0’ for 1/8 inch holes. The minimum head must be supplied in order to get

the flow rate out of each hole that was designed for. The head is multiplied by 1.3, to

account for head loss through fittings in the distribution network. After adding together

those three components of total dynamic head, a pump may be selected that can supply

the discharge rate at whatever head was calculated.

The information obtained is used to select a pump from the performance curves supplied

in each pump manufacturer’s specifications. Care should be taken in matching calculated

dose rates and total dynamic head to the pump curves available. Do not select a pump

that cannot supply the minimum required dosing rate at the total dynamic head for the

site. Likewise, a pump that is too big will supply more than the required head to the

system and will not perform satisfactorily for a long period of time.

7. Minimum dose volume and dose volume check:

The distribution network is designed and the pump has been selected. The last thing that

must be done is set the dose volume. The dose volume must be set so that the system

doses a minimum of 5 times the void volume of the distribution laterals or a maximum of

20% of the daily wastewater flow. 5 times is the minimum number of doses per day. To

determine maximum dose volume, divide the wastewater load (from Step 1) by five.

This will be the maximum dose size. On a system where the force main drains back into

the dose chamber, the number of gallons it takes to fill the force main must be added to

this dose size. Finally, the dose volume must be checked to make sure that it is large

enough to pressurize the distribution network long enough to give equal distribution. Use

Table 7 in the component manuals to assist in determining if the dose volume is five

times the void volume of the pipe.

The design is now completed. This method is the same for mound systems and in-ground

pressure distribution systems. In-ground pressure systems, because of their smaller pipe

size, can sometimes be installed on sites where a gravity flow in-ground conventional

system could not be.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 6

Other Types of Pressure Distribution Networks

There will be times when site conditions, slope, and depth to limiting factor require the

design of soil dispersal components with pressure distribution networks at different

elevations. The design problem faced with this situation is to distribute the wastewater

properly throughout the system without overloading one or more of the dispersal

components. This requires considerably more calculation than the standard distribution

network. The most common method is to calculate the discharge rate of the hole size

being used in the network at the various flow heads and then adjust hole spacing to

provide the appropriate flow to each dispersal component. If more information about this

type of design is desired, it is suggested that material from Publication 9.6, available from

the Small Scale Waste Management Project of the University of WisconsinMadison be

obtained and read. The main point is that there are a variety of options for a designer to

provide an in-ground system by utilizing currently available technology. When situations

arise that call for a more complex design, the district Wastewater Specialists or POWTS

Plan Reviewers may be contacted for assistance.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 6

SELF CHECK

1. “Old age” failure of gravity fed systems is due to ____________ _____________.

2. In the pressure distribution component manual graphs, the smallest hole size for a

pressure system is ___________________ while the largest hole size can be

__________________.

3. If the outlet to a water tower is 31 feet high with 3 feet of water in the tower, the amount

of head on the water hitting the ground surface is ____________________.

4. A minimum ________________ feet of head must be supplied __________________ the

pressure system.

5. A pressure distribution system can be installed in-ground, if there are __________ inches

to a limitation from the bottom of the infiltrative surface.

6. Based on the specifications in the component manuals, what is the maximum allowable

land slope for in-ground pressure systems? Why is slope important to consider in the

design?

7. System elevation is often set by a ________________.

8. Systems can have no less than _______________ doses per day per Version 2.0 Pressure

Distribution Manual.

9. Head is measured in units of ______________________.

10. To design a pressure system, the designer must select a hole size and _____________.

You have been contacted to design a pressure distribution system for a small commercial

use. The soil tests show the site is suitable with an area 40 x 120 feet identified and has a

soil loading rate at the system elevation of 0.7 gal/ft

/day. The estimated wastewater load

is 600 gallons per day. There is no slope in the system area. Design a pressure

distribution system for the site using the Version 2.0 Pressure Distribution Component

Manual. Vertical lift is 8 feet. The force main is 140 feet long. Use a hole size of 1/4

inch and hole spacing of 4 feet.

(Use Calculation Worksheet below)

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 6

11. System length __________________________________________________________.

12. System width ___________________________________________________________.

13. Distribution pipe spacing __________________________________________________.

14. Number of distribution pipes

15. Hole size and spacing

16. Distribution pipe diameter _________________________________________________.

17. Distribution pipe discharge rate _____________________________________________.

18. Manifold length _________________________________________________________.

19. Manifold diameter _______________________________________________________.

20. System discharge rate ____________________________________________________.

21. Force main diameter _____________________________________________________.

22. Calculate total dynamic head.

Vertical lift is 8 feet. The force main is 140 feet long.

T D H = __________ __________ __________ = __________.

23. If the minimum number of doses in 24 hours is 5 cycles, the maximum dose volume

would be _____________ gallons. The system force main drains back into the dose

chamber. The minimum dose volume that may be used is ________________gallons.

1/4” 4’ spacing

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 6

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 7

POWTS INSPECTOR - CHAPTER 7

MOUND SYSTEMS: PRINCIPLES, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Many areas of the state are not suited for in-ground POWTS. This is due to soil limitations such

as slowly permeable soils, shallow soils over bedrock, and seasonal or periodic saturation. To

overcome these limitations, one alternative is to build a mound of sand, raising the dispersal cell

above the in situ (natural) soil surface. This allows the dispersal cell to be installed in a

permeable material above the limiting soil condition so that the wastewater can be adequately

treated before it reaches groundwater. While the sand fill does the majority of wastewater

treatment, the in situ soil above the limiting factor also plays an important treatment role.

The objective of this chapter is to explain the principles upon which the mound designs are

based, the sizing and siting criteria, construction techniques, and the inspection procedures.

OBJECTIVES:

IDENTIFY the soil and site characteristics that require a mound system. See chapters SPS 383

and SPS 385 Wisconsin Administrative Code and the Mound Component Manual.

DETERMINE mound design based on soil and site factors.

LOCATE the best site for the mound on the lot.

DIMENSION and DESIGN a mound.

KNOW mound construction techniques. Refer to Mound Component Manual Version 2.0,

SBD-10691-P (N.01/01)

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

STUDY the Mound Component Manual

STUDY and KNOW how to use Tables and Charts in Pressure Distribution Component Manual

SBD-10706-P (N01/01) Version 2.0

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 7

SOIL AND SITE REQUIREMENTS

Mound designs have been developed to provide safe treatment and dispersal of wastewater at

sites that have one of three restrictions. Slowly permeable soils often have seasonally saturated

soil very close to the surface and present a wastewater assimilation problem. To address this

issue, the wastewater in a mound system, is distributed in the sand fill area and spreads out over

a long and narrow zone into the permeable surface soil horizon. The wastewater is then

absorbed by the more slowly permeable subsoil. A potential treatment problem may also exist

on sites where there is shallow permeable soil over creviced or porous bedrock. The crevices in

the bedrock can allow the wastewater to short-circuit to groundwater before it is adequately

treated. The addition of sand fill to the dispersal area increases the amount of soil available for

treatment. The third potential site problem is seasonal or periodic soil saturation at shallow

depths where the soil is permeable. In this case, the objective of the mound design is to treat the

wastewater before it enters the zone of saturation.

The specific soil and site factors that may restrict mound system installation are in chapters SPS

383 and SPS 385, Wisconsin Administrative Code, and the mound component manual. In

addition to those limitations, a mound system cannot be installed in a compacted area because

permeable in situ soil is critical to the performance of the mound. Compacted layers restrict

downward flow and dispersal of the wastewater and can cause partially treated wastewater to

seep out of the mound toe. Placing a mound in a floodplain presents a potential problem because

when flooding occurs, an improperly located mound may become saturated or erode away.

Mound system installations in filled areas may require detailed onsite investigations to determine

if the fill is acceptable. Removal of the fill material does not always make a site suitable for a

mound.

Land slopes can impair mound operation but more often, the slope can be managed in the design

to be beneficial. Proper location of the mound in relation to the slope is very important. On

sloping sites, the mound is placed so that the longest dimension is perpendicular or at right

angles to the slope. This permits the wastewater to be spread along the length of the mound and

then be treated and dispersed as it moves into the in situ soil. Level sites permit the wastewater

to move downward and then away from the site in all directions, especially in permeable soils.

A site with a 2-4 percent slope is more desirable than a level site with slowly permeable soils

because the sloping site does not concentrate the wastewater in one location beneath the mound.

Sites with slopes in more than one direction, for example a crested site, are good mound sites if

the system is located at the top of the crest. The wastewater can then move laterally in the two

directions of the slopes. Locating a mound at the base of a slope is not recommended unless

surface water from upslope areas can be diverted away from or around the mound. Maximum

allowable slope is limited by design loading rates of the natural soil.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 7

MOUND DIMENSIONS AND DESIGNS

Since the purpose of a mound system is to provide treatment and dispersal of wastewater, it must

be large enough to handle the daily flow of sewage produced in the building it serves. To

calculate this amount, it is necessary to know how many bedrooms there are in a residence or the

combined discharge from all the plumbing fixtures in a public building. Water consumption is

estimated to be about 50 gallons per person per day in a residence or 100 gallons per bedroom,

assuming two people per room. The wastewater volumes that are listed in Table 4 of the

component manuals are used to calculate the estimated wastewater flow for a restaurant, office,

retail store, etc. To accommodate peak wastewater flows the design wastewater flows that are

used to calculate the distribution cell area, basal area, and mound dimensions are based on 150

percent of the estimated wastewater flow.

When the wastewater reaches the mound, the first point of contact with soil is in the sand fill.

The sand fill shall meet ASTM standard C-33 for fine and coarse aggregates. The importance of

using an appropriate sand as the fill material is due to the unique water movement properties of

this material. The sand gradation specified in ASTM C-33 is a material that can allow water to

move almost as rapidly to the side as it can move downward. This allows the wastewater to

spread out until enough in situ soil is contacted to accept all of the wastewater. On sites with

very permeable soil, the flow is almost straight down through the mound and into the in situ soil.

The wastewater continues to move down through the in situ soil until it hits the soil limitation.

On sites with more slowly permeable soil, the ability of the wastewater to spread over the in situ

soil is crucial to proper operation of the system. If the fill covers enough area, the fill allows the

wastewater to spread over and be dispersed into the in situ soil. Permeable soils that are over

bedrock or groundwater at shallow depths need the sand fill material to provide enough soil

material for wastewater treatment.

Chapter SPS 383, Wisconsin Administrative Code, requires at least 3 feet of unsaturated soil in

most cases for treatment of wastewater. Sites where a mound is proposed must have at least 6

inches (0.5’) of in situ soil over the limiting factor. The addition of 2.5 feet of sand fill increases

the total depth to at least 3 feet.

The sand fill material will accept septic tank effluent at a rate of 1.0 gallons per square foot per

day. The absorption area is calculated with this formula:

Design Wastewater Flow (in gal/day) ÷ 1.0 gal/ft

/day = Distribution Cell Area (in ft

Based on the mound component manuals the distribution cells can be up to 10 feet wide. Narrow

cell designs are often used on sites with slowly permeable soil because the wastewater should be

spread over a larger area. The distance between cells has to be great enough so all the

wastewater from each cell is properly dispersed before it reaches an adjacent cell. The

wastewater may spread across the sand/soil interface rather than moving down into the surface

horizon on these sites.

Narrow cells are also used on sites with permeable soils over high groundwater. The longest

side of the distribution cell is placed perpendicular to the slope, and the wastewater is spread out

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 7

before it begins to move downslope. The length should be as long as the site allows. Mound

systems for sites with shallow depths to bedrock should also have a long and narrow distribution

cell because there could be either a permeability or treatment problem.

The formulas used to calculate the amount of fill under the distribution cell are in the mound

manuals. Note that the minimum depth of sand fill is 6 inches and is increased at the downslope

edge of the cell if there is a slope. The additional fill is needed so that the distribution cell and

piping network will be level.

If stone aggregate is used, at least 6 inches is laid on top of the sand fill underneath the

distribution pipes. At least 2 inches of stone aggregate is distributed evenly over the top of the

pipe. The specifications for stone aggregate are in s. SPS 384.30(6)(h), Wisconsin

Administrative Code. An approved synthetic cloth barrier is then placed over the entire stone

aggregate cell to prevent fines from entering the cell.

