02/05/1975
623
00627
MINUTES OF BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING, FEBRUARY 5, 1975
Present: Dr. James Smith, Chairman, Dr. Frank Reynolds, Dr. James Tidier,
Mr. W. K. Whitmire, Mr. George Chadwick, Mr. J. R. Reaves, Mrs. Vivian
Wright and Mr. Bruce Freeman.
Absent: Mr. R. E. Carter
Minutes of the January meeting were approved. Motion was made by Dr. Tidier,
seconded by Mr. Chadwick. Motion carried.
Septic Tank Ordinance: Dr. Murray Seidel, representing a committee from
the Medical Society, appeared before the Board with some questions about
the ordinance that was adopted at the January meeting. Question was raised
as to why no provisions were in the ordinance for Mobile Home Parks. Mr.
Fox explained that there is a separate Mobile Home Park Ordinance. There
was some question about the "grandfather clause" applying to lots. It was
explained that these lots are covered by our existing ordinance - that it
was not as if we had never had an ordinance. He asked about the Percolation
Test - the committee he represented felt this test is abused in that the
test could be made after a six weeks drought and could pass but would not
pass in the wet season. Dr. Seidel asked if the percolation test shouldn't
be scrapped altogether and just go by soil test. Several questions were
raised about the lot sizes - this committee felt that some lots should be
bigger than required by the ordinance based on certain soil types. It was
explained that there is a safety valve in Section III - (3.312) providing
that the Health Director can still turn down a lot that is not suitable
for building. There was some question about the "right of appeal" and
exceptions being made. Mr. Fox explained that even under the right of
appeal the Board cannot change the ordinance as adopted. Dr. Seidel also
asked if the County could get permanent easements to keep drainage ditches
open. It was explained that property owners will not give permanent ease-
ments. Mr. Fox said that future drainage in the county will be taken
care of by new Sub-Division requirements. Dr. Seidel stated that his
committee felt there should be some guarantee that the septic tank would
function satisfactorily as a protection to the buyer. Dr. Knox explained
that a "Septic Tank is doomed to failure when installed - the question is
how long will it work?" Question was also raised as to how we determine
if a lot is "filled" ground. This is determined at time of percolation
test.
Mr. Daryl Wiley, representing the Sierra Club, raised objection to Section
III as adopted.
. .
Copies of the newly adopted Rules and Regulations Governing the Disposal
of Sewage From any Residence, Place of Business or Place of Public Assembly
in North Carolina, effective January 29, 1975, were mailed to Board Members
prior to this meeting. Motion was made by Mr. Chadwick, seconded by Dr.
Reynolds that we ask Mr. Fox to review these Rules and Regulations and
include in our Ordinance in some way - possibly by adding a paragraph
referring to them. Also it was asked that Mr. Fox make sure the ordinance
is properly advertised and posted.
POlicies for Home Health Agency'
Health Agency were given to each
the next meeting.
Copies of the new policies for the Home
Board Member for study and adoption at
('06Z8
624
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Dr. Smith called the Board into executive session and told the Board
Members that when Dr. Knox was employed as Health Director by the Board
of Health it had been agreed that he would be employed on a "year to
year" basis and that this was not taken care of at the January meeting.
Dr. Smith asked what the Board wanted to do about his appointment for
another year. Dr. Reynolds stated that "we get more for the money from
Dr. Knox than we could from anyone I know." After some discussion Dr.
Reynolds made a motion that the Board retain Dr. Knox for another year.
This motion was seconded by Mr. Chadwick. A substitute motion was made
by Mrs. Wright that Dr. Knox be retained six months. There was no second
to Mrs. Wright's motion. A vote was taken on Dr. Reynolds motion and all
members present voted "yes" with the exception of Mrs. Wright who voted
"no" - stating that she was not pleased with the way sevelli things had
been handled - for example she cited that the grievance policy passed by
the board in July had not been posted and that her vote was based on what
the Commissioners wanted. Mrs. Wright asked that she be replaced on the
Committee to study the administrative needs of the department, stating
that she was going to be too busy with the tax adjustments. Dr. Smith
stated that he would appoint someone else later to serve with Mr. Chadwick
and Dr. Reynolds. Dr. Reynolds made the motion that Dr. Smith remain as
Chairman of the Board for another year. This motion was seconded and carried
unanimouSly. It was asked that the Grievance Policy be posted today if
possible.
