Sewage Program Information Packet
CONTENTS:
1. Message from the Board of Supervisors
2. Land Sales Information Notice
3. General Procedures for Obtaining Conventional Sewage System Permits (other than I.R.S.I.S.)
4. General Procedures for Obtaining I.R.S.I.S Permits
5. General Procedures for Obtaining Other Types of Sewage System Permits
Permit Exempt Systems - Rural Residence Systems
Portable Chemical Toilets (Port-A-Johns)
Composting Toilets, Incinerating Toilets, etc.
6. General Procedures for Obtaining Repair Permits
7. Permit Renewals and Extensions
9. Testing, Designing, Soil Scientist, and Installation Firms
12. Pennsylvania One-Call Advisory
13. List of Available Sewage System Options and General Requirements
14. Frequently Asked Questions, Informational Brochures, and Instructional Programs
15. Special Requirements for Properties Owned by or to be Developed by Corporate Entities
Chris Wood
Sewage Enforcement Officer
Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Monday through Friday Telephone (570) 296-9260
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
NOTICE
Dear Applicant:
Dingman Township has, among others, Ordinances that regulate flood plain districts, the erection
of buildings, on-site and off-site sewage disposal systems, subdivision of land and the placement
of land developments on land, zoning, wells and road encroachments. Any or all of those
Ordinances, among others, may apply to a given situation that involves the improvement of real
property. You should consult with your attorney, architect, engineer, builder, or other
professional to determine what Ordinances apply to you and what must be done to bring you into
compliance with those Ordinances. The Code Enforcement Officers of the various Ordinances in
Dingman Township are available to meet with you during their office hours to discuss your
particular application and to aid you in the application process.
Although elected and appointed officials are available for assistance, you must recognize that the
ultimate responsibility for obtaining the proper permits to perform the work that you desire to
perform on your property lies with you. We suggest that no construction be initiated until such
time as you have assured yourself that all appropriate permits have been acquired in the proper
form.
There are application fees, which must be paid at the time of application for these various
permits. These application fees change from time to time as circumstances require, and you
should request an updated version of the fee schedule at the time you initiate the application
process.
We also would like to point out that it is very important that the information supplied in all
applications must be accurate. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that these facts
are accurate, and the inclusion of false or incomplete information in the application may result in
the permit being revoked at any time after it is issued.
We remain available to assist you in any reasonable way in this process.
The Dingman Township Board of Supervisors
Thomas E. Mincer
Dennis L. Brink
Kerry W. Welsh
January 21, 2008
NOTICE TO ALL LAND BUYERS
State Law requires that all contracts for the sale of vacant land that is not serviced by a central sewage system include a provision directing the buyer to the local sewage enforcement officer for direction regarding the steps to be taken to assure the buyer that the lot or property will be suitable for on-site sewage disposal. Since you, as potential buyer, have contacted us as a result of such a provision, we advise you of the following:
(1) Dingman Township has both a sewage disposal ordinance and a well ordinance. That means that both a sewage permit and a well permit are required to build on a lot if that lot is not serviced by a central sewage or water system or both.
(2) The completion of soil testing or percolation testing on a lot is no guarantee that permits will be issued for that lot. Any advice you receive to the contrary is inaccurate.
(3) The issuance of a permit for either a sewage system or a well installation or both will only give rights as to the suitability of that lot for the life of the permit. Once the permit expires you have no protection from the construction of systems or the issuance of permits for systems on surrounding lots. Because wells and sewage systems have to be 100 feet from each other that activity could render your lot unbuildable.
(4) It is highly recommended that your purchase of real property be under the guidance of an attorney or other qualified professionals.
Dingman Township Board of Supervisors
GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING A CONVENTIONAL ON-LOT SEWAGE PERMIT (OTHER THAN I.R.S.I.S.)
(Please see separate procedures list for I.R.S.I.S., alternate, and other system types.)
Thank you for your inquiry about our septic system permitting procedures. The following is a step-by-step list of our procedures and other notes that may assist you in understanding the regulations and to assist you in getting your system constructed without problems.