One foot of soil backfill material is put on top of the stone aggregate at the center of the system

and is tapered to one-half foot over the outer edges of the cell. The cover material must be able

to support vegetative cover and allow oxygen exchange between the distribution cell and the

atmosphere.

There are three other measurements that have to be determined to complete the mound

dimensions. They are the endslope, upslope, and downslope widths. Refer to the component

manuals for the formulas. Note that these formulas use a maximum 3:1 slope. This means that

the endslope, up and downslope widths are gradually tapered to original grade to promote

surface drainage away from the mound and allow rain and snow melt to run off. If water is

allowed to stand on the mound surface, the mound can become saturated and fail. The 3:1 side

slopes are gentle enough for easy mowing and yard maintenance.

Formulas for calculating the total mound length and width are in the component manuals.

The last step in the mound design process is to check that there is enough area beneath the

mound for final treatment and dispersal. This area is known as the basal area and is under the

distribution cell. It includes the downslope area on sloping sites or the “upslope” and

“downslope” (terms used only to identify portions of the mound) areas on level sites. On level

sites, the wastewater can be spread evenly through the sand fill so both upslope and downslope

widths are included in the calculations. On sloping sites, the wastewater should move laterally in

the direction of the land slope. This is why the downslope edge or toe must be lengthened as the

percent of land slope increases.

Refer to the component manuals for the formulas for calculating the amount of basal area in the

mound. Check this figure against the minimum required basal area that is equal to the design

wastewater flow divided by the loading rate of the in situ soil. This rate is dependent upon the in

situ soil application rate.

If the calculated basal area beneath the mound is not as large as the required basal area, the

mound dimensions have to be increased. This seldom occurs but sometimes happens in mounds

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 7

with wider dispersal cells. The best way to increase the basal area is to lengthen the downslope

dimension on sloping sites or the “upslope” and “downslope” dimension on level sites. Finally

design the pressure distribution network for the cell or cells.

The design of a mound system includes these steps:

 Calculate the estimated and design wastewater load.

 Design the distribution cell within the mound.

 Calculate the dimensions of the mound.

 Check the basal area requirements.

 Design the distribution network.

 Size the pumping system.

1. Design wastewater flow: s. SPS 383.43 and Mound Component Manual Version 2.0

2. Design the distribution cell(s): Component Manuals

a. Cells

3. Mound dimensions: Component Manuals

a. Height

b. Length

c. Width

4. Basal area: Component Manuals

EXAMPLE PROBLEM: PERMEABLE SHALLOW SOIL OVER CREVICED BEDROCK

 3-bedroom home

 slope 6 percent

 soil application rate of 0.5 gal/ft

/day

 creviced bedrock at 24 inches

 use a distribution cell width of 6 feet = A

1. Design wastewater flow: 150 gal/day/bedroom x 3 bedrooms = 450 gal/day

2. Distribution cell area:

Area required: 450 gal ÷ 1.0 gal/ft

/day = 450 ft

Cell length: 450 ft

÷ 6 ft = 75 ft = B

3. Mound height

 fill depth (D): 1 ft

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 7

 fill depth (E): 1 ft + .06 (6) = 1.36’

 bed depth (F): .75 ft

 cap (H): 1.0’

 cap (G): 0.5’

4. Mound length and width

End slopes (K) = mound depth at center x 3:1 slope

= [((D+E) + F + H)] x 3

= [((1 +1.36) + .75 + 1.0)] x 3

= 8.79 ft = 9 ft

Upslope width (J) = mound depth at upslope edge x 3:1 slope x slope correction factor

= (D+F+G) x 3 x 0.85

= (1+.75+0.5) x 3 x 0.85

= 5.74 ft = 6 ft

Downslope width (I) = mound depth at downslope edge x 3:1 slope x slope correction factor

= (E+F+G) x 3 x 1.22

= (1.36+.75+0.5) x 3 x 1.22

= 10.29 ft = 10.3 ft

Mound length (L) = B + (2xK)

= 75 ft + (2x9) ft

= 93 ft

Mound width (W) = I + A + J

= 10.3 + 6 + 6

= 22.3 ft

5. Basal area: On sloping sites, the basal area is that area under and downslope of the cells

B x (A+I). On level sites, it is the total area under the mound (B x W) except for end

areas (K). The soil application rate of the soil is 0.50 gal/ft

/day.

Basal area required = design wastewater flow ÷ infiltrative capacity of soil

= 450 gal/day ÷ 0.50 gal/ft

/day = 900 ft

Basal area available: B x (A+I)

= 75 ft x (6+10.3)

= 1,222.5 ft

Sufficient basal area is available. If it were not, then the downslope width (I) would have to be

increased until sufficient basal area would be available.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 7

6. Distribution system: Pressure Distribution Component Manual Version 2.0

7. Pump selection: Pressure Distribution Component Manual Version 2.0

8. Review construction techniques: Mound Component Manual Version 2.0

MOUND CONSTRUCTION

There are several steps in the mound construction process that should be taken not only to ensure

that the mound is built properly, but also to minimize compacting and disturbance of the soil.

The first step is to remove excessive vegetative cover. Some sites with large trees, boulders, or

numerous bushes may not be suitable for mounds. Small trees must be cut level at ground

surface. The stump should be left in place so wastewater will not have channels to follow.

The second step, and most important step, is to check the soil moisture at the site. The moisture

should be checked at several locations in the area for the mound and at several levels to a depth

of about 8 inches. Construction cannot begin if soil from any level can be formed into a wire.

Construction in soils that are too moist results in smearing of the soil. This will reduce the

permeability of the in situ soil that can lead to system failure.

Proper plowing is also important in preparing the site for construction. The plowing should be

done from the upslope edge of the mound. Moldboard plows or chisel plows can be used.

Chisel plowing is the preferred method for preparing the site. Plowing should be to a depth of 7

to 8 inches. This will effectively break up the surface soil horizon. If a Moldboard plow is used,

the furrows should be thrown upslope. This creates small ridges or dams and increases the

surface area that the wastewater encounters as it moves into the in situ soil. Rototillers may not

be used because they destroy the structure of the soil.

After plowing and during the rest of the construction process, all traffic must be kept off of the

area extending 15 feet beyond the downslope edge of the mound. This will prevent compacting

of that area which, if compacted, could form a subsurface barrier to the movement of the

wastewater away from the mound site. Additionally, if the mound needed to be enlarged in the

future, it would need to be expanded on the downslope edge.

Another step is placement of the sand fill. When the sand fill material is brought in, it should be

moved into place from the upslope edge. There must always be at least 6 inches of sand under

the tracks of the vehicle moving the sand in place. Wheeled vehicles cannot be used to place the

sand within the mound area. When stone aggregate or other media is placed in the distribution

cell, the bottom of the cell must be level.

After the distribution network is installed and covered with the required synthetic fabric, the cap

should be put over the mound. The mound should be landscaped by sodding or seeding

immediately. This will prevent erosion of the mound surface.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 7

The following step-by-step construction procedures should be observed for mound installations.

(In this example, stone aggregate will be used in the design.)

 Stake out the mound so that the dispersal cell is perpendicular to the direction of the slope.

Reference stakes are recommended in case corner stakes are disturbed.

 Measure the average ground elevation along the upslope edge of the dispersal cell. This is

necessary to determine the bottom elevation of the dispersal cell.

 Determine where the pipe from the pumping chamber connects to the distribution network in

the mound.

 Trench and lay the force main from the pumping chamber to the mound. Cut and cap the

pipe several feet above the ground surface. Lay pipe below frost line or sloping uniformly

back to the pumping chamber so that it drains after dosing. Backfill and compact soil around

pipe to prevent back seepage of wastewater along pipe. This step must be done before

plowing to avoid disturbing the plowed surface.

 Cut trees and brush at ground level. Do not remove stumps.

 Check the moisture content of the soil at several depths and to at least 8 inches deep. If it is

too wet, smearing and compacting will result, thus reducing the infiltrative capacity of the

soil. Soil moisture can be determined by rolling a soil sample between the hands. If it rolls

into a wire, the site is too wet to prepare. If it crumbles, soil preparation can proceed.

 Prepare the site using a moldboard plow or chisel plow by plowing perpendicular to the

slope. Immediate placement of sand fill after plowing is required. All foot and vehicular

traffic must be kept off plowed area.

 Check the quality of the sand fill material.

 Place the fill material around the edge of the plowed area. Keep truck wheels off the plowed

areas. Keep traffic off the downslope side of mound. Work from the end and upslope side.

 Move the fill material into place using a small track type tractor with a blade. Always keep a

minimum of 6 inches of sand beneath tracks to prevent compacting of the in situ soil.

 Place the fill material to the required depth that is the top of the distribution cell. Shape sides

to the desired slope.

 With the blade of the tractor, form the distribution cell. Hand leveling of the bottom of the

distribution cell may be needed. The elevation of the bottom of the distribution cell shall be

checked at the upslope and downslope edges to make certain that the fill has been placed to

the proper depth.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 7

 Place the stone aggregate in the distribution cell. There should be 6 inches of 1/2- to 2 1/2-

inch stone aggregate. Level the top of the stone aggregate.

 Place the distribution network on the stone aggregate with the holes on the bottom of the

distribution pipes. Connect the manifold to the force main pipe from the pumping chamber.

Lay the distribution network pipes level, removing large rises and dips.

 Place 2 inches of stone aggregate over the distribution pipe network.

 Place a synthetic fabric over the stone aggregate.

 Place the soil cap on top of the distribution cell to a depth of 1 foot in the center and 6 inches

at the outer edge of the distribution cell. This may be topsoil or soil that will promote

vegetative growth and allow air exchange.

 Landscape the mound by planting grass, using the best vegetation adaptable to the area. A

mixture of 90 percent birdsfoot trefoil and 10 percent timothy may be desirable if the mound

is not manicured. If manicuring is desired, a combination of 60 percent bluegrass, 30 percent

creeping red fescue, and 10 percent annual rye grass may be used for the vegetative cover.

Shrubs can be planted around the base and up the sideslopes. They should be somewhat

moisture tolerant since the toe of the mound may be somewhat moist during various times of

the year.

 Mound maintenance must be performed in accord with the Management Plan, (see s. SPS

384.54, Wisconsin Administrative Code), When the septic tank is pumped, the pump chamber

should also be checked for accumulation of solids. A good water conservation plan within

the house assures the mound will not be overloaded. Avoid excess traffic in the mound area.

Winter traffic on the mound should be avoided to minimize frost penetration.

MOUND INSPECTION

Mound construction inspections must be performed by certified POWTS Inspectors.

Inspection procedures are detailed in the Mound Component Manual. In addition to No. 3

below, there are other inspections that could be made during installation.

1. At the time the ground surface is plowed and the stone aggregate and fill are placed;

2. At the time the distribution piping network installation has been completed; and prior to

backfilling.

3. After all work has been completed.

Other inspections should be conducted whenever required for specific installations.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 7

SELF-CHECK

1. Mounds can be placed in a floodplain.

a. True

b. False

2. Mounds cannot be placed in filled areas.

a. True

b. False

3. A mound can be installed on a site with slowly permeable soils if the loading rate is

greater or equal to __________ gal/ft

/day and the linear load rate is not greater than

___________.

4. There shall be at least ___________ inches of unsaturated natural soil over creviced or

porous bedrock.

5. There shall be at least ____________ inches of unsaturated natural soil over high

groundwater.

6. How many soil borings, as a minimum, are necessary in determining mound site

suitability? _________________

7. According to the mound component manuals, a mound may not be installed on a slope

that is greater than ______________ percent.

8. Evaluate the two sites below and determine if a POWTS can be installed and what kind

of system would be best for the site.

SITE A

Gently sloping (6 percent) grassy upland with a few scattered small oaks and a few willows in

ditch at lower end of property. Lot area is 40,000 square feet. The soil profile is:

0-4” Very dark grayish brown silt loam

4-21” Dark yellowish brown silt loam

21-24” Yellowish brown sandy loam

24-60” Brown sandy clay loam with common medium distinct strong brown and

pinkish gray mottles.

The design loading rate is 0.4 gal/ft

/day in the natural soil.