{Dr. Tidler was appointed by Dr. Smith to fill vacancy on Administrative
C'ommi ttee)
Respectfully submitted,
Approved: March 5, 1975
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER.
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBUCATION
Before me, a Notary Public in and for aforesaid State and County, came this 2_t,_day oL__ j;~eb._. __19 75
'_' __________Ja,CglLJ1T tn!? QD_ ______ __n_' who being duly sworn, deposes and says that he is.,,; 1as.l:L'-"idY.. Ngr .
(~he STAR-NEWS NEWSPAPERS, Inc. and that the advertising of _.J:_\J];>ljJ~--J~QtJ-Q-E.l.- n_n___U'
Statutes 130-17
appeared in said publication on the date (or dates) and in the space as specified below:
DATE
Feb. 19. 26
CAPTION OF AD.
SIZE
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In ac,cOl'lI.nee _M.:'".,~v1.Io. n. oJ:
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U S-Crl e an sworn e ore I are poIte6ontf'!e'lIOilr'Mthe Newtlanover
. 26 F b ,co""'~......""'.......
m;Jth s ,,_ _ ___nday oL__ _______~____, ______ ______.'",.".........1....."..-.'.......,. STAR-NEWS NEWSPAPERS, Inc.
o . oar 0, ..lth. T~ood.,.lIIb.
_ J /1...., ~... _ enforced comlMflclng F:2; 15, 1975.
___ __~-J11n:-..t:1L..~"::-=-~---- "'W ~~"AD ~ ~i.:.~~
Not BY: J.,net ri'h.~":
My commission expires-- _____ ~~~~_.___l_i3m__' 19---_76 ~J
cols. x__ _____ ,,___Jines
cols. x______ __en __Jines
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TTpotl reading the foregoing affidavit with the advertisement thereto annexed it is adjudged by the Court
tJ said publication was duly and properly made, and that the summons has been duly and legally ~erved
,
on .. ':endant(s).
"
This____ m___ ________day oL____________________________________________-___ ---, 19-.______.
.-------------------------------- ----------------------
Clerk of Superior Court
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER
PUBLIC NOTICE
In accordance with the provisions of North Carolina General
Statutes 130-17, notice is hereby given that the Board of Health of
New Hanover County has adopted Rules and Regulations Governing Design,
Construction, Installation, Cleaning and Use of Ground Absorption
Sewage Disposal Systems in New Hanover County.
Notice is further given that a copy of the said Rules and
Regulations Governing Design, Construction, Installation, Cleaning and
Use of Ground Absorption Sewage Disposal Systems in New Hanover County
are posted on the door of the New Hanover County Courthouse and that
copies are on file and available for inspection in the office of the
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Board of Health. This code will be enforced commencing February 15, 1975.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
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C a~rman
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REGULATIONS GOVERNING DESIGN,
CONS1RUCTION, INSTALLATION, CLEAN-
ING AlnJ USE OF Gr~UND ABSORPTION
SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTill.m IN
NEt, HANOVER COUNTY
REGULATIONS GOVERNING DESIGN, COtlSTRUCTION, INSTJlLLATION,
CLEAlUNG AND USE OF GROUlJD lJlSORPTlON
SmJAGE DISPOSAL SYSTElIS W l;EH HANOVER COUNTY
;..
BE IT ORDAI;~EJ) BY THE NEW IIAl,OVER COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH:
That the followinG regulations for the protection of the public health
arc hereby adopted pursuant to authority granted by Section 17, Chapter
130 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, and shall apply throur,hout
New Hanover County to the desir,n, construction, installation, cleaning,
and use of septic tank systems:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SEI'lAGE
DISPOSAL
Section 1.