1. Obtain an application for a sewage disposal system permit. These may be obtained in person at the township office, or by mail. The fee must be submitted prior to the start of testing and paid in the form of a check or money order made payable to Dingman Township. Click here to find the application fee for conventional systems.
2. Dingman Township requires that all conventional on-lot sewage disposal systems be designed by professionals with expertise in the field. There are numerous firms throughout the Pike County area that can perform the necessary testing and design work and act as your representative in obtaining your permit. It is strongly recommended that the applicant secure the services of such a firm prior to performing any testing on the property.
3. Upon payment of the application fee, the applicant’s testing firm may commence the testing of the property. The first test is the soil probe often referred to as the “backhoe pit”. This test consists of the Sewage Enforcement Officer “reading” the soil profile to determine the amount of usable soil at the sewage absorption area site. This test usually determines the type of system that you may install. The test pit must be dug at the location of the proposed absorption area. Because the pit must be dug to a depth of up to 7 feet, and often more than one pit must be dug, it is recommended that your testing firm secure the services of an excavating contractor to dig the soil probe. (Estimated cost to the applicant: $ 250.00)
NOTE: Prior to digging the soil probe, either the property owner, the testing firm, or the excavator must contact the PA One-Call System at 1-800-242-1776. Failure to call and obtain a reference number may subject the property owner and/or excavator to fines under Act 38 (1991), Act 149 (1994), and civil liability for the damages caused.
4. Following a successful soil probe, a percolation test must be performed. This test is designed to measure the rate that the soil can absorb the effluent. The percolation rate helps to determine the size of the absorption area. (Estimated cost to the applicant: $ 250.00)
5. Once the testing is successfully completed, a site plan and design of the sewage system must be prepared. The plans must be prepared by a Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Engineer, a Pennsylvania Registered Land Surveyor, or a Sewage Enforcement Officer that is not employed by Dingman Township. If the subject property is less than one (1) acre in size, the site plan must be in the form of a certified survey map sealed by a Pennsylvania Registered Surveyor or Professional Engineer. It is recommended in all cases that the subject property be surveyed prior to permit application. Estimated cost to the applicant: design - $ 250.00 survey - $ 800.00 and up.)
6. The applicant must submit a completed application, the 3 copies of the property site plan, and 3 copies of the sewage system design (with the required designer affidavit) to the Sewage Enforcement Officer for review. If the applicant is a corporation or LLC / LLP / LP, the application must include the appropriate Certificate of Incumbancy. Upon approval by the Sewage Enforcement Officer, a permit will be issued. The permit will be valid for three (3) years. The permit may be suspended or revoked should the conditions under which it was issued change.
7. Should either the soil probe or the percolation test fail, the application shall be denied. The applicant shall be notified of the denial and the right of appeal. Should the applicant chose not to appeal, upon written request, one-half the application fee shall be refunded.
8. When hiring a firm to install your sewage system, be sure that the installer is familiar with the construction of the system type that was permitted. If the installer is not familiar with the permitted type of system, or has questions concerning its construction, the installer should contact the Sewage Enforcement Officer for advice.
9. Inspections will be made during the construction of the sewage system. No part of the system may be covered without the approval of the Sewage Enforcement Officer. If the system requires sand or coarse aggregate (gravel), certification slips attesting that the material meets the Department of Environmental Protection’s requirements must be submitted to the Sewage Enforcement Officer before the system is covered. Systems utilizing a pump require a pressure inspection before the system is covered. The system installer should contact the Sewage Enforcement Officer prior to construction of the system to determine the inspections that will be required.
10. When permission to cover the system is granted, the installer should cover and complete the system. When the installer is finished, a final inspection must be requested. In order to pass the final inspection, the system should be totally complete, covered, and seeded with grass. Systems utilizing pumps must have their electrical wiring complete and alarm system operational. If an aerobic tank is employed, it must be operating at the time of inspection.