SITE B

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 7

Almost level (3 percent slope) lowland previously farmed, growing to willows, sedges, and

grasses.

0-8” Black sandy loam

8-14” Brown sandy loam

14-60” Gray loamy sand with few fine faint reddish brown mottles.

The design loading rate of the natural soil is 0.6 gal/ft

/day.

Are these sites suitable for a mound system?

9. Why or why not?

10. Explain what type of mound design should be used if the sites are suitable.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 8

POWTS INSPECTOR CHAPTER 8

INITIAL ADVERSE DETERMINATION

INTRODUCTION

The current chapter SPS 383, Wisconsin Administrative Code, allows a property owner to select

from a variety of POWTS options. However, depending on specific soil and site conditions, or

other issues such as local ordinance requirements, the number of POWTS options may be more

limited for a specific property.

It is important for the property owners to communicate their wastewater treatment choices to the

soil tester, designer and installer that they hire. These professionals are in the best position to

provide the most accurate information about POWTS options to the property owner. They can

also inform the property owner what provisions in the code may be used to secure a more viable

wastewater treatment alternative. Section SPS 383.24, Wisconsin Administrative Code, describes

the Petition for Variance process that allows a property owner to provide documentation of an

equivalent way to satisfy a code requirement. Similarly, s. SPS 385.60, Wisconsin

Administrative Code, describes several options for challenging the validity of redoximorphic

features that have been identified and reported by a soil tester.

Local POWTS ordinances must also be considered. Many municipal (county, town, city or

village) POWTS ordinances ban or limit certain POWTS such as holding tanks. Some

ordinances also state that all soil based POWTS options must be explored before a holding tank

system will be permitted by the municipality.

The vast majority of county code administrators (POWTS Inspectors) prefer to work with

property owners and assist them in finding the most suitable POWTS option for their property.

And most property owners are satisfied with the information they receive. However, there will

be times when upon review of a state Sanitary Permit application, the application will have to be

denied. Section SPS 383.21(3), Wisconsin Administrative Code, contains the processing

information for state Sanitary Permits. The county must make a decision on the application

within 30 days of receipt of all needed information. If the decision is to deny the application, the

county must provide in writing to the applicant the reason for denial, a notice for the right to

appeal and the procedures for appeal. An applicant whose state Sanitary Permit is denied by the

county may appeal the decision in accordance with chapter 68, Wisconsin Statutes.

Based on past statewide permit issuance history, the likelihood of a state Sanitary Permit being

formally denied is relatively small. Most POWTS Inspectors prefer to work with permit

applicants to revise the application as needed to make it acceptable. There may be times when

the POWTS Inspector will have to deny the permit application and be prepared to explain what

recourse the applicant has.

OBJECTIVES:

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 8

BE FAMILIAR with permit issuance and denial requirements and procedures.

IDENTIFY the alternative actions available for a site where a petition for variance is needed or

where soil and site conditions are challenged.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

READ Section SPS 383.32, Wisconsin Administrative Code, “Prohibitions and Limitations.”

READ Section SPS 383.24, Wisconsin Administrative Code, “Petitions for Variance.”

READ Section SPS 385.60, Wisconsin Administrative Code, “Soil Saturation Determinations.”

READ Section SPS 383.22, Wisconsin Administrative Code, “Plan Review and Approval.”

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 8

SELF-CHECK

1. In the following TRUE-FALSE statements, circle T if the statement is TRUE; circle F if

the statement is FALSE.

T F a. A governmental unit may approve plans for a mound

system.

T F b. Lots that meet the minimum requirements for a

conventional system cannot use a mound.

T F c. Department or designated agent approval is not required

for use of a pressure distribution system on a site

meeting the minimum requirements for a conventional

system

T F d. Plans and specifications prepared in accord with

s. SPS 383.22, Wisconsin Administrative Code, shall be

approved by the Department or the appropriate county

prior to permit issuance.

T F e. The use of a mound or in-ground pressure system is not

acceptable when a lot meets the site criteria for a

conventional system.

T F f. A county may pass an ordinance that a holding tank

cannot be used if the site limitations are such that any

other type system can be used.

2. Redoximorphic features as an indicator of seasonally or periodically saturated soil

conditions may be challenged by the owner or developer and a soil saturation

determination may be conducted in accordance with:

a. Section SPS 385.60, Wisconsin Administrative Code

b. Section SPS 385.06, Wisconsin Administrative Code

c. Section SPS 384.01, Wisconsin Administrative Code

d. Section SPS 383.21, Wisconsin Administrative Code

3. The use of a holding tank system requires:

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 8

a. Department or designated county plan review agent approval

b. Municipal government approval

c. Issuance of a state Sanitary Permit

d. All of the above

4. The use of a common system or a system on a different parcel than the structure to be

served:

a. Will be subject to county or department approval depending on the type of system

b. Will be subject to the same plan review procedures as for a system serving a

public building

c. Is prohibited

d. All of the above

e. a and b

5. A certified soil tester may perform a _______________ _____________

____________ to challenge the significance of redoximorphic features.

6. At least ___________ observation pipes must be installed to delineate the area under

investigation for evidence of soil saturation.

7. A POWTS can be owned by:

a. Only one property owner

b. A sanitary district

c. A condominium association

d. All of the above

8. A list of alternative courses of action for a _______________ ____________ to follow

on a site that is denied a state _____________ _____________ is provided by the

_________________.

9. An owner may follow the appeal process listed in __________ ____, Wisconsin Statutes.

10. A county must make a decision to issue or deny a state Sanitary Permit within ________

days after receiving all required information.

11. The department may consider petition for variance requests in accordance with chapter

____________, Wisconsin Administrative Code.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

POWTS INSPECTOR – CHAPTER 9

STATE LEVEL SANITARY PERMITS

INTRODUCTION

The sanitary permit is the regulatory device for assuring compliance with chapters SPS 382-385,

Wisconsin Administrative Code and for granting permission to install a private onsite wastewater

treatment system (POWTS). No septic tank may be sold at retail and no POWTS installed unless

the owner of the property holds a valid sanitary permit. The fee for the sanitary permit provides

revenue for both the state and local sanitary permit issuing agents (SPIA). The county must

charge at least $141.00 for the sanitary permit. The county must forward $100.00 of the fee to

the Division of Safety & Buildings. The county must use the remainder of the sanitary permit

fee for the purposes of administering the POWTS program. Sanitary permits are renewable,

transferable, and can be revoked. This guidance document will discuss the procedures to issue,

renew, transfer, and revoke sanitary permits.

OBJECTIVE:

UNDERSTAND the procedures for issuance of state Sanitary Permits.

READ the applicable sections of Chapter 145, Wis. Stats., and Chapters SPS 383-385, Wis.

Adm. Code cited in this chapter.

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

BACKGROUND

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

A sanitary permit is required to install a new system or to modify an existing system. If a

modification involves the addition or replacement of a POWTS holding, treatment, or dispersal

component a state level sanitary permit is required. The county may issue repair and

reconnection permits and permits to operate, only if the county sanitary ordinance authorizes

such county permits. Only the county (villages and cities in Milwaukee County) or the Division

of Industry Services can issue a state level sanitary permit. The uniform sanitary permit that

covers both the purchase of septic tanks and the installation of a POWTS has been in effect since

mid-1980.

The fee for the sanitary permit provides revenue for both the state and local sanitary permit

issuing agent programs. The county must charge at least $141.00 for the sanitary permit.

However, the county may establish a charge of more than the minimum fee. The county must

forward $100.00 of the fee to the Division of Industry Services. This fee includes a $25.00

Groundwater Surcharge Fee on each permit issued. The surcharge fee is later transferred to the

Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The county must use the remainder of the sanitary

permit fee for the purposes of administering the POWTS program in the county. A permit

submittal form and corresponding fees must be submitted to the Division of Industry Services

within 90 days of permit issuance. You must remember that all revenues generated by permit

issuance must remain in the county’s POWTS program.

WHEN A STATE LEVEL SANITARY PERMIT IS NEEDED

Sanitary permits are needed to install or modify a POWTS. If a septic tank or dose chamber is

being replaced or added, a sanitary permit must be issued. It is also necessary to obtain a

sanitary permit for modification or alteration of a soil distribution or dispersal system. The

addition of a septic tank outlet filter requires a state level permit since it is the addition of a

treatment component. A permit is needed for such modification; otherwise noncompliant (too

close to bedrock, etc.) onsite systems might be repaired and allowed to continue in operation.

Only a licensed plumber can perform such installations and modifications. By modification, we

do not mean “rodding out” or cleaning a building sewer. Prior to “modifying” or “altering” the

septic tank, distribution system, or dispersal system a permit must be issued and a licensed

plumber must perform the work. Many times a system or soil and site evaluation will be needed

before issuing the permit.

A state sanitary permit is also needed to install or modify a POWTS on land owned by the state

or for buildings owned by the state. These types of permits are issued by the department and not

by the county. State inspectors will conduct the final system inspection at these sites.

NEVER allow a system to be installed, replaced, or repaired without first having issued the

appropriate permit. To do so will jeopardize enforcement of the statutes and/or ordinance that

require the permit to be issued. For example, if you were to take a person to court for failing to

obtain a sanitary permit for an installation, what would you say (under oath) if the defendant’s

attorney asked if you had ever allowed a project to commence without a permit? If your answer

is yes, how do you think the judge or jury might rule? Always issue the permit first, even if it is

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

issued as an emergency permit to replace a collapsed tank. Owners and installers will better

respect the permitting process if the issuing agents insist that the law be precisely followed. The

emergency permit can later be revised to reflect the proposed final installation. Such permits are

normally issued “with conditions” that spell out the expected actions of the owner to complete

the project in a code compliant manner. The issuing agent needs to alert the owner to the special

conditions prior to permit issuance, and it is best to have the owner sign a statement indicating

he/she understands and agrees to the conditions of permit. Any such statements or affidavits are

filed with the sanitary permit.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Pursuant to s. SPS 383.21 (3)(c) Wisconsin Administrative Code, a governmental unit

shall review and make a determination on the submission of a sanitary permit application

within 30 days of receiving all the required information. NOTE: The issuance of a state

sanitary permit cannot be held due to issues not directly related to the permit application.

For example, the issuance of a state sanitary permit cannot be held because a zoning or

other local ordinance issue is unresolved.

2. Prior to issuing a sanitary permit the issuing agent must complete approved training on

the proposed POWTS technology or method if the application is for any system listed in

s. SPS 383.04 (1) Wisconsin Administrative Code. Those technologies include: Pressure

distribution components with < 1/8 inch orifice diameter, mechanical POWTS treatment

components, disinfection units, or, sand, gravel, peat filter components [ref. Table

383.04-1 Wisconsin Administrative Code].

Table 1 – Permit Issuance Requirements

Condition

State

Sanitary

Permit

County

Sanitary

Permit

Any system on fe

deral lands

Distribution pipe installation, replacement or modification

Yes

Grease interce

ptor

Yes

Industrial or commercial wastewater system under DNR jurisdiction

Installation or repair of turn

ups, vent, or observation pipes

Large system installation (>12,000 gpd design flow)

Yes

Manhole riser, tank cover replacement

Yes

New system installation

Yes

New treatment device installation (e.g. outlet filter, ATU)

Yes

Outlet filter repair or replacement with equal

Yes

Privy, composting toilet, or incinerating toilet installation

Yes

Pump or blower motor ins

tallation or replacement

Yes

Reconnection to existing system

Yes

Repair of a component (e.g. replace a piece of broken pipe)

Yes

Replacement s

ystem installation

Yes

Septic, holding, dose tank installation

Yes

Transfer container installa

tion

Yes

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

Treatment/dispersal system installation, replacement, or modification

Yes

1. This table is not all-inclusive.

2. Only if specified in the county sanitary ordinance.

3. State plan approval may be required.

3. As per the requirements of s. SPS 383.21 (2)(c)5 Wisconsin Administrative Code, prior to

issuance of a sanitary permit the issuing agent shall require documentation that evidence of

maintenance requirements for the POWTS have been recorded with the deed for the property

if any component requires evaluation, monitoring, service or maintenance at an interval of 12

months or less.