Definitions
Section 11.
Requirements of Approved Methods of SewaGe
Disposal in Ne" Hanover County
Section 111.
Percits to Construct, Install, Repair, lmintain
or Alter Septic Tank Systems and Sanitary Privies
Section IV.
Inspection and Approval of Septic Tank Systems
and Sanitary Privies
Section V.
Location of Septic Tank Systems and Privies
Section VI.
Uesign, Construction and Naterials to be Used
in the Installation of Septic Tank SysteflG and
Sanitary Privies
Section V11.
Section VIll,
Section IX.
Scctiou X.
Section Xl.
Section XlI.
Authority to Increase UiniJ:\Uffi Requirements
Right of Appeal
Exemptions
Severability
Prior Ordinance. Rules and ReGulations Repealed
PenAlty S<!ction
WHEREAS, the New Hanover County Board of Health is of the
op1n10n that it is necessary in order to protect and advance the public
health of the people of New Hanover County that the Board of Health
regulate the location, design, construction and materials to be used
in the installation of sewage disposal units; and
WHEREAS, the New Hanover County Board of Health, after a
study and investigation of the matter, finds that the accelerated rate
of housing construction and the installation of automatic washing
machines and disposals have greatly increased the problems of environ-
mental health, thereby making it essential and necessary to take more
precaution in order to assure the public of safe sewage disposal
methods;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the New Hanover County
Board of Health that the following regulations for the protection and
advancement of the public health of the people of New Hanover County
are hereby adopted pursuant to authority contained in Chapter 130, Article
3, Section 17 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, and shall
apply throughout New Hanover County to sewage disposal.
S E C T ION I
Detini tions
The fallowing defintions shall apply in the interpretation and enforce-
ment of these regulations:
1.10. The term Health Director shall mean the New Hanover
County Health Director or his authorized representative.
1.20. The term Person shall mean any individual, firm,
corporation, association, partnership, institution, club, business,
or industrial establishment.
1.30. The term Septic Tank System shall mean a ground
absorption sewage disposal system consisting of a holding or settling
tank in a ground absorption field.
1.40. The term Construction shall mean any work at the site
of placement done for the purpose of preparing a dwelling or mobile
home for intital occupancy.
1.50. The term Groun~~soTEtion ~~~g~ DisE~~l System
shall mean a sewage disposal methoarelying pr1marily on the soil for
leaching and removal of dissolved and suspended organic or mineral
materials from human waste, including a privy.
1.60. The term Location shall mean the initial placement of
a mobile home.
1.70. The term Mobile Home Dealer shall mean every person or
firm offerinR mobile homes for sale within this State.
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1.80. The term Mobile Home Sales Lot shall mean any place
where two or more mobile homes are displayed and offered for sale.
t.qll The term Relocation shall mean the displacement of a
dwelling or mobile home from one site to another.
1.110. The term Septic Tank shall mean a tank in which the
solid matter of flowing sewage is disintegrated by anaerobic material
action.
1.111. The term Subsurface Disposal shall mean the process
of sewage treatment in which sewage effluent is applied to land by
distribution beneath the surface through open jointed pipes or drains.
1.112. The term Nitrification Lines or Field Lateral Lines
shall mean the open jointed pipe or drain lines which receive the septic
tank effluent for nitrification distribution, and absorption into the
soil beneath the ground surface.
1.113. The term Layout shall mean the designation of the
location and design of a septic tank system.
1.114. The term Stepdowns and Offsets shall mean a system
used to provide an abrupt drop in elevation of field lateral lines in
rOlling ground; the object of the stepdown or offset being to make it
possible to maintain the field lateral line grades required by these
regulations.
1.115. The term Grade Boards shall mean an arrangement of
wooden boards placed in a disposal trench to support the pipe and
maintain the grade of the field lateral line, laid lengthwise with
broad sides of the boards parallel with the sides of the trench.