11. Once the system has passed final inspection, the sewage portion of the Certificate of Occupancy will be signed. The Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Zoning Officer and occupancy of the structure or use of the sewage system prior to the issuance of the Certificate (even weekends) is unlawful and will not be permitted. The owner of the property is ultimately responsible for any violations that take place. Avoid problems. If your builder tells you that your house is complete, consult the Township Office to see if the Certificate has been issued!
Revision date: 6/4/14
This information sheet was designed to assist the applicant in obtaining an I.R.S.I.S. sewage system permit. As I.R.S.I.S. systems are fairly complicated to design, state law requires that the design be sealed by a Professional Engineer that is licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and who has completed special training through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The applicant will also need to employ a Qualified Soil Scientist (as defined by 25 Pa. Code § 73.1) to prepare the required the soil morphology report.
1. The engineer and Qualified Soil Scientist should evaluate the property using topographic maps, soil maps, wetlands maps, floodplain maps, and by actually walking the property to determine possible test areas.
2. When the engineer and Qualified Soil Scientist have determined the area(s) that will be tested, Sewage Enforcement Officer must be contacted to set a testing date. The permit application fee must be submitted before the testing commences. Click here to find the I.R.S.I.S. application fee. The fee must be in the form of a check or money order made payable to Dingman Township.
3. At the appointed time, the Qualified Soil Scientist shall dig a series of soil probes around the test area(s). Due to the large number of pits that may have to be dug, it is recommended that the soil scientist secure the services of an excavating contractor. The soil scientist will determine the limiting zones of the test pits and prepare a soil morphology report. The Sewage Enforcement Officer shall confirm the limiting zones.
4. After the initial round of testing, the engineer shall evaluate the soil probe results and their relationship to the test site. Additional testing may be necessary.
5. The engineer shall design the I.R.S.I.S. system in accordance with the requirements found in the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (as amended by Act 149 of 1994), Chapter 73 of the Sewage Facilities Act regulations, and the Dingman Township Sewage Ordinance. A maintenance and operations manual must be prepared by the engineer and submitted with detailed construction plans for the Sewage Enforcement Officer to review.
6. The Board of Supervisors, in consultation with the Township Engineer and the Sewage Enforcement Officer, shall review the application and determine an appropriate bond to cover the construction and operation of the system.
7. In addition to the bond, the property owner will be required to enter into an Operations and Maintenance Agreement with the Township. The property owner will be required to secure the services of a maintenance provider to inspect the operation of the system, to provide any maintenance that is required, and to perform the required effluent testing.
8. When the bond has been approved and secured and the Operation and Maintenance Agreement has been signed and recorded with the Pike County Recorder’s office, permission shall be given to the Sewage Enforcement Officer to issue the permit.
9. The property owner shall secure the services of a sewage contractor to construct the system. The property owner should be sure that the contractor is experienced in construction of I.R.S.I.S. systems. It is recommended that the design engineer supervise the day-to-day construction on the site. Inspections will be required. Because I.R.S.I.S. systems may be designed with numerous treatment options, an inspection schedule can not be determined until the system is permitted. Therefore, the contractor must set up an inspection schedule with the Sewage Enforcement Officer based on the components that will be employed.
10.When the system is completed, the sewage portion of the Certificate of Occupancy will be signed. Both occupancy of the house and use of the system prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy is a violation of state and local law. The owner of the property is ultimately responsible for any violations that take place. Avoid problems. Consult the Township Office to see if the Certificate has been issued before using the house or system.
11.Thirty (30) days after the house is occupied, the effluent of the system must be tested to determine if the system is functioning within the required parameters. The effluent testing must be performed every thirty (30) days thereafter. After testing has shown no effluent violations for twenty-four (24) consecutive months, the effluent testing may be performed at quarterly intervals. However, upon finding an effluent violation, the period will revert back to monthly. The effluent test reports must be submitted to the Sewage Enforcement Officer.
12.Starting at 180 days after the house is occupied, the maintenance provider shall inspect the system and perform any necessary maintenance. Such an inspection will be required every 180 days thereafter. Inspections may be required at a more frequent interval if required by the Operation and Maintenance Agreement or by the manufacturer of any system component.