4. Emergency sanitary permits can be issued for tank replacements or limited system

modifications if the nature of the emergency is system failure or an impending failure that is

likely to result in an unsafe condition, or human health hazard. Emergency permits should

not be issued for situations that are not hazardous. The fact that someone wants to start

construction on a new home and needs a sanitary permit to obtain a building permit does not

constitute an “emergency”.

INFORMATION NEEDED TO ISSUE A PERMIT

Each part of the sanitary permit application (SBD-6398) and supporting data must be accurately

completed. The permit application is a form available at the following web site location

http://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/Industry%20Services/Forms/POWTS/SB-

FormPowtsSanitaryPermit0209App6398.pdf. This form must be completed and signed by the

MASTER PLUMBER or MASTER PLUMBER RESTRICTED SERVICE who will be in

charge of the installation of the system.

There are samples of permit applications included with this document. In most instances, the

permit will be accompanied by a complete and accurate soil and site evaluation report. Section

145.20 (2)(a), Wisconsin Statutes, requires the county to review all soil and site evaluation

reports and, if necessary, verify the reports in the field. Section 145.135, Wisconsin Statutes,

requires the county to file and permanently retain all soil and site reports. Soil and site reports

must be made available, on request, to any person applying for a permit on the site covered by

the report. New tests or additional testing can be required by the county during the application

review. The important thing to remember is that the soil and site evaluation report must be

complete and accurate. To be a complete and accurate report, it must include the following:

1. Legal description to within 40 acres.

2. The date the data was collected.

3. A legible and permanent soil and site plan that includes the following:

a. Paper no smaller than 8.5 inches by 11 inches in size.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

b. Drawn to scale or fully dimensioned.

c. The extent of the area evaluated. Make sure adequate area is identified.

d. Location information for all points under investigation.

e. Pertinent elevation data that includes reference to a permanent vertical and

horizontal reference point, elevation of all soil borings, percent and direction of

slope, ground surface contours, floodplain elevation, and the elevation of any

adjacent navigable waters.

f. A soils report that includes soil profile descriptions for all soil borings pursuant to

s. SPS 385.30, Wisconsin Administrative Code.

4. Soil profile descriptions must be written in accord with s. SPS 385.30, Wisconsin

Administrative Code. Make sure elevations are given for each of the borings and related

to the permanent elevation reference point. Make sure that enough borings were

performed (three for each system area). The depths to observed water or estimated high

groundwater must be indicated.

Make sure the certified soil tester (CST) completely describes soil horizons including the

thickness of each soil horizon and all other necessary morphological features. If bedrock

is found in the profile, the CST must indicate this as BR and the depth in inches to

bedrock. All borings constructed must be reported.

5. The CST must specify a soil application rate for each fully described soil horizon within

the area for the system.

6. Floodplain elevations must be given for sites with land subject to flooding. If no portion

of the tested area is subject to flooding, then the letters NA should be placed in the blank

to indicate not applicable. The county must check this against their floodplain maps.

7. CSTs must sign, date, and place their address and certification number on all pages of the

report unless a signed, dated cover sheet/page identifies all the pages in the report. The

first page of the SBD-8330 report form serves as an adequate cover sheet if completed

properly.

SYSTEM PLANS

Section SPS 383.21 (2) (c), Wisconsin Administrative Code, requires the submission of plans as a

part of the sanitary permit application. Plans should be submitted on paper no less than 8 ½ x 11

inches in size. The county must review this plan and make sure they have all the information

needed to locate the system on the parcel and within the area tested by the CST. The plans must

include a site plan that conforms to the requirements of s. SPS 383.22 (2)(a) 3 and (c), Wisconsin

Administrative Code. The plans must have a vertical elevation and horizontal reference point,

preferably the same reference points as used by the CST. If a different reference point or points

are used, then the plumber or designer must relate the new reference points to the CST’s data

(give a conversion factor).

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

The plans should include a cross-section view of the system. The plans must show the piping

detail including building sewer and effluent piping, setback from sidewalls, and distance between

pipes and or cells. If a pump or siphon is being used, then specifications for pump and alarm

controls, elevation differences, friction loss, and dose volume must be given. If serial (drop box)

distribution is being used, elevations at each inlet and outlet should be shown. The elevation of

the bottom of the distribution cell must be shown on the plans. On any system with absorption

areas at different elevations, the elevations of each part of the system must be given.

Pursuant to s. SPS 383.22 (2)(b)1.d, Wisconsin Administrative Code, the management plan for

the system is a necessary part of the plan submittal for any project. Also please note that a

management plan includes a contingency plan should any component fail, and information on the

methods and frequencies of service, as well as how the system needs to be abandoned. Section

SPS 383.54 (c), Wisconsin Administrative Code, specifies the minimum components of a

management plan.

Remember that your inspection of the system required by s. 145.20 (2)(d), Wisconsin Statutes,

must be based on the permit and plans you have approved. If the plans are complete and

accurate, the inspection process is much easier.

REVIEW RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SANITARY PERMIT ISSUING AGENT

As we have discussed in the previous sections, there are several components of a valid sanitary

permit application. It is the county’s responsibility to review the permit applications in accord

with Chapters SPS 382-385, Wisconsin Administrative Code, and Chapter 145, Wisconsin

Statutes.

It is also the permit issuer’s responsibility to make sure the correct fees are paid before issuing

the permit. A total of $100.00 ($75.00 & $25.00 surcharge), of each permit fee collected must be

turned into the Division of Industry Services within 90 days of permit issuance. By law, you are

responsible for that money. The permit issuer also is responsible for making certain that the

sanitary permit card (SBD-6499) or electronic equivalent is posted. The person picking up the

permit must be made aware of the posting requirements. The easiest way to do this is to show

the person the permit card and go over the statements on it.

When new permit cards are received from the department, the county should inventory the

permits to make sure they have received the correct number of permits and that all permit cards

bear a permit number.

WHO CAN SIGN PERMITS

Section 145.20 (1), Wisconsin Statutes, indicates that the county can assign the administration of

the POWTS program to “any office, department, committee, board, commission position, or

employee.” The administrator may delegate the ability to physically sign the permit to any

employee. The people who review the soil and site evaluation report and POWTS plans can be

different than the person who signs the permit. Your files should indicate who reviewed the

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

application. Whoever signs the permit, signs for, and in the name of, the county. That person

commits the county to the adequate review of the application and the validity of the permit. If

someone other than the person reviewing the soil test and POWTS plans will issue the sanitary

permit, a procedure needs to be in place to ensure all reviews are completed prior to permit

issuance.

It is the county’s responsibility in reviewing permit applications to properly transfer, renew,

reissue, or, when needed, deny or revoke permits. We now will discuss these aspects of POWTS

permitting.

DENIAL OF PERMIT APPLICATIONS

If a permit application or any part of the supporting data (soil report and plans) is incomplete or

incorrect, then you must deny the permit application. Section 145.20 (2)(c), Wisconsin Statutes,

requires that when a permit is denied, the reasons for denial be given in writing. This may be

done in the bottom portion of the SBD-6398 form or it may be done by letter. This does not

mean however, that minor corrections cannot be made without a formal letter or action being

taken. Often, minor corrections can be made “at the counter” by the designer, and this action

does not require a formal denial action. Additionally, s. 145.20 (2)(b), Wisconsin Statutes, states

that you must assist applicants in completing the application properly. These two sections

together mean that we must educate or explain to people whose permits are denied the reasons

why the permit cannot be issued. This listing of options to make the application acceptable can

be complicated.

If the permit is denied due to incomplete soil tests or plans or an incorrectly filled-out

application, you must explain to the owner what additional information is needed and refer them

to the CST, plumber, or designer. You are not required to do a licensed person’s work for them.

If continual or chronic problems are encountered with a licensed individual, this documentation

should be referred to the district Wastewater Specialist. If warranted, the Department can revoke

or suspend a license for repeated gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct. It is extremely

important that you keep on file the permit applications you deny, along with any correspondence

as to why the permit was denied. Sections 145.20 (2)(e) and (f), Wisconsin Statutes, indicate you

must keep files and reports related to your administration of the POWTS program.

NEVER return all copies of a denied permit. Not matter how small the reason for denial, denial

must be in writing and you MUST show this action in your files.

TRANSFER OF SANITARY PERMITS

There is only one occasion when a sanitary permit can be transferred. Where a change of

ownership for the parcel has occurred the permit may be transferred by completing a new

application form and assigning a new permit number. A change of plumbers is not considered a

transfer, but rather a revision and is processed accordingly.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

Section 145.135, Wisconsin Statutes, provides that a sanitary permit can be transferred between

owners, but the new owner must obtain a new copy of the permit. To transfer a permit where

there is no change in location or design of the system, a new SBD-6398 form must be completed

and signed by the responsible plumber. The transfer permit application form must indicate that it

is a transfer and the previous permit number must be referenced.

If, in the transfer of land, the planned residence goes from a three-bedroom home, as covered by

the current permit, to a four-bedroom residence, requested by the new owner, then a revised

sanitary permit application form and a revised system design must be submitted. In addition, if

in the transfer of the permit the location of the system changes or there is a change in the type of

system requested (e.g. from a below grade system to a mound system), then a revised sanitary

permit must be secured. Both processes can be accomplished at the same time. It is

recommended to write ”VOID” on the old plans and permit application form and note that

revised or transferred plans exist.

Once an individual obtains or renews a sanitary permit, that permit can be used for two years to

install the proposed POWTS, even though possibly the system could not be installed under any

new regulations adopted during the specified two-year period of sanitary permit validity.

When there is a change in the installing plumber the permit file is revised to show who the

responsible plumber is for the installation. It is important to understand that the sanitary permit

issued by your office legally belongs to the site and the owner of the site. It is not the property of

the master plumber who signs the permit. It is well within the owner’s right to request a change

in installing plumber.

This provision does not, however, mean that a sanitary permit cannot be revised for some other

reason. For example, the permit holder may decide to locate the proposed system elsewhere on

the property or the permit holder may alter soil/site conditions at the location of the proposed

system. These and other changes in the conditions forming the basis for the original approval

would require the permit holder to obtain a revised sanitary permit. There may be situations

where a system revision may conflict with newly established rules. If this occurs, the permit

must be revised based on the current regulations.

To revise a permit from one installing plumber to another, a new SBD-6398 form must be

completed. Also, a properly sealed site plan and system design shall be submitted by the new

plumber who will be doing the installation. A new plan is not necessary however, if a registered

plumbing designer or engineer sealed the original plans.

The statutes allow counties to charge a fee for transfer of a sanitary permit. The provision that

more than one fee cannot be paid in any one 12-month period for a sanitary permit does not

apply to transfer of a permit. If it is felt that staff time is taken executing the transfer of a permit

or in the filing of the appropriate papers, a transfer fee may be charged. This transfer fee must be

noted in your POWTS ordinance. The same logic applies to county fees charged for the revision

of a permit application.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

RENEWAL OF SANITARY PERMITS

Section 145.135, Wisconsin Statutes, states in part that a sanitary permit is valid for two years

and is renewable for like periods thereafter.

Additionally, s. 145,135, Wisconsin Statutes, states that more than one fee for a sanitary permit

or the renewal of a sanitary permit may not be charged in one 12-month period. There are

several reasons why a sanitary permit may be renewed. The most common reason or case

involving renewal of a sanitary permit is when a permit is nearing the end of its two-year life.

As an example, the permit is issued for a site on July 22, 2011. On July 20, 2013, the landowner

appears in your office saying that he would like to renew his sanitary permit. First of all, the

permit is still valid. Secondly, the renewal of this permit must conform to the regulations in

force on July 20, 2013. In other words, if a code revision or statutory change has taken place

during the two-year period, a renewal cannot be performed until any needed revision is made to

the plans and/or specifications.

The revised permit must conform to the new standards. The next issue is whether a fee is

required for this renewal. Since the permit is still valid, state statutes do not require the payment

of an additional fee. The county ordinance may, on the other hand, require a new sanitary permit

fee if renewal is sought more than one year after issuance. All that the statutes require is that no

more than one fee be charged in any 12-month period.