1.116. The term Sewage shall mean the waste water and its
contents from kitchen, bathrooms, lavatory, toilet, laundry, septic
tank, or nitrification line, of any residence, business establishment,
industrial plant, institution, public building, or place of public\
assembly.
~.1~7. The term Sanitary Privy shall mean and include any
and ~ll bUIl~lngs which are-not connected to a system of sewerage,
or WIth septIC tanks, and which are used for dis~osing of sewage and
for affording privacy in the acts of urination and defecation.
varying
1.118. The term Sludge shall mean those sewage solids, in
states of decomposition, found in septic tank systems and privies.
1.119. The term ~es~pool. ~holl moon ~ ~oor hole or woll for the
reception of sewage.
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S E C T ION II
REQUIREMENTS OF APPROVED METHODS OF SEWAGE
DISPOSAL IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY
2.10. Every dwellinv" mobile home, house trailer, house car,
tent, store, filling station, church, ice cream stand, business estab-
lishment, place of public assembly, or any other structure in New Hanover
County where sanitary facilities are deemed necessary for the protection
of public health as determined by the Health Director, shall connect to a
public sewer, or shall be serviced by a septic tank or a sanitary privy
meeting the requirements of these regulations.
After the adoption date of this ordinance all new construction
of, or locating of places where sanitary facilities are required for
the disposal of sewage or places where sanitary facilities are r~quired
for the disposal of sewage shall connect to a public sewer or shall be
serviced by a septic tank sewage disposal system. The use of privies
at places constructed, or located after the adoption date of this
ordinance will not be permitted or approved.
2.20. No person shall deposit sewage on the surface of
the soil or in any body of water without it having been properly treated
to render it innocuous in a manner approved by the Health Director.
2.30. No septic tank system or privy shall be used to serve
two or more separate houses or buildings or mobile homes.
2.40. No person shall use a privy, septic tank system, or
any other type of sewage disposal system that is not being maintained
and operated in accordance-with accepted sanitary practices.
2.S0. Persons affording scavenger service in New Hanover
County shall conform to the fol10win~:
2.S10. Sludge pumped from septic tanks and pr1v1es within
New Hanover County shall be disposed of in a manner in accordance
with accepted sanitary practices as determined by the Health Director.
2.511. Sludge pumped from septic tanks outside the boundaries
of New Hanover County shall not be dumped in New Hanover County unless
special permissiun h"" boen obtained in writing from the Health Director.
2.512. The tank truck used for the pumpinfl of sludge shall
have a liquid capacity of not less than 1000 gallons and shall be
maintained, operated and capable of being operated in accordance
with cu,;;cc;pLeu. salli'tJ1J."y pruct:i.ces :'l!; c\oLl,;',:l;"mino<1 hy tho Ih::alt.h Oiroct;or.
2.513. The lid of the septic tank shall be kept closed or
the opening shall be otherwise satisfactorily protected except at
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the time of pumping, and shall not be left open between pumping operations
or overnight.
2.514. The lid of the septic tank must be resealed to the
tank after completion of the pumping job.
2.515. Any person who carries on the business of cleaning
septic tanks shall register with the Health Director and secure a
permit before engaging in the COllecting and disposing of septic
tank contents. Such permit shall be denied or revoked whenever the
Health Director determines that the scavenger service is not bein~
conducted in accordance with these rerulations. Such permit shall be
renewed December 31 of each year.
SEe T ION III
PERMITS TO CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, REPAIR, MAINTAIN, OR ALTER
SEPTIC. TfuVK SYSTE~S P<ND SP~ITARY PRIVIES
3.10. No person shall commence the construction or reloca-
tion of any dwelling, nor shall any person locate, relocate or cause to
be located or to be relocated any mobile home intended for use as a
dwelling, other than one in a mobile home park, on a site in an area
not served by public or community sewage disposal system, nor shall any
person construct, install. repair or make alterations to septic tank
systems, privies or any other type of sewage disposal system, without
first obtaining any improvements permit from the Health Director. A
separate permit shall be obtained for each installation, alteration or
repair job. The Board of Health shall charge a fee for each permit.