Revision date: 6/4/14
GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING OTHER TYPES OF SEWAGE PERMITS
Community Systems are sewage systems in which two or more structures are connected to a single sewage system. To obtain a permit for a community system, the applicant must ...
1. Perform the necessary testing as described for conventional systems for a primary sewage area and for a reserve sewage area. Click here to find the testing fees. Representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection may want to be present for the testing.
2. Complete a Component-2 planning module for review by the Sewage Enforcement Officer, Township Planning Commission, County Planning Commission, and approval by the Board of Supervisors, and the Department of Environmental Protection. Click here to find the planning fees.
3. After approval by the Department of Environmental Protection, the system will be permitted in the manner required for the particular system type. Click here to find the application fees.
4. Construction inspections will be required. The inspections will vary based on the system type. The installer must meet with the Sewage Enforcement Officer to set an inspection schedule prior to the start of construction.
Revision date: 6/4/14
Permit Exempt Systems - Rural Residence Systems
The Dingman Township Sewage Ordinance prohibits the use of Permit Exempt Systems and Rural Residence Systems as described in the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.
Revision date: 2/3/97
Alternate Systems are systems that employ the use of demonstrated technology in a manner not specifically recognized by the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act regulations. As Alternate Systems may be minor variations of conventional systems, or may be completely unique systems, the testing and inspection schedule must be determined based on each system type. The Department of Environmental Protection has a list of approved Alternate Systems with the required testing procedures. Alternate System types, not found on the list, will have to have the testing approved by DEP on a case-by-case basis. All testing must be performed or observed by the Sewage Enforcement Officer. The Sewage Enforcement officer will determine the necessary schedule of inspections based on the specific system approved. In many cases, DEP approval is required prior to permit issuance.
Revision date: 6/9/14
Experimental Systems are systems that employ the use of technology in a manner not specifically recognized by the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act regulations. As Experimental Systems are unique systems, the testing and inspection schedule must be determined individually for each system. Experimental systems must be designed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and designed in accordance with section 73.71 of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act Regulations. All experimental systems must be approved by DEP prior to permit issuance by the Sewage Enforcement Officer. All testing must be performed or observed by the Sewage Enforcement Officer and an inspection schedule will be developed based on the specific system.
Revision date: 6/9/14
Systems on Mottled Soils as found in Section 7.2 of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act
Section 7.2 of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act creates a provision that could allow property owners a chance to build on soils for which a permit for a conventional sewage system permit has been denied. It should be noted that it is unlikely that most of the properties that fail the sewage testing would benefit from this section.
1. The applicant must select a site on the property where the sole reason that the site could not receive a sewage system permit was soil mottling (redoximorphic features) within 20 inches of the surface. Should any other factor be present (such as gravel with open voids or bedrock within 20 inches of the surface) the site may not be used. The site must meet all other isolation and slope requirements required in the Sewage Facilities Act regulations.
2. The applicant must secure the services of a Qualified Soils Scientist (as defined by law) to determine that the soil mottling is not an indication of either perched or regional seasonal high water table. The Qualified Soil Scientist must arrange to have the Sewage Enforcement Officer present during this testing. A fee is charged for the Sewage Enforcement Officer to witness the testing. Click here to find the testing fees.
NOTE: Prior to digging the soil probe, either the property owner, the soil scientist, or the excavator must contact the PA One-Call System at 1-800-242-1776. Failure to call and obtain a reference number may subject the property owner and/or excavator to fines under Act 38 (1991), Act 149 (1994), and civil liability for the damages caused.
3. If the Qualified Soil Scientist determines that the mottling is not an indication of seasonal high water table, the applicant may request, in writing, that the Sewage Enforcement Officer perform a percolation test at the site of the failed soil probe test. The Dingman Township fee for the percolation test is $ 200.00 The applicant is responsible to have the site prepared (holes dug and prepared) in the manner prescribed by the Sewage Enforcement Officer prior to the test. The applicant shall also provide the Sewage Enforcement Officer with an amount of water sufficient to perform the test with said water stored no further than ten feet from the test site.