In a second example involving a request to renew a sanitary permit the sanitary permit is not

renewed within the two-year period for which it was valid. Returning to our first example, the

landowner appears in your office seeking renewal of the sanitary permit after July 22, 2013. The

permit cannot be renewed, it must be reissued. When the two-year period of the sanitary permit

runs out, the permit ceases to exist. A new SBD-6398 form, POWTS plans, and a soil test

conforming to the regulations in effect at the time of issuance of the new permit must be

submitted and a new sanitary permit must be issued. Since a new sanitary permit must be issued,

the $141.00 minimum sanitary permit fee also must be paid, and $100.00 of that fee must be sent

to the Division of Industry Services.

A third example is where a sanitary permit holder wishes to renew the sanitary permit during the

first year of its life. Again, with the sanitary permit issued on July 22, 2011, no additional fee

may be charged for the renewal of that permit until July 23, 2012. Section 145.135, Wisconsin

Statutes, does not, however, prohibit the charging of a transfer fee where a permit is transferred

between owners or when a revision is made to the original permit.

The next issue is what type of paperwork must be completed for the renewal of a sanitary permit.

In the first example, if the permit is being renewed during its two-year life and there is no change

in the system configuration, septic tank size, location of the home, or location of the dispersal

system, then only a new SBD-6398 form needs to be completed. The section indicating that the

renewal occurs before the expiration of the original permit must be completed. A new permit

card and number are assigned to take the place of the soon to expire permit. An attempt to

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

retrieve the old permit card from the owner or plumber should be made, but is not mandatory.

The county will have to sign the SBD-6398 form and approve or disapprove it, indicate any fees

that were collected, and write the previous sanitary permit number in the appropriate space on

the form. The renewal application paper work should then be added to the file for that sanitary

permit. In the second example, where a sanitary permit lapses or its two-year life expires, a new

SBD-6398 form must be filled out. A new sanitary permit card and sanitary permit number will

need to be issued. The third example, where a sanitary permit is renewed within the first year of

its life, should be handled exactly as described for the first example where a sanitary permit is

being renewed within its two-year life.

Regardless of at what time renewal of a sanitary permit is sought; the permit must conform and

be based on the regulations in force at the time that a particular renewal is sought. Any change

in the Wisconsin Administrative Code or Wisconsin Statutes dealing with POWTS, will need to

be conformed to when the permit is renewed. Remember that renewal of sanitary permits should

not be confused with the transfer of a sanitary permit. Note: A transfer, renewal or revision may

take place at the same time.

REVISION OF SANITARY PERMITS

When a revision is made, s. SPS 383.22 (4), Wisconsin Administrative Code, requires that

revised plans be submitted to you. A revision is necessary if there is a change in the master

plumber or master plumber restricted service responsible for the installation or if the proposed

modification to the POWTS involves any of the following:

1. The replacement or addition of a treatment component.

2. The replacement or addition of a holding component.

3. The replacement or addition of a dispersal component.

4. A change in one or more dispersal components involving the location outside of suitable

evaluated areas, or the size, orientation, or type of dispersal component.

Note: A change in location of a treatment component doesn’t necessarily require the submission

of a revised plan.

REVOKING PERMITS

There will be times, even if you are carefully following the requirements of the code and statutes,

when a bad or “invalid” permit is issued. Should a permit be issued based on false or incorrect

data, it is not a “valid” sanitary permit within the meaning of the statutes. Likewise, if after

issuing a permit, the site is altered and the system area is destroyed, the permit is invalid and

must be revoked (ref. s. SPS 383.21(7) Wisconsin Administrative Code), unless a revision is

possible. The permit application, soil and site evaluation report, (SBD-6398 and/or SBD-8330),

and plan may also need to be voided and such actions must be clearly noted in the permit file.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

A letter must be sent to the owner and installing plumber indicating why the permit was revoked.

A copy of the letter must be placed in the permit file.

If the revocation of the permit is due to a CST or plumber error or violation, a second copy of the

letter revoking the permit should be sent to the district Wastewater Specialist for the Division of

Industry Services for review of a possible license action. If continued problems occur, this

information is necessary to establish a complete complaint record.

DO NOT destroy these revoked or voided permits or the correspondence files. If you were to

lose this information and then be challenged in court for revoking the permit, you could be in an

embarrassing (not to mention legal) predicament.

Remember that permit issuance is the key to a strong healthy program. Make sure you are given

complete information that is readable before issuing a sanitary permit.

In summary, a new sanitary permit card and number is needed under any of the following

conditions:

 New or replacement POWTS installations

 Modifications, or alterations to a POWTS treatment, holding, or dispersal component

 Renewal of a valid permit

 Transfer of a permit to a different owner

 Revision of a permit due to a change of plumbers

 Reapplication associated with a revoked sanitary permit

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

SELF-CHECK

1. The minimum charge for a sanitary permit is:

a. $20.00

b. $75.00

c. $141.00

d. $91.00

2. Regardless of how much the county charges for a permit, ____________ must be

forwarded to the state.

a. $100.00

b. $ 1.00

c. $50.00

d. $91.00

3. The state’s copy of the permit application must be sent to the Division of Industry

Services within _____________ days of issuance.

a. 30

b. 90

c. 120

d. 1 year

4. Soil test reports must be reviewed by _______________ employed by the county.

a. The secretary

b. The health commission

c. A CST

d. The administrator

e. All of the above

5. The only time a permit application is not signed by a plumber is:

a. If the owner is doing the work

b. An engineer signs the permit

c. A privy is being installed

d. None of the above

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

6. A complete set of plans that accompanies the permit application must:

a. Be drawn on a separate sheet of paper

b. Show a cross-section view

c. Show a vertical and horizontal reference point

d. Show piping detail and cell spacing

e. All of the above

f. a, c, and d

7. A sanitary permit can be revised if:

a. The owner decides to build a four-bedroom home instead of a three-bedroom

home as on the permit

b. The owner builds too close to the system area and the system must be moved

away from the soil test sites

c. The location of the house and tanks changes but the dispersal system stays the

same

d. A larger septic tank or multiple tanks are used, but the number of bedrooms and

system location is the same

e. a and d

f. a, c and d

g. All of the above

8. If a permit is being renewed on February 20, 2012, and was issued originally on

March 17, 2010, the permit application must conform to _____________, Wisconsin

Administrative Code.

a. Chapter SPS 383

b. Chapter SPS 385

c. Chapter Comm 83

d. a and b

9. In Question No. 8, can a fee be charged for the renewal?

a. Yes

b. No

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

10. A person comes into the office on November 30, 2012, and has just purchased a lot in

Happy Valley Estates where the seller obtained a permit on December 7, 2010. The new

owner wants to renew the sanitary permit. This is a:

a. Transfer

b. Renewal

c. Reissuance

d. New permit

e. a and b

11. An owner has an original permit that was issued on July 22, 2010. The owner comes in

on August 1, 2012, and the plans show no changes. This action is a:

a. Renewal

b. Reissue

c. Transfer

d. Revision

e. a and c

f. a and d

12. The original permit was issued on June 19, 2010, and a new owner comes in on January

30, 2012, and there are no changes to the plans. This is a:

a. Renewal

b. Reissue

c. Transfer

d. Revision

e. a and c

f. c and d

13. The original permit was issued on January 14, 2011, for a three-bedroom, conventional

system. The owner now has approved plans for a four-bedroom, pressure distribution

system and comes in on December 17, 2012. This is a:

a. Renewal

b. Reissue

c. Transfer

d. Revision

e. b and c

f. a and d

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

14. The original permit issuance was July 28, 2010, and the owner comes in on September

24, 2012. The permit would need to be:

a. Renewed

b. Reissued

c. Transferred

d. Revised

e. b and c

f. a and b

15. The original permit issuance was July 28, 2010, and a new owner comes in on September

24, 2012. The permit would need to be:

a. Renewed

b. Reissued

c. Transferred

d. Revised

e. a and b

f. b and d

16. A new owner comes in with a permit for a three-bedroom home, conventional system.

The permit was issued on February 27, 2010, and the date is May 14, 2012. The permit

must be:

a. Renewed

b. Reissued

c. Transferred

d. Revised

e. a and c

f. d and c

17. The original permit was issued on August 1, 2012, for a four-bedroom, conventional

system. Two months later, the owner wants to move the home further away from the

dispersal system and change plumbers. The action needed is:

a. Renewal

b. Reissuance

c. Transfer

d. Revision

e. c and d

f. a and d

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 9

18. To issue a sanitary permit for a conventional system, the permit application must

include:

a. SBD-6398 (application form)

b. Complete plans on a separate sheet

c. A complete soil and site evaluation report

d. The permit fee

e. All of the above

19. If a permit is found to be based on false or incorrect data, it:

a. Is an invalid permit

b. Must be revised

c. Must be revoked

d. Is valid for two years

e. a and c

In the statements below, circle T if the statement is TRUE and F if the statement is FALSE.

T F 20. A state level sanitary permit is needed to “rod out” a

building sewer?

T F 21. A state level sanitary permit is needed to replace a septic

tank?

T F 22. A state level sanitary permit is needed to excavate and

repair a distribution pipe?

T F 23. A state level sanitary permit is needed if an outlet filter is

proposed to be installed in an existing septic tank?

T F 24. State level plans signed by one plumber may be

transferred to another plumber because the owner owns

the plans?

25.

A state l

evel sanitary permit is issued for a privy?

T F 26. Only the Division of Industry Services will issue a

sanitary permit for a POWTS on state owned land?

T F 27. A state level sanitary permit is required for a holding

tank serving the repair bay of an automotive garage?

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

POWTS INSPECTOR – CHAPTER 10

INSPECTIONS

INTRODUCTION

A challenging part of any regulatory/enforcement program is the inspection process. The

inspection process is also the typical time when public contact occurs. Inspectors must be able to

explain what they are doing, why they are doing it, and what, if anything, is wrong with

whatever they are inspecting and why it needs correction. This guidance document will discuss

the different inspections and authorization for these inspections that are a part of the private

onsite wastewater treatment system (POWTS) program.

OBJECTIVES:

UNDERSTAND the basic principles that apply to the inspection process.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

READ the applicable sections of Chapter 145, Wis. Stats., and Chapter SPS 383-385, Wis. Adm.

Code cited in this chapter.

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

DEFINITION AND IMPORTANCE

A state level sanitary permit is a regulatory device that provides assurance that a proposed

POWTS installation complies with applicable administrative codes and statutes. However, what

looks good on paper must be installed under diverse field conditions. The inspection process

required by s. 145.20 (3)(d), Wisconsin Statutes, is to make sure that what was envisioned by the

permit is indeed installed. The word “inspection” is generally defined as a “checking or testing

of an individual or object against established standards.” In our case, we check what’s in the

ground against what was shown on the plan and what is in the code. The word “inspect” also

means to “view closely in critical appraisal, to examine officially.”

The importance of the inspection process cannot be overstated. It is a consumer and

environmental protection quality assurance program, and it is during inspections that we usually

have the most contact with property owners. To be a good and effective inspector, you need to

not only know the code, but also must know how to relate to the licensed people and the public.

Often it’s not whether you have to say “no,” but rather how you say it that affects your sanitary

program effectiveness.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

Inspections not only have to be thorough in the field, but also must be well documented in your

files. There are essentially five major types of inspections envisioned by the statutes and

administrative codes. These inspections are:

1. Soil and site inspections,

2. Installation inspections,

3. Maintenance inspections,

4. Existing system inspections, and

5. Failing systems inspections.

SOIL AND SITE INSPECTIONS

In conducting a soil and site inspection, it is important not to “redo” or “perform” the complete

work of the certified soil tester (CST). If, in conducting an onsite verification, it ends up that the

CST is in error, make sure that a new, accurate soil test is filed by the CST. The inspector

conducting the soil verification must be a CST. An accurate, detailed description of the soil

profile should be written by the inspector. The inspector’s soil evaluation should be conducted

in a similar manner to the CST’s. Only on rare occasions should a soil verification be conducted

without first having a soil test filed with your office. Even for replacement systems or

nonconforming sites, it is preferable that a completed soil and site evaluation report or

preliminary report be on file with your office prior to conducting any onsite verifications.