3.20. The Health Director shall issue an improvement permit
authorizing work to proceed and the use of a septic tank, ground ab-
sorption disposal system or any other approved disposal system, when
he has determined, after a field investigation of the area, inCluding
such factors as character and porosity of soil, percolation rate, topo-
graphy, depth to water table and rock or other impervious formations
and location or proposed location of any water supply wells, that such
a system can be installed at the site in compliance with the rules and
regulations of New Hanover County Board of Health poverning such in-
stallations; provided, however, that no septic tank system which is
attempted to be installed shall be covered with soil until the Health
nircctor determines that the system as installed is in compliance with the
rules nnd TO~1l1n~ions governing such installations.
3.30. No permit shall be issued to install a septic tank system
in New Hanoer County unless the following criteria is complied with:
3.310. Minimum Lot Sizes - Soil surv~y
All soil types lying in New Hanover-County-as s own on the soil survey
maps prepared by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, which are on file
in the New Hanover County Board of Health and the U.S. Soil Conserva-
tion Service offices have been assigned a limitation rating for develop;
ment, including use for a ground absorption sewage disposal system. The
limitation ratings are slight, moderate, severe, and very severe, as des-
cribed in paragraph 3.70.
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3.311. IlinitlULJ Criteria
Slir.ht
hoderate
Severe
Very
Severe Severe
Soil Types
(,,)
(Il)
(C)
(ll)
(*)
(1::)
(*)
Lot tiize (sq.ft.) "hen
served by coocunity
water or public water
systen
10,000
10,000
10,000
10 ,DOO
10,000
Lot sbe (sq.ft.) when
not served by cOLT.Unity
water or public water
syster.1.
15,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
Absorption area,
sq. ft. (in addition
to specified ninioum,
paragraph 6.311)
reserved for future
use if needed.
150
150
150
200
250
Soil Types
(lI) 7, 76, 78, 79, 179, 760, 176, 724, 352, 371
(U) 411, 415, 423, 142, 44b
(C) 417, 814, 836, 883, 558, 860, 582, 158
(ll) 847, 890, 891
(E) 90, 94, 812, 892
(*) Lots with these soil types shall not be used for a ground absorp-
tion sewage disposal systen unless appropriately ioproved.
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3.312. The Ilealth llirector oay grant an exception to the I'lini-
cum lot size requiret:lCnts where soil conditions have been al'propri.ac"ly
itlproved, for lots on which houses have been constructed or located
before the adoption of this Ordinance, or lots that have been plotted
and recorded uith the New Hanover County Register of Deeds before the
adovtion date of this Ordinance; provided that the sewage system to be
installed coop lies with the t:dnirnul'l size and construction standards set
forth in the Ordinance. Any ioprover.Jents Clade to any lot(s) shall be
on the recollltlCndation of and under the supervision of the Dept. of
Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service and shall be certified in writing
to the health Director as having been (;lade i.n accordance >lith their
recOCllllCndations. If, in the opinion of the Health Director, the installa-
tion would create a health hazard, it "ill be the duty of the Ilealth
llirector to deny the issuance of a pertait.
3.40. No person shall construct, install, or use a cesspool
in New Hanover County unless approved by the Ilealth Director.
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3.50. A permit to construct, install, repair, or alter septic
tank systems or privies shall be revoked whenever the Health Director
determines that said construction, installation, repair work or alteration
is not being conducted in accordance with these regulations. Said perClit
=y be reinstated when the Health Director deterClines that the provisions
of these regulations will be complied with.
3.60. Persons Jenied a permit or persons who have a permit revoked
may appeal such decision in accordance with the provisions of Section VIII
of the regulations.
3.70. Soils rating as described in publication SOIL SURVEY for
New Hanover County as prepared by the United States DepartClent of Agricul-
ture, Soil Conservation Service, G.P.O., Washington, D. C.:
Slight soil limitation is the rating given soils that have proper-
ties favorable for the rated use. The degree of lioitation is Clinor and
can be overcome easily. Good perforoance and low oaintenance can be
expected.