4. If the percolation test falls within an acceptable range for an elevated sandmound system, the applicant shall have an elevated sandmound system designed that meets all the applicable regulations found in the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act regulations and the Dingman Township Sewage Ordinance. (See Conventional Systems.)
5. The property owner shall meet with the Dingman Township Board of Supervisors to arrange to bond the system. The bonding requirements can be found in section 7.2 of the Sewage Facilities Act and its supporting regulations.
6. The owner shall record a new property deed with appropriate language intended to alert future purchasers of the property that a system installed under section 7.2 services the property.
7. After the bonding is approved and deed recorded, the property owner may apply for a sewage system permit. In applying for the permit, the applicant shall sign a document holding the Sewage Enforcement Officer, the Township, and the Department of Environmental Protection harmless for any environmental, health, or performance problems created by the system.
Revision date: 6/9/14
Portable Chemical Toilets (Port-a-Johns)
State law requires that a permit first be issued prior to the placement of portable chemical toilets on a site. In order to apply for a permit ...
1. Complete a sewage system application.
2. Attach a letter informing the Sewage Enforcement Officer who will own the unit and who will service the unit.
3. Submit the application and letter to the Sewage Enforcement Officer for permit consideration. If the applicant is a corporation or LLC / LLP / LP, the application must include the appropriate Certificate of Incumbancy.
There is a fee for the permit. Click here to find the fee.
The permit may be revoked or enforcement action pursued should it be found that the units are not being maintained in a sanitary manner.
Except for their use while repairing a malfunctioning sewage system, the use of holding tanks is prohibited in Dingman Township. Should a holding tank be necessary, a permit is required. Click here to find the fee.
Composting Toilets, Incinerating Toilets, etc.
Other forms of retaining tanks including composting toilets, incinerating toilets, etc. may be used. Permits are generally required. Consult with the Sewage Enforcement Officer to determine permit applicability. The systems must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Revised: 2/3/97
GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING A SEWAGE SYSTEM REPAIR PERMIT
Sooner or later, every sewage system will have a problem that needs to be repaired. It is important to remember that State and Township law requires that a permit be obtained and that the repairs must be performed and inspected in the manner prescribed by state law. As repairs vary from fixing a broken pipe, to replacing a septic tank, to replacing the entire sewage system, the permit requirements vary in accordance with the nature of the repair. The fee also varies based on the nature of the work performed. Click here to find the fee.
The first step toward obtaining a repair permit is to meet with the Sewage Enforcement Officer to discuss the problem
Next, a site inspection is usually conducted for the purposes of determining the cause of the problem. At that time, soil probes may be dug outside the system for analysis of the soil. Test pits may also be dug in the system as an aid in determining the nature and extent of the problem.
When the nature and extent of the problem are determined, a plan for corrective action must be developed. If the problem involves the absorption area, the correction plans may have to be designed by a professional engineer or sewage system consultant. It is recommended that the engineer or consultant be present during the testing.
After a corrective plan is developed, the property owner shall submit a copy of the plan, a completed sewage permit application, and a check for the applicable permit fee. The Sewage Enforcement Officer shall review the plans and, if they are determined to be feasible, issue a permit.
When issuing the permit, the Sewage Enforcement Officer will usually provide a written schedule of inspections specific to the nature of the repair. If such a schedule is not included, the excavator should meet with the Sewage Enforcement Officer to set up an inspection schedule.
Repairing a malfunctioning sewage system is far from an exact science. It is important to remember that a system’s repair is often limited by the factors present on the site (eg. poor soils, lack of area, etc.) As such, the system may not function as well as a new system and further corrective action may be required.
NOTE: Prior any digging, either the property owner, the testing firm, or the excavator must contact the PA One-Call System at 1-800-242-1776. Failure to call and obtain a reference number may subject the property owner and/or excavator to fines under Act 38 (1991), Act 149 (1994), and civil liability for the damages caused.
