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Board adopts new septic rules requiring sand testing and tighter as-built certifications
Summary
The board voted unanimously to adopt new regulations requiring third‑party testing of septic sand at new installations and to strengthen as‑built certification language holding engineers and installers accountable.
At the June 16 meeting the board moved to adopt two related septic-system rule changes after staff reported early failures in a new Waterford Circle development.
Staff described eight Title 5 failures in recently installed systems, most less than 10 years old though systems are expected to last about 20 years. The board discussed whether the problem was the sand used in trenching or installation technique. To address the failures, the board approved a regulation requiring installers to have a third‑party laboratory take on‑site samples of septic sand for verification at the time of installation; liability for nonconforming materials would rest with the installer, not the homeowner.
The board also approved revised as‑built certification language that will require engineers to certify that systems are installed in accordance with Title 5, the State Sanitary Code and Titan Board of Health regulations. Staff said the change aims to prevent discrepancies between submitted as‑builts and in‑field conditions that could lead to premature failures.
A board member moved to combine the sand-testing requirement and the as‑built certification changes into a single action; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
What happens next: Staff will draft the formal regulation language and circulate it to members for signatures and subsequent public posting and implementation guidance for installers.