Regardless of how many soil borings you verify, or even if no borings are verified, every site

you inspect should have a site plan diagram accurately locating the following:

1. Proposed system or system areas.

2. Well or proposed well location.

3. Test hole locations and test holes you actually observed.

4. Buildings or proposed building areas.

5. Lot lines.

6. Direction and percent of land slope.

7. A reference point.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

Be sure you make accurate and adequate measurements when documenting all your inspections.

You should also document who was with you on the site when the inspection was performed and

who requested the inspection.

Even though you are not redoing or performing the CST’s work, you should write a full profile

description for the soil borings you observe. It is the site where you do not do complete

sufficient or detailed enough work that will usually cause a problem in the future.

From your previous training and experiences, you should know what is needed to prepare a

complete morphological soil profile description. If you are not sure how to write complete

profile descriptions, then you should refer to Chapters 2 and 6 in the Soil and Site Evaluation

Handbook.

The profile descriptions you prepare will form the basis for your inspection report. A report

should be written and filed for every soil verification you conduct. The report should refer to the

appropriate sections of the administrative code in discussing any limitations found on the site.

Many counties have a standard format for their inspection report letters. A well-written

inspection report can prevent problems with the property owner. However, do not use a SBD-

8330 form to report your findings since it may be confused with reports filed by private CSTs.

All onsite verification reports should, as a minimum, include:

1. Legal description of the property.

2. Date of verification.

3. Persons present during the inspection.

4. Results of inspection.

5. Soil profile description.

6. Type of system(s) the code would allow.

7. Next step in the sanitary permit process, (e.g. complete permit application, more testing,

investigation of new areas).

8. For most sites, your report can be written as a letter to the owner or person requesting the

verification. Regardless of who requests the verification, you should send a copy to the

owner, the CST involved, and the master plumber or master plumber restricted service if

a sanitary permit has been applied for. If the verification revealed serious errors or

falsification by the CST, make sure a copy of your letter is sent to the District

Wastewater Specialist for the Division of Industry Services.

A copy of all your onsite verification reports must be kept in your files. Many counties file their

verifications and soil and site evaluation reports by township, section, and then owner’s name.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

Still other counties keep their verifications separate, filing by owner’s name, or in chronological

order. Your filing system should provide a simple means of retrieving the information from the

verifications. Make sure that the other staff in your office know how the filing system works.

INITIAL INSTALLATION INSPECTIONS

Section 145.20 (2)(d), Wisconsin Statutes, requires that all POWTS must be inspected “after

construction but before backfilling.”

As with all other aspects of the POWTS program, uniformity of system inspection techniques is

extremely important. This section will discuss procedures for initial system inspections.

Section SPS 383.26 (2)(b), Wisconsin Administrative Code, “Inspections and Testing,”

establishes that the master plumber or master plumber restricted service in charge must notify

you when the installation is ready for an inspection. Section SPS 383.26(2)(d), Wisconsin

Administrative Code, states that the plumber must provide all the necessary equipment to inspect

the system at the site. A leveling instrument, shovel, and measuring tapes are essential tools for

conducting a system inspection. Many inspectors have a standard checklist available for

installers that describes their inspection procedures. You should be consistent in what and who

you require to be present when you conduct an inspection.

When you first arrive at the site, three items must be checked before beginning your inspection.

These three items are:

1. That the sanitary permit is properly posted.

2. That a set of the approved plans and completed permit application form are available.

3. That the persons installing the system are properly licensed.

The inspection of a system is based on the plans and permit approved and issued by your office.

Complete and accurate plans make the system inspection much easier to conduct. Remember

that a system cannot be moved from one area to a completely different area of a parcel without

revising plans. So, your first step in the inspection is to make sure the location of the tank(s) and

dispersal system(s) are correct.

Many inspectors find it to be easiest to inspect a system by starting at the building and

proceeding in order through the different components of the system. Essentially you are taking a

“wastewater view” of the system. Starting at the building is the “BUILDING SEWER.”

Building sewer is actually covered by s. SPS 382.30 (11)(c), Wisconsin Administrative Code. If

you are inspecting in a municipality that has interior plumbing inspection, then the building

sewer inspection is the responsibility of the interior inspector.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

Where the system being inspected is not in a municipality with interior plumbing inspection, the

POWTS inspector is responsible for inspecting the building sewer. Building sewers must be

checked for:

1. Correct materials [s. SPS 384.30 (2)(c)],

2. Bedding under the pipe [s. SPS 382.30 (11)(e)],

3. Gradient [s. SPS 382.30 (5)(b) 2.],

4. Cover to be placed over the pipe [s. SPS 382.30 (11)(e)],

5. Insulation [s. SPS 382.30 (11)(c)], and

6. Location [s. SPS 382.30 (11)(d)].

SEPTIC TANKS

Regardless of who inspects the building sewer, a POWTS inspector must inspect the inlet of the

septic tank and the joint at the building sewer/inlet connection. In general, this connection will

be a push-on adapter or flexible coupling. The joint must be checked for proper materials and

installation. Incomplete insertion of piping into an opening, cut or rolled couplings, or gaps

between the pipe and coupling or push-on adapter are defects and may cause leaks between the

tank and external environment.

The septic tank itself must be checked for cracks or other indications of shipping or structural

damage. The tank portion of the inspection involves checking:

1. Bedding [as per product approval or plan approval].

2. Water tightness [s. SPS 384.25 (2)(a)].

3. Septic tank baffles and/or outlet filter. Or method to prevent particles of > 1/8 inch from

reaching the dispersal system [s. SPS 383.44 (2)(c)]

4. Manufacturer’s label and capacity [s. SPS 384.25(11)].

5. Access cover warning label [s. SPS 384.25 (8)].

6. Depth at which the access opening will terminate. A locking device must be provided if

the cover is larger than 8 inches in diameter and is not buried [s. SPS 384.25 (7)].

7. Inspection opening and air-tight cap [s. SPS 384.25 (7)(e)].

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

8. Capacity conforms to permit. Minimum septic tank capacity for a 3-year service cycle

may be calculated by multiplying the design flow by a factor of 2.088.

9. Where more than one tank is installed, the piping and joints between tanks must be

checked.

10. The outlet piping and joints must be checked (in the same manner as for inlet piping).

11. The backfill material must be checked. When a new tank or tank manufacturer is

involved, you should check the Wisconsin Plumbing Product Register to make sure the

tank is an approved tank. If the tank in question is not in the product register, or you are

unsure as to whether it is approved, contact the district Wastewater Specialist or ask to

see the manufacturer’s approval. All tanks installed in this state must have product

approval.

SITE-CONSTRUCTED TANKS

On a system where a site-constructed tank is to be built, state or designated agent plan approval

is required and a separate inspection should be performed. An inspection is best made after all

the forms have been set up, and the floor and sidewall construction joints have been poured.

Items to be inspected are:

1. The tank’s inside dimensions to make sure the right size tank is being formed.

2. Tank wall thickness.

3. Type of wall ties being used in forming.

4. Construction joints and the type of water stop approved for these plans.

5. The keyway or equal to make sure the depth and width are acceptable.

6. Inlet and outlet location and size, and the type of pipe openings to be used for inlet,

outlet, and vent piping.

7. Materials used to backplaster the wall ties.

8. Tank cover forms if poured on site or precast covers before installation. Make sure the

forms provide a proper seal between the cover and sidewall (shiplap, tongue and groove,

and a proper waterstop).

If the tank is being monolithically poured, the forms should be checked prior to any pouring of

concrete.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

Note that there are several companies that have Department product approval for site constructed

tanks. These approved products are constructed the same way each time and thus it is not

necessary to submit detailed construction details for each installation. However, the installer

must have detailed construction plans for the product available for inspection. The inspector

should ask to see a copy of the tank construction plans during the inspection to ensure the tank is

properly constructed. Counties with holding tank review authority may review preapproved site

constructed tanks as if they were precast concrete tanks.

DOSE CHAMBERS

On systems that have a dose chamber, the inspector must again refer to the plans and permit to

find the information on size, location, and elevation of the tank. The review of the permit

application and plans must take into account the required storage capacity and/or number of

pumps. Dose chambers that have a siphon or duplex pumping controls installed in them do not

need a one-day storage capacity.

The inspection of the chamber itself is generally the same as for a septic tank. No holes may be

cut or chiseled into a tank or riser unless approved by the tank manufacturer. If a siphon is

installed in a prefabricated tank, make sure the siphon discharge line exits the tank through an

approved opening. Make sure the siphon has been completely installed and tested according to

the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the joint that connects the siphon discharge to the force

main, and make sure this conforms to the material approval in the material bulletin.

Where the dose chamber houses a pump, the following must be checked:

1. Elevation of the inside bottom of the tank (not top of pump pad).

2. Elevation of pump off switch.

3. Pump model and manufacturer is the same as on plans.

4. Are the pump controls in place and set for the correct dose [Pressure Distribution

Component Manual Version 2.0 Table 3].

5. Is the high water alarm installed 2 inches above the pump on control [Pressure

Distribution Component Manual Version 2.0 Table 3].

6. Are the electrical connections appropriate [s. SPS 316.300 and NEC 300].

7. Where is the alarm located and is it an audible, visual, or audible and visual alarm [s. SPS

383.43 (8)(e)1.b].

8. Vent is in place and will terminate 12 inches above final grade [Inground Soil Absorption

Component Manual Version 2.0].

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

9. Vent is 10 feet from a fresh air inlet [s. SPS 382.31 (16)(d)].

10. Manhole risers will terminate 4 inches above final grade and have a locking cover [s. SPS

384.25 (7)(d)1].

After leaving the septic tank or dose chamber, the pipe running to the distribution system must

be inspected. Check to make sure that:

1. Proper materials are used (they must be the same material as approved for building

sewer) [s. SPS 384.30-3].

2. Check to see if different materials are mixed together; make sure proper joints are used

between different materials.

3. Make sure pipes are properly connected (solvent/weld for most applications), aligned,

and direction changes use proper fittings.

4. For gravity-fed systems, check the elevations at the tank outlet and distribution box or

distribution header connection.

Where a distribution box or drop box is used, make sure that a box specifically manufactured for

this purpose is used. Check the joints and connections to make sure they are watertight. Make

sure the box is level.

POWTS DISPERSAL COMPONENT INSPECTION

As with the other parts of the initial system inspection, make sure the location of the POWTS

dispersal component corresponds to the location covered by the permit. Measurements must be

made to make sure the setbacks in SPS Table 383.43-1, Wisconsin Administrative Code, are

maintained and to clearly document where the system is in relation to permanent reference

points. Again, if the permit application and plans are complete, this will be a very simple task.

Measure the size of the system and check this against the permit. Next, check the depth of the

system by comparing the elevation of the bottom of the distribution cell with the system

elevation shown on the approved plans. If the system is installed too deep, construction must be

stopped. In some cases, additional soil borings may be needed before the system can be

completed or put into use. If the system was installed deeper than the original soil borings would

allow, but additional soil borings confirmed that the soil was still suitable a revised permit will

be needed.

You must check the system elevation (bottom of the distribution cell) at more than one location

to make sure it is level. You should pay attention to the spoil pile and system sidewalls to check

for smearing of the soil. If the spoil pile or system excavation appear to have been rained on, or

if you suspect the bottom area has been smeared or compacted, have a section of the distribution

cell bottom uncovered and check the bottom of the system. The POWTS dispersal system may

not be installed when the soil is wet enough to promote compaction or smearing of the

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

infiltrative surfaces. Section SPS 383.45 (4), Wisconsin Administrative Code states that when

the soil can be rolled into a ¼ inch diameter “soil wire” it is too moist for installation. After you

are satisfied that the excavation is at the right depth and construction activity has not damaged

the infiltrative capacity of the soil, the following should be checked:

1. If aggregate is used in the dispersal component, at least 6 inches of aggregate that is

clean, hard rock, 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter, has been placed below the distribution

pipes.

2. The pipe material for the header and perforated pipe should be checked. The pipe

material used must be approved by the Department.

3. The installation and separation of distribution pipes, leaching chambers, or other

approved distribution technology.

4. The joints and connections between pipes must be checked. With the exception of a

gravity distribution cell using large diameter perforated pipe, solvent/weld joints will be

most often made between pipes.

5. Check for the correct the pitch on distribution laterals, if any. Or as in the case of

leaching chambers or other approved dispersal components that they are level.