Noderate soil limitation is the rating given soils that have pro-
perties taOderately favorable for the rated use. This degree of limitation
can be overcome or modified by planning, design, or oaintenance. During
some part of the year the perforosnce of the structure of other planned
use is sODCwhat less desirable than for soils rated slight.
Some soils rated Cloderate require treatment such as artificial
drainage, runoff control to reduce erosion, extended sewage absorption
fields, extra excavation, or some modification of certain features
through manipulation of the soil. For these soils, modification is needed
for those construction plans generally used for soils of slight liClita-
tion. Modification may include special foundations, extra reinforcement
of structures, sump pumps, and the like.
Severe soil lioitation is the rating given soils that have one or
more properties unfavorable for the rated use, such as flooding hazard,
high shrink-swell potential, a seasonal hieh water table, or low bearing
strength. This degree of limitation generally requires major soil re-
clamation, special design, or intensive maintenance. SOCle of the soils,
however, can be improved by reducing or reCloving the soil feature that
limits use, but in most situations it is difficult and costly to alter
the soil or to design a structure so as to COClpensate for a severe de-
gree of limitation.
A rating of Wy. ~."v<a!"e_ must be a subdivision of the ~ve~
rating, and the criteria used to sC'pnrl\~&>. ,n9ger~~g, and ~~Y~rg. Must stano.
A soil rated veD'_ ~_eve~ has one or Dore features sn unfavorable for the
rated use that the limitation is very difficult and expensive to overcome.
Reclamation would be extremely difficult, requirine the soil material to
be removed, replaced, or completely modified. Very shallow soils over
hard rock or deep, wet or~anic soil material, for example, have very severe
limitations for homes with basements or for onsite sewage disposal. A
rating of very severe is confined to soils that require extreCle altera-
tion "nd that, for the most part, are not used for the purposes being
rAted.
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S E C T ION IV
INSPECTION AND APPROVAL OF SEPTIC TANK SYSTEUS A..'lD
SANITARY PRIVIES
4.10. No person shall use n septic tank system or privy
until it has been inspected and npproved by the Health Director. The
Healtl. Director shall not approve a septic tank system or privy unless
it shall have been constructed in cOupliance with the requirements
of these regulations.
4.20. Uhenever the Health llirector finds upon inspection
that continued use of the septic tank system or privy t~ill endanger the
public health, he shall require that necessnry steps be taken to put
the septic tank system or privy in such condition that it will not
endanfler the public health, or else he shall condemn such system or
privy in which case its use shall be prohibited.
4.30. All parts of a septic tank system shall be covered
by the septic tank contractor in a reasonable length of time after
approval by the Health Director. The septic tank system shall be in
the satle condition when covered as when it was approved by the Health
Director.
4.40.
inrr-ediately upon
repair or septic
The lrnalth Director shall be properly notified
completion of the construction. installation or
tank systems or privies.
4.50. No final inspection or approval of a septic tank
installation shall be nade unless a representative of the contracting
fir", is present. It shall be the responsibility of said representative
to aid in the inspection and to nake such correction as required by
the llealth Director.
4.60. Final approval of a septic tank systen shall indicate
that the system has been constructed according to the standards set
forth in these regulations. but shall in no way be taken as a guarantee
that the system will function satisfactorily for any given period
of time.
4.70. Upon deteroining that a r,round absorption sewage
disposal systen is properly installed, the Health Director shall issue
a certificate of completion authorizing a conventional dwelling to be
occupied following construction or relocation activity upon that
dwelling. Upon determining that a ground absorption sewage disposal
system is properly installed, the Health Director shall issue a
certificate of conpletion authorizing a mobile home to be occupied
following its location or relocation. No person shall occupy a
dwelling or l!lobilc home until a certificate of completion has been
issued. A certificate of completion shall indicate that a system has
been constructed nccording to the standards set forth in these regu-
lations, but shall in no way be taken as a guarantee that the system
will function satisfactorily for any given period of time.