Revised: 6/9/14
PERMIT RENEWALS AND EXTENSIONS
Under the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, a sewage system permit expires on the third anniversary of its date of its issuance. If, prior to the expiration date of the sewage permit, both the sewage system and the structure in which it is to serve have been lawfully started, then the permit receives an automatic extension until the system is completed. Under Dingman Township law, the absorption area must be approved for cover and the structure’s foundation approved as complete in order to qualify for a permit extension. The Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act makes no provisions to renew or extend a sewage permit. Therefore, Dingman Township can not honor requests to renew a sewage permit. However, often times the testing and design work may be used to obtain a new permit.
In order to apply for a permit based on information found in an old permit, the applicant should secure the services of a professional engineer or sewage system consulting firm (generally the firm that designed the previous permit). The engineer or consultant will determine if the old permit and site are compliant with the current regulations. If the firm determines that the old permit and site are compliant, they can prepare the necessary paperwork and submit it for Sewage Enforcement Officer review. If the Sewage Enforcement Officer determines that all is in order, a new permit will be issued.
If either the consulting firm or the Sewage Enforcement Officer determines that the old permit or the site are not compliant with the current regulations, no permit will be issued until the problems have been rectified. This may require new or additional testing, changes in the system’s design or location, or possibly a change of system types.
When reviewing a permit application, the Township reserves the right to refuse to accept any test in accordance with Section 8 (c) and (d) of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.
Note: Act 46 of 2010 automatically extended the period of permit validity for many permits issued between January 1, 2009 and July 1, 2013. If you have a permit that was valid between those dates, contact the sewage enforcement officer to determine if the Act applies to your permit.
Revised: 6/9/14
While the tests required to obtain a sewage permit are not overly complicated, Dingman Township recommends that the applicant secure the services of qualified professionals to perform the required testing. Improper or poor quality testing can result in larger and more expensive systems. It is not the job or the Sewage Enforcement Officer to teach an applicant how to perform the tests.
Soil Probe Test
As this involves the digging of at least one test pit to a depth of up to seven feet, the applicant will need to secure the services of an excavating contractor and a professional to determine where to dig the hole. (The Sewage Enforcement Officer will not direct the excavating contractor where to place the hole.)
The applicant shall schedule an appointment with the Sewage Enforcement Officer.
Prior to the appointed time, the applicant’s professional shall locate the property corners and flag the property lines. The professional shall also locate all the wells on neighboring properties and any other items that require isolation as per § 73.13 of the Sewage Facilities Act regulations. If the property lines are not flagged and the items requiring isolation are not identified and located, the Sewage Enforcement Officer may elect not to test the property and the applicant will be billed a retesting fee.
At the appointed time, the excavating contractor shall dig the test pit in the presence of the Sewage Enforcement Officer who will “read” the soil to determine the amount of usable soil at the site. Often times several test pits must be dug.
Upon the Sewage Enforcement Officer completing the work, the excavating contractor shall close the test pits. Test pits not promptly closed may result in penalties being assessed against the applicant.
Note: Improper siting of the test pits could result in permit denial or a more expensive system than would be required if sited correctly. The applicant is again advised to secure the services of qualified professionals to site the test pits.
Percolation Test
When a percolation test is required, the applicant shall schedule the percolation test with the Sewage Enforcement Officer. The applicant shall supply all of the labor and material required by the test.
At least 24 hours before the test, the applicant shall have the percolation holes dug to the depth specified by the Sewage Enforcement Officer. The holes will be of the diameter, spacing, and otherwise prepared specified by § 73.15 of the Sewage Facilities Act regulations.
Between 8 and 24 hours before the test, the applicant shall have the holes pre-soaked according to the § 73.15 requirements.
On the day of the test, the applicant shall ensure that the test starts at the appointed time – no sooner, no later.
The test will be conducted by the applicant or the applicant’s representative. The Sewage Enforcement Officer shall only witness the test.
Note: Poor results of a percolation test can cause the permit to be denied or require the use of a system much bigger that needed. The applicant is again advised to secure the services of qualified professionals to prepare and conduct the test in order to prevent unnecessary failure or oversized systems.