6. Check the observation/vent pipe and make sure that the pipe above the system is

approved material and the observation pipes are perforated or slotted as per the

appropriate component manual specification. The “observation” purposes of these pipes

are more important than the “vent” purposes. However, all POWTS must be properly

vented and must provide for a free flow of air throughout the plumbing system.

7. Check the geotextile cover material used for preventing soil material from filling the

distribution area.

8. Make sure the system is backfilled with at least 12 inches of soil over the geotextile

material covering the cell.

Checking materials used and noting the pipe marking is an essential part of any inspection.

Make sure you document that proper materials were used and note the ASTM number or other

markings.

On rare occasion, the construction inspection reveals that the site is NOT SUITABLE for the

system being installed. Your responsibility at such a time is clear. You must stop construction

on the project and have conditions reevaluated.

Chapter 145, Wisconsin Statutes, places a great deal of responsibility on the inspector to make

sure the system that was installed is code-compliant. If you knowingly allow a noncompliant

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

system to be backfilled, the county and the inspector could be held liable if it fails or causes a

human health hazard or environmental damage.

If distribution components such as leaching chambers and other approved products are used,

many of the steps for the installation inspection from above are also relevant. Care must be

taken that during installation the structural integrity of the product is not compromised and that

the manufacturer’s installation instructions and recommendations are followed.

MOUND AND OTHER SYSTEM INSPECTIONS

Different inspection procedures are needed for other types of POWTS installations. Inspections

of some systems are more complex and thus take more time, and possibly more trips to the site

will be needed to adequately complete the construction inspection.

Mound systems must be inspected, as do all other systems, after construction but before

backfilling [s. 145.20 (2)(d) Wisconsin Statutes]. The county sanitary ordinance may require

more than one inspection for mound systems and these requirements need to be clearly

communicated to the installer. Mound inspections commonly take place at the following times:

1. At the start of plowing to check the soil moisture and contour elevation,

2. At the time the sand fill is being placed,

3. After the distribution piping has been installed, and

4. After all work is completed.

The first two inspections cited above can be performed at the same time. When you first arrive

at the site, the mound area should be staked out. Using the approved plans, locate where the

controlling contour line is located below the up slope edge of the distribution cell. Check to see

that sufficient ASTM Standard C-33 sand is in place to the proper depth. The sand fill depth is

often listed as the D dimension on the plan. Several other points in the distribution cell can now

be checked to make sure it is level and at the correct elevation. The inspector also must check

the sand fill (and more than one truckload) to make sure the fill meets ASTM C-33 standards. A

written statement from the supplier is sufficient for this purpose.

After the fill has been placed, the inspector can leave the site, returning after the aggregate and

distribution piping has been placed. Several elevations must be measured at this time. Measure

the elevation at the manifold and make sure the vertical lift is correct between the pump off

switch and manifold. Now measure the elevation at the ends of the manifold to make sure it is

level. Measure elevations at the ends and at several spots between the manifold and the ends of

the laterals. It is crucial that the distribution system be level (i.e. at the same elevation).

The final inspection for a mound is done after all work is completed. Make sure the dose

chamber cover is above grade and has a locking device. Make sure adequate backfill was placed

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

on the mound. Make sure the mound has been sodded or seeded and mulched. If you chose to

conduct only one inspection of a mound or other type of system it should be when the system is

nearly complete and is ready to be back filled.

As with all inspections, you must keep a report in your files. If the county chooses to make more

than one inspection at a mound site this should be noted on the inspection report form. The note

should include steps of the installation you witnessed and the results.

Pretreatment device inspections may be conducted independently or in conjunction with other

POWTS component inspections and usually require additional time. Two important items to

remember when inspecting the pretreatment components are:

1. Section SPS 383.04(1)(a), Wisconsin Administrative Code, states: that a Sanitary Permit

cannot be issued by the county unless an inspector that has had training on the technologies

listed in Table 383.04-1 is available. If you are that inspector you should be familiar with

the product and manufacturer’s installation instructions before visiting the site for an

inspection.

2. Section SPS 383.21(2)(c)4, Wisconsin Administrative Code, requires documentation that the

installer has received training on the restricted technologies listed in Table 383.04-1. This

training must be obtained by the installer prior to Sanitary Permit issuance.

Very often with new technologies a representative for the manufacturer will be onsite to assist

with any concerns. This is especially true for first time installations by an individual installer.

ORDERING CORRECTIONS TO A SYSTEM

The whole reason for the inspection program is to help guarantee that systems are properly

installed with the correct materials. Several times every year, you probably will find an error in

an installation. Section 145.20 (2)(f), Wisconsin Statutes, gives you the authority to make sure

these errors are corrected. The Department has found that intermediate steps short of a formal

order can be taken to gain correction of a violation.

A field order is nothing more than a handwritten note on the inspection report that is given to the

plumber in charge describing the violation(s) and the date by which correction must be made. A

county or department order should be a formal letter describing the violation(s), the code

sections that apply, and a date by which correction must be completed. Even the smallest

violation should be noted on your inspection report and given to the installer. Of course, when

violations are noted and orders are issued, you will have to perform a REINSPECTION to make

sure the corrections are made. A complete record of all field and formal orders must be kept

separately in your files, along with a record of re-inspections and compliance.

If a field order is not complied with, then a formal ORDER must be issued. Orders can be

enforced in court.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS

Traditionally, the maintenance of POWTS has been the sole responsibility of the owner. This

approach does not always work well, mainly due to a lack of knowledge on the owners’ part.

This lack of knowledge usually revolves around what type of maintenance is required or what

the consequences are of ignoring the maintenance that should be performed. In 1977, with the

creation of the Wisconsin Fund program for POWTS, the legislature attached requirements to the

county’s eligibility to receive grants that required establishment of a maintenance program at the

county level. Section 145.245 (3), Wisconsin Statutes, establishes a maintenance requirement for

septic tanks. Maintenance inspections are rarely performed by the county, but may be performed

on citizen request or as a service to the public.

A maintenance inspection should include:

1. A check of the septic tank to determine depth of accumulated solids and scum.

2. A check of the baffle plates, filter, and outlet opening.

3. A check of the observation/vent pipe in the distribution cell for ponding of wastewater.

4. Visual observation of any possible ponding or signs of seepage at the ground surface.

5. Assessment of safety concerns such as missing or inappropriate locking devices.

6. Discussion with the owner regarding any problems they may have experienced with the

system.

To check the level of solids in a septic tank, use a tool specifically manufactured for this

purpose. When one-third of the tank’s liquid volume is occupied by the sludge and any scum

accumulation on top, the tank must be pumped. If a dose chamber is a part of the system, the

chamber also must be inspected. If solids have carried over into the tank, they must be removed.

While inspecting the dispersal/distribution system, it is important to remember that ponding in a

dispersal system is a natural part of the anaerobic wastewater distribution life cycle. It is the

depth to which the wastewater is ponded that tells us how much longer the system will probably

function. Ponding, in and of itself, is NOT evidence of failure. When a large amount of

wastewater is ponded, the site should be checked carefully for signs of surfacing. The owner

should be made aware of the impending “old age failure” of the system. Drying out the

distribution cell for three to four months can help rejuvenate the system by allowing breakdown

of the bio-mat. This several-month resting period is not usually possible.

If a properly sited and designed system is near the end of its life span, then the owner may

choose to install a new distribution cell. In this case, the old distribution cell should not be

abandoned. A method of alternating between the two cells on a yearly basis after a two to three

year resting period should be provided. However, make sure that at least one suitable soil boring

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

has been documented near the existing cell and 3 feet below the infiltrative surface to verify

suitable soil conditions exist. The owner by this time is better informed as to the need for

maintenance and usually will be more careful in the future.

At the end of your maintenance inspection, you should take time to explain what you have done

and what the results are with the owner. Make sure you take advantage of this opportunity to

help educate the owner about the requirements of this program (i.e. diversion of clear water, are

the plumbing fixtures in good repair, diversion of run-off water, and unnecessary water

consumption).

There are additional management requirements for many systems. If a management plan exists

for a system, it should be reviewed to determine the exact requirements of a particular system.

You can refer to s. SPS 383.54(1), Wisconsin Administrative Code, for additional information on

management plans.

EXISTING SYSTEM INSPECTIONS

There are essentially three cases where the statutes or codes require inspection of an existing

system other than the cases already discussed.

They are:

1. When a building permit is required.

2. When an existing system is found to be failing and is not being corrected.

3. When construction is planned that will affect flows or loads.

When a building permit is applied for, an evaluation must be made of whether or not a code

compliant system would be destroyed or encroached upon by the new building or building

addition. The building permit issuing agent should not allow a new building or building addition

to be constructed on a site that is obviously served by a failing system (i.e. pipe to ditch, ponding

on soil surface, obviously unsuitable soils). Section SPS 383.32, Wisconsin Administrative

Code, is clear on the retroactivity of prohibited activities or conditions. This section as well as s.

254.59, Wisconsin Statutes, is used to order correction to failing systems.

Some of the prohibited activities or conditions listed under SPS 383.32 (1) that are retroactive

include:

 Use of a cesspool [SPS 383.32 (1)(d)].

 Discharge of domestic wastewater or effluent to surface waters [SPS 383.32 (1)(e)].

 Discharge of domestic wastewater or effluent to the ground surface [SPS 383.32 (1)(f)].

 Discharge to the infiltrative soil surface of a treatment or dispersal component existing prior

to December 1, 1969, that is installed in bedrock or groundwater.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

Section SPS 383.25 (2), Wisconsin Administrative Code, also deals with issuing building permits

for existing structures. Section 145.20 (2)(e), Wisconsin Statutes, requires that you conduct

inspections as required by the county or the Department. Existing system inspections should

answer the following questions:

1. Will the new building or addition encroach on a POWTS area [s. 145.95 (1) and (2),

Wisconsin Statutes]?

2. Is the existing system failing by creating a human health hazard [s. 254.59, Wisconsin

Statutes] or by discharging to the ground surface [s. 145.245 (4), Wisconsin Statutes]?

3. Is the surrounding landscape so wet or obviously outcropped by bedrock that the system

may be non-compliant or failing [s. 145.245 (4), Wisconsin Statutes]?

4. Is there room for a replacement system when the system does fail?

5. Is a complete soil and site evaluation going to be necessary?

Remember that there are many different alternatives available to an owner who has a non-

compliant existing system. When your existing system evaluation turns into a failing or non-

compliant system evaluation, you should stop and inform the owner of your findings and have

them contact a CST to do a site evaluation.

Any addition or alteration to a building may result in a change to the wastewater flow or

contaminant load or both. It is up to you to document existing capabilities and determine if

additional flows or loads can be accepted. If accepted, what if any changes to the system may

result. You may want to refer to SPS 383.25 (2) for more information.

FAILING SYSTEM INSPECTIONS

The last type of system inspection we will discuss is the inspection of FAILING SYSTEMS.

“Failing system” is a term defined in s. 145.245 (4), Wisconsin Statutes. Briefly, a “failing

system” is a system that:

1. Has a discharge of sewage into surface water or groundwater.

2. Introduces sewage into zones of saturation that adversely affects the operation of a

POWTS.

3. Discharges sewage to a drain tile or into zones of bedrock.

4. Discharges sewage to the surface of the ground.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

5. Fails to accept sewage discharges and causes back-ups of sewage into the structure

served by the POWTS.

It is important to fully explain what type of failure the system is suffering from in your

inspection report. How you approach this type of inspection is dictated by how you find out the

system is failing. If a third party reports the failing system, your first step should be to contact

the owner. In many cases, it is the owner who contacts you about a failure. POWTS too close to

groundwater, bedrock, or zones of soil saturation are “failing” but may be difficult to detect.

These non-compliant sites may be suitable for options other than complete replacement of the

system. An attempt must be made to secure the owner’s cooperation. This can be done by

explaining what constitutes a failing system. Your inspection should be performed with the

intent of determining:

1. Is this a code-compliant POWTS exhibiting signs of age?

2. Is the POWTS hydraulically overloaded?

3. Has the use of the POWTS changed?

4. How long has the POWTS been in use?

5. If the POWTS is new (less than 1-2 years old), was the POWTS properly installed (your

files should contain the permit and inspection reports).