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4.80. \~.ere construction or relocation activity affecting,
altering or placing additional burdens upon a ground absorption
sewage disposal system is proposed to be done upon a conventional
dwelling, no pernit required for electrical, plumbing, heating, air
conditioning, or other construction, location, or relocation activity
under any provisions of general or special law shall be issued until
after an inprovenents pendt has been issued pursuant to this ordinance.
Where location or relocation is proposed for a Iaobile 11Ooe, no permit
required for electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning or other
construction, location or relocation activity under any provision of
general or special J.a~l shall be issued until after II certificate of
completion has been issued pursuant to tbis ordinance.
4.90. It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, firn
or corporation to allow any electric current for use at the locating or
relocating of a nobile home intended to be used as a dwelling, other
thau the one in a mobile home park or to a dwelling upon construction,
location, or relocation until the official electrical inspector with
jurisdiction as provided in General Statute l43-143.2 certifies to the
electrical supplier that the required improvenents pernit for conven-
tional dwellings or the required certificate of completion for mobile
bomes has been issued.
SECTION V
LOCATION OF SEPTIC TANK SYSTEI1S AND PRIVIES
5.10. Every privy and septic tank system shall be located at
least the minimUtl distance frotl the following:
5.110.
5.111.
5.112.
5.113.
5.114.
5.115.
5.116.
5.117.
5.118.
5.119.
Any private water supply---------------- 100 feet.
Any stream------------------------------ 25 feet
Any canal------------------------------- 25 feet
Any lake-------------------------------- 50 feet
Any building foundation----------------- 10 feet
Any basemcnt--------------------------- 20 feet
Any property line----------------------- 10 feet
Any water line-------------------------- 10 feet
Large trees or dense shrubbery---------- 10 feet
Community water supply------------------ 100 feet
· unless approved by Department of Water & Air Resources
The above distance from a well shall not apply to that part
of a septic tank system which involves sewage transported witbin cast
iron soil pipe constructed with calked and leaded joints provided that
said pipe shall be located at least 10 feet away froo the well.
5.20. The proposed location of every septic tank system
shall be approved by the Health Director.
5.30. No septic tank shall be installed in filled ground
unless approved by the Health Director.
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5.40. No sewage disposal system shall be located closer than
50 feet to the high water mark of any stream feeding any impounded
reservoir used as a source of drinking water.
5.50. No sewage disposal system shall be located closer
than 100 feet to the high water mark of any impounded reservoir used
as a source of drinking water.
SEe T ION VI
DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS TO BE USED IN
THE INSTALLATION OF SEPTIC TANK SYSTE}ffi
AND SANITARY PRIVIES
6.10. Design, construction and Qateria1s to be used in the
installation of septic tanks:
6.110. The sewer line joining the plumbing systeo of a Lui1d-
ing to a septic tank shall be of material approved by the local Health
Director.
6.111. Design of a septic tank shall be such as to assure
uniform horizontal flow throughout the entire length of the tank, per-
mitting adequate retention and access for cleaning.
6.112. No person shall construct or install precast septic
tanks without first submitting detailed prints or drawings in tripli-
cate to and such plans being approved by the North Carolina State
Board of Health.
6.113. All poured (in place) concrete septic tanks shall have
a minimum wall thickness of five inches and shall have a minimum bottom
thickness of four inches.
6.114. All septic tanks built of concrete blocks shall be
plastered with one coat of 1:3 mix (1 part cement, 3 parts sand) 3/8
to 1/2 inch thick.
6.115. All septic tanks built of concrete blocks or brick
shall have a wall thickness of at least six inches when the capacity
of the tank is less than 1,000 gallons. All tanks with a capacity
of 1,000 gallons or ereater must have a wall thickness of at least
eight inches.
6.116. The bottoms of septic tanks built of concret:<> hlorks
or bricks shall be poured concrete 1:2:3 mix (1 part cement, 2 parts
sand, 3 parts gravel) and shall have a thickness of not less than
four inches.