7.2 Percolation Tests
Percolation tests conducted under section 7.2 of the Sewage Facilities Act shall be prepared as noted above except that the Sewage Enforcement Officer shall perform the actual test.
The applicant is still required to have the holes dug and prepared as specified by § 73.15 of the Sewage Facilities Act regulations. In addition, the applicant must have and appropriate amount of water to conduct the test stored within 10 feet of the test site.
Soil Morphology Reports
When a soil morphology report is required, the applicant shall secure the services of a professional soil scientist or a Qualified Soil Scientist as may be required based on the rules for permitting the system to be applied for. The applicant shall also secure the services of an excavating contractor to dig the test pits.
The applicant shall schedule an appointment with the Sewage Enforcement Officer for purposes of conducting the test.
The applicant shall follow the procedures listed above for Soil Probe Tests excepting that the test pits shall be read by the soil scientist. The Sewage Enforcement Officer shall confirm the limiting zone as determined by the soil scientist.
Revised: 6/9/10
PERK TESTERS, SYSTEM DESIGNERS, INSTALLERS, AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS
For legal reasons, Dingman Township is unable to provide a list of firms that perform sewage testing, design sewage systems, install sewage systems, or provide other ancillary services nor are Township personnel able to recommend or endorse any particular person or firm.
Should you need the names of firms that perform sewage related services, please refer to the local yellows pages or call the Pike County Chamber of Commerce at (570) 296-8700 for a list of their members.
A list of soil scientists may be found at the Pennsylvania Association of Professional Soil Scientists website.
Revised: 6/9/14
You should be aware that the State and Federal governments have regulations governing wetlands. It may be appropriate for you to obtain a Wetlands Jurisdictional Determination from the Army Corps of Engineers before proceeding with your proposed subdivision, land development or other use of real property.
For more information on wetlands, call the Pike County Conservation District at (570) 226-8820 or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulator of the Day at (215) 597-4722.
Revised: 6/9/14
Erosion and Stormwater Advisory
25 Pa. Code § 102 requires that all projects that will alter the land surface, no matter how little, must have a soil erosion and sedimentation control plan. Larger projects may be required to have the plans filed with the Conservation District or secure a state permit.
Any project that will disturb one acre or more (in aggregate) of the land's surface must prepare a stormwater mitigation plan and obtain a state permit.
For more information contact the Pike County Conservation District at 570-226-8220.
Revised: 6/9/14
Applicants! Excavators! Test Firms!
Pennsylvania Law requires that you notify the Pennsylvania One-Call System at least 3 business days before digging in the ground. Failure to secure a One-Call registration number could subject you to fines and you may be held liable for any damage that you may cause.
A number secured by another party does not relieve you of the requirement to register your activity.
Sewage System Designers: the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act requires that a One-Call registration number, the date issued, and the One-Call telephone number be placed on the sewage system plans.
To contact Pennsylvania One-Call from any Pennsylvania land line call 8 – 1 – 1. Cell phones call 1-800-242-1776.
For more information, visit the Pennsylvania One-Call System website.
LIST OF APPROVED SEWAGE SYSTEM TYPES AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Note: The information provided below is to give the property owner an idea of the sewage options that may be available for the subject property. From time to time, new systems and/or requirements are added and deleted by the Department of Environmental Protection. As such, this list may not be be all inclusive. Should this list differ from the Sewage Facilities Act regulations or the DEP Alternate System Listings, the latter documents shall prevail.
Note: This chart only lists the general requirements for the particular system type. There may be additional requirements and site specific conditions that may affect the applicability to a particular property.
Note: There are variations of the listed systems that are not listed here. For example, the aggregate may often be replaced by leaching chambers or alternative aggregate. Natural sand may be replaced by glass sand. Please contact the Sewage Enforcement Officer to see what variations may be beneficial to your building plans.