6. Is the POWTS affected by carryover of solids or grease (traditionally cited as a major

cause of problems)?

7. Was the POWTS installed in unsuitable soils?

If the dispersal area appears to have failed due to old age, a replacement POWTS may be needed.

If hydraulically overloaded, then some modification should be attempted and/or the dispersal

area will have to be dried out or replaced with a properly sized area. If the dispersal area is a

victim of solids carryover, poor construction, or poor soils, a more detailed evaluation (i.e.,

digging into the area) will probably be needed. If soils are questionable, a CST should do the

preliminary work before you review the site.

On occasion you will have to take legal action to get a POWTS corrected. Section 145.20 (2)(f),

Wisconsin Statutes, gives the county the authority to order correction. Section 145.20 (2)(g),

Wisconsin Statutes, requires the county perform duties as required by the rules of the department.

In addition, Section 145.20 (2)(f), Wisconsin Statutes, includes the ability and responsibility of

the county to investigate violations of their sanitary ordinance and the human health hazard

abatement statute [ s. 254.59 ]. The most typical health hazard you will encounter that is covered

by this statute section is the use of an outfall pipe or overflow to a road ditch. Such conditions

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

are prohibited by ss. SPS 383.32 (1)(e) and (f), Wisconsin Administrative Code. Almost all

human health hazard inspections will be prompted by:

1. Your observation of an outfall;

2. A complaint from a neighbor or other third party.

This makes human health hazard inspections quite a delicate situation.

In all cases, you should find out who the owner of the property is. You should contact the owner

and let them know that you have been informed that their system appears to be creating a human

health hazard. Ask to be allowed to meet with the owner and to inspect the source of the alleged

hazard. Hopefully, the owner will agree to cooperate. Remember that once a hazard is

identified, some action must be taken.

If the owner of the property is totally uncooperative, then you should contact your legal counsel

and secure an inspection warrant. If the nuisance is confirmed (discharge to roadway, the ground

surface, or into surface waters or a drainage ditch), then an order requiring correction must be

issued. At this point, an evaluation of the soil and site conditions must be conducted and a

determination made as to whether the system can be repaired or if a new system will be needed.

Because of the delicate nature of these inspections, and the clear statutory mandate to pursue

these investigations, it is extremely important to fully document all steps of the investigation.

This means times, dates, persons contacted, and how contact was made. If you can show your

actions were reasonable and prudent, then enforcement of human health hazard violations

becomes much easier.

Your initial contacts with the property owner also are of utmost importance. Do not be

belligerent or overzealous with the owner. You are in a position that allows for formal

enforcement action, but do not threaten the owner. Give the owner a chance to cooperate. It is

only natural for many of these owners to be defensive and protective of their property. Try and

explain the threat to the health of the owner, his family, and public. If cooperation from the

property owner cannot be secured, then you will have to consult with your legal counsel for

guidance on further enforcement actions.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

SELF-CHECK

1. After a soil verification is done, a complete plot plan showing the location of soil test

sites the county inspector observed should also include:

a. Proposed system area(s)

b. Building or proposed building locations

c. Lot lines

d. Percent and direction of land slope

e. All of the above

2. The report of a soil verification should include:

a. Persons present during the verification

b. Who requested the verification

c. A soil profile description(s) completed by the inspector who is also a CST

d. a and b

e. a, b, and c

3. The county filing system must include:

a. Copies of all soil verifications

b. A method of retrieving all soil test reports

c. Copies of permit applications that were denied

d. All of the above

4. When a CST makes serious errors or falsifies data, a copy of the county’s verification

report should be sent to:

a. The Division of Safety & Buildings

b. The county board chairperson

c. The Department of Natural Resources

d. The Governor

e. All of the above

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

100

5. The person responsible for inspection of the building sewer is:

a. Always a POWTS inspector

b. Always an interior plumbing inspector

c. The interior plumbing inspector or the exterior plumbing inspector when there is

no interior inspector

d. None of the above

6. When inspecting the piping from a septic tank to the distribution system, you must check:

a. The type of materials used

b. That more than two mechanical joints are used

c. That the pipes are loosely fit together

d. None of the above

7. Which of the following items are the same when checking either septic tanks or dose

chambers?

a. Vents are in place and 10 feet from a fresh air inlet

b. Warning label is in place on the cover

c. Locking cover will terminate below ground

d. a and c

e. a and b

8. At least __________ inches of soil cover must be provided over the geotextile covering.

a. 12

b. 16

c. 10

d. 18

9. Regardless of the type of system installed (in-ground soil absorption, pressure

distribution, mound, etc.), which of the following must always be checked?

a. Pump and alarm controls if installed

b. Distribution pipe material used and marking

c. Septic tank baffles are in place

d. Distribution pipe gradient

e. All of the above

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

101

10. An in-ground system using pressure distribution that is being constructed should be

inspected:

a. When the system excavation is complete and gravel is being placed

b. While the distribution piping is being installed

c. After installation is complete but prior to backfilling

d. All of the above

e. None of the above

11. The required inspection for a mound should be done:

a. When the tanks are installed

b. When the sand fill in being formed into distribution cell

c. At the start of plowing

d. When the site is staked out

e. None of the above

12. When a human health hazard complaint is received by your office, you should:

a. Have the sheriff serve an inspection warrant

b. Issue an order for correction

c. Go immediately to the site for a surprise visit

d. Contact the property owner

13. Existing system inspections are usually done when:

a. An addition to a building is planned and a building permit is applied for.

b. There is nothing else to do

c. Requested by the owner

d. A system is a year old

e. a and c

14. Once a failing system is identified, its use must be corrected:

a. Within 30 days

b. Within one year

c. Within the time period ordered

d. When the house is sold

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 10

102

In the following statements, circle T if the statement is TRUE; circle F is the statement is

FALSE.

T F 15. A soil verification should not be conducted until a SBD-8330 form is filed

for the site.

T F 16. Any county employee can do a soil verification.

T F 17. It is not necessary to keep soil verifications on file.

T F 18. It is the POWTS inspector’s responsibility to inspect the joint at the septic

tank inlet.

T F 19. If a septic tank you are inspecting is not listed in the Wisconsin Plumbing

Product Register, contact the Wastewater Specialist.

T F 20. For a system where a site-constructed tank is being used, separate plan

approval for the tank by the department is always required.

T F 21. Pressure distribution systems can only use Schedule 40 PVC or ABS.

T F 22. The opening for a dose chamber outlet may be chiseled into any tank.

T F 23. Only one mechanical joint may be used on the piping after the septic tank

but before the distribution system on nonpressure systems.

T F 24. A mechanical joint may be used anywhere on a pressure distribution

system as long as it is rated for pressure.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 11

103

POWTS INSPECTOR CHAPTER 11

OPTIONS FOR EXISTING SYSTEMS

INTRODUCTION

Wisconsin has had a strong POWTS program for many years. Consequently, most POWTS

installed may be considered code compliant. However, there are many existing properties that

had onsite sewage systems installed prior to the advent of “modern” regulations. Probably the

most challenging situation that may confront a POWTS Inspector is evaluating existing systems

for code compliance. Not all existing systems may be non-compliant to today’s requirements.

There are many options available to the property owner who has a system that appears to be non-

compliant or failing. This chapter will discuss those options and how the county (and POWTS

Inspector) is involved in advising the owner about the status of the system.

OBJECTIVES:

EXPLAIN the county’s role in evaluating failing systems and non-compliant sites.

KNOW the options for a failing system or non-compliant site.

LIST the information needed for a Petition for Variance.

DETERMINE when affidavits on a deed or other legal agreements must be executed by an

owner.

EXPLAIN when a Petition for Variance will most likely be denied.

IDENTIFY when a permit can be issued for a replacement system on a previously non-

compliant site.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

READ the attached material.

READ or REVIEW Sections SPS 383.22 (2), 383.24, 383.27 and 383.41, Wisconsin

Administrative Code.

READ or REVIEW Sections SPS 383.42, 383.44 and 383.70, Wisconsin Administrative Code.

READ or REVIEW the procedures for Petitions for Variance.

STUDY the petition for variance form, SBD-9890X.

COMPLETE the Self-Check.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 11

104

In the chapter on inspections, the POWTS Inspector’s role in soil and site evaluation was

discussed. There is no other time when a finer line is drawn between the inspection or

verification of a site and a complete site evaluation as in the case of a potential non-compliant

site. The soil tester that the property owner hired may be confused by the soil and site conditions

on the site. However, the soil tester should be involved in the preliminary evaluation. The

inspector in evaluating a potential non-compliant site, is expected to offer assistance to the

property owner and the soil tester. The inspector may offer recommendations of what other soil

and site features or system components must be evaluated in greater detail in order to be able to

make a decision on the acceptability of the existing system.

The basics of the site evaluation should be performed by a certified soil tester. The certified soil

tester should determine what type of code-compliant system is allowable based on the soil and

site conditions identified. The certified soil tester also should be an adviser to the owner, as their

client, to recommend whether a Petition for Variance is a viable option that could be pursued.

Remembering that the definition of inspection is “a critical appraisal of a person’s work”, the

POWTS Inspector’s first action on a site (after greeting the owner) is to review the certified soil

tester’s work and agree or disagree with the findings. If your inspection shows different soil

conditions, make sure your report is complete and well documented to back up your evaluation.

The POWTS Inspector must be prepared to explain the non-compliant aspects of a site and how

this could affect the status of the system. The inspector is expected to advise the owner as to

what options can be realistically pursued. The options for existing systems were greatly

expanded when chapter Comm 83 (now known as SPS 383) was revised on July 01, 2000.

Options may include:

1. File a Petition for Variance with a proposal that includes an equivalence that provides the

same level of protection as the code and continue use of the system.

2. Individual site designs utilizing a combination of new and existing technologies.

3. Install a code-compliant system.

The petition procedure recognizes that there may be options other than those listed in the code

that provide an equivalent degree of compliance.

The POWTS Inspector must advise property owners of what their options are. If after seeing the

site, you feel the existing system or proposed repair or replacement will not be acceptable, you

should advice the property owner of your decision and reason(s) for it.

A Petition for Variance should not be filed on a site that is a human health hazard as defined in

s. 254.59, Wisconsin Statutes.

PETITION FIELD PROCEDURES

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 11

105

When an owner decides to investigate filing a Petition for Variance request, the following steps

may be taken:

1. If a complete soil test has not been performed on the site, the owner must contact a

certified soil tester and have a site evaluation performed.

2. A certified soil tester, with assistance from the POWTS Inspector and/or licensed

installer, attempts to determine whether or not the existing system is failing or has failed

hydraulically. The owner will need to be asked whether sewage has ever backed up into

the structure or onto the ground surface.

3. Site limitations and types of code-compliant systems that can be installed, are reported to

the owner and county (certified soil tester files a soil report).

4. The POWTS Inspector may evaluate the site, including observing soil borings, and agrees

or disagrees with the findings/recommendations of the certified soil tester.

5. The POWTS Inspector writes a soil verification report and makes recommendations.

MEETING WITH THE OWNER

Meeting with the owner of the property to discuss options for their site is a critical part of the

POWTS Inspector’s responsibilities. As previously discussed, the broad options are:

1. File a Petition for Variance with a proposal that includes an equivalence that provides the

same level of protection as the code and continue use of the system.

2. Individual site designs utilizing a combination of new and existing technologies.

3. Install a code-compliant system.

In the submission of petitions, the burden of proof (that the approach is equivalent to the code

and safe) is on the owner. When meeting with the property owner, you should:

1. Review the certified soil tester’s report with the owner.

2. Review your soil verification with the owner (does it agree or disagree with the certified

soil tester’s report).

3. Discuss the current system’s history with the owner (have there been problems, what

kind, etc.).

4. Explain what makes the site and/or existing system unsuitable.

POWTS INSPECTOR Chapter 11

106

5. Explain what type of code-compliant system will match the site.

6. If the Wisconsin Fund is available, explain this program to the owner.

7. Ask the owner for a proposal for leaving the system in use or replacing the system (if

failing) with a similar but compliant system.

8. Based on your evaluation, discuss how the existing system could fail hydraulically. What