System Type Minimum Limiting Zone Percolation Rate Soil Morphology Report Slope Comments In-ground Bed 60 inches 6 - 90 mpi Not Required 0 - 8 % In-ground Trenches 60 inches 6 - 90 mpi Not Required 0 - 25 % Subsurface Sand Filter 60 inches 3 - 90 mpi Not Required 0 - 8 % Shallow Placement Pressure Dosed System - Bed 58 inches 3 - 90 mpi Not Required 0 - 8 % Shallow Placement Pressure Dosed System - Trenches 58 inches 3 - 90 mpi Not Required 0 - 25 % At-Grade Absorption Area - Type A 48 inches 3 - 180 mpi Not Required 2 - 15 % At-Grade Absorption Area - Type B 48 inches 3 - 180 mpi Not Required 0 - 15 % Modified Subsurface Sand Filter 36 inches - gravel 72 inches - water table
3 - 180 mpi Not required 0 - 8 % Drip Irrigation - secondary treatment 24 inches Not Required Required 0 - 25 % Approved filters: Ecoflo, Puraflo, AdvanTex
Elevated Sandmound 20 inches 3 - 180 mpi Not Required 0 - 12 % Elevated Sandmound Trenches 20 inches 3 - 180 mpi Not Required 0 - 12 % Steep Slope Elevated Sandmound Beds 20 inches 3 - 30 mpi Not Required 12 - 15 % At-Grade Absorption Area - Type A with peat filter 20 inches 3 -180 mpi Not Required 2 - 15 % Approved filters: Ecoflo and Puraflo At-Grade Absorption Area - Type B with peat filter 20 inches 3 - 180 mpi Not Required 0 - 15 % Approved filters: Ecoflo and Puraflo At-Grade Absorption Area - Type A with AdvanTex Treatment System 20 inches 3 -180 mpi Not Required 2 - 15 % Approved filters: AdvanTex At-Grade Absorption Area - Type B with AdvanTex Treatment System 20 inches 3 - 180 mpi Not Required 0 - 15 % Approved filters: AdvanTex Drip Irrigation - primary treatment 20 inches Not Required Required 0 - 25 % Eljen Geo-textile Sand Filter 20 inches 3 - 180 mpi Not Required 0 - 15 % Individual Residential Spray Irrigation System 10 inches - water table 16 inches - bedrock
Not Required Required 0 - 25 % Shallow Limiting Zone At-grade Absorption Area 10 inches - water table 16 inches - bedrock
Not Required Required 0 - 15 % Approved filters: Ecoflo, Puraflo, AdvanTex
Eljen Geo-textile Sand Filter - shallow limiting zone 10 inches - water table 16 inches - bedrock
Not Required Required 0 - 15 % Perc-Rite Micro-mound 10 inches - water table 16 inches - bedrock
Not required Required 0 - 15 % Approved components: American Perc-Rite
JNM-ACT Soil Absorption System 10 inches - water table 16 inches - bedrock
Not required Required 0 - 15 % Approved components: JNM Technologies
Sundrive Biovaporator 0 inches Not Required Not Required 0 - 25 % Holding Tank 0 inches Not Required Not Required N/A May only be used for repairs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, INFORMATIONAL BROCHURES, AND INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
Frequently Asked Questions
Informational Brochures
How to Properly Operate and Maintain Your Sewage Disposal System
My Sewage Permit has EXPIRED - Now what Do I Do?
My Sewage Permit was DENIED - Now what Do I Do?
How to Choose the Right Sewage Disposal System for Your Property
Policy for Correcting a Sewage System Malfunction
Procedures for Repairing an Elevated Sandmound
Inspections for Real Estate Sales / Real Estate Refinancing
Instructional Programs (PowerPoint programs)
How an Elevated Sandmound Works
How to Construct an Elevated Sandmound
How to Construct a Type-A At-grade System
How to Construct a Type-B At-grade System
How to Construct a Free Access Gravity Sand Filter
How to Repair a Clogged Elevated Sandmound
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPERTIES OWNED BY OR TO BE DEVELOPED BY CORPORATE ENTITIES
Every permit application for a sewage permit in which the applicant is a corporate entity or in which the property is owned by a corporate entity must be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Incumbency. Click below to obtain a Certificate form:
Certificate of Incumbency - Corporation
Certificate of Incumbency - LLC / LLP / LP