6.117. Specifications for covers of lids of septic tanks
built of concrete blocks, bricks, or concrete poured in place are as
follows:
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6.1171. Precast lids shall be of poured concrete ('.:2:3 mix)
3 1/2 inches thick and not more than 20 inches wide and reinforced with
3/8 inch rods and 8 inch centers.
6.1172. Solid poured in place cover reinforced with 3/8
inch rods on 8 inch centers with one 2 1/2 foot by 2 1/4 foot manhole
in each end of the tank cover.
6.118. Where the top of a septic tank is located more than
3 feet belm. the surface of the ground, said tank shall have a 2 1/2
foot by 2 1/4 foot I:lanhole extending fron each end of the septic tank
to within 12 inches of the ground surface.
6.119. The minimum liquid capacity of any septic tank shall be
based upon either the number of bedrooms proposed to be served, or the
approximate nunber of persons proposed to be served, whichever basis
requires the larger septic tank capacity, when applied to the following
table:
REQUIRED HWIIiilll CAPI\.CITIES FOR
RESIDENTIAL SEPTIC TAllKS
Number of Bedrooms
Liquid Capacity of Tank
.!!LQallons
2 or less
3
4
5
750
900
1000
To be determined by the
Health Director on the basis
of public health needs but
in no case less than
1200 gallons.
For the purpose of deterr.Jing the number of bedrooms, a "den" with a
closet will be considered as a bedroom. The design of septic tanks to
serve trailer camps, apartment houses, duplexes, cafes, motels and
other businesses, institutions, etc., shall be detemined by the Health
Director on the basis of health needs.
6.20. Des ien , construction. and oaterials to be used in the
installation of distribution boxes and connection lines.
6.210. I\. distribution box shall be constructed at the head
of the field lateral lines, sand filter trenches or sand filter bed
whenever conditions are such that in the opinion of the Health Df.rcctor
one is deened necessary in order to assure uniforn distribution of
septic tank effluent throup,hout the system.
6.211. Every distribution box shall be constructed of durable
material and shall be of sufficient size to accomodate the necessary field
lateral lines. Inside measurements shall be at least 18 inches by
18 inches and a mininuJ:l of 14 inches deep.
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6.212. Each field lateral line shall be connected separately
to the distribution box and shall not be subdivided unless authorized
by the llealth Director.
6.213. The outlet pipes from the distribution box shall be
water leveled and subjected to a water test. The distribution box
shall also be water tight as evidenced by this water test.
6.214. The invert of the inlet pipe must enter the distribution
box at least one inch above the invert of the outlet pipe.
6.215.
inches above the
water retention.
The outlet pipes shall be located at least four
floor of the distribution box in order to permit the
6.216. The pipe used for the line between the septic tank or
dosing tank and the distribution box and from the distribution box
to the beginning of the nitrification line shall be of material approved
by the Health Director.
6.217. The distribution box shall be located at least two
feet from the septic tank and on solid undisturbed earth or a concrete
slab and shall be at least 2 feet from the nearest open section of
nitrification lines. No filter material is to be placed between the
septic tank and distribution l,ox or the distribution tax and the
start of the nitrification field.
6.218. Where there is considerable fall between the septic
tank outlet anti the nitrification line, the distribution box shall
be so placed that the fall is between the tank and distribution box
and not between the distribution box and the lines.
6.219. All joints and connections made in septic tanks,
distribution boxes, and pipes shall be water tight and smooth unless
otherwise specified by the Health Director.
6.220. The inlet compartment of a single multi-compartment
tank shall have a capacity of not less than 2/3 the total capacity
but the minimum liquid capacity of the inlet compartment shall in no
case be less than 500 gallons.
6.221. In a single comvartment tank where the sanitary or
septi~ tAnk tee is used in preference to the baffle wall, the bottom
end of the tee must extend 2/5 the liquid depth of the tank.
6.222. The effluent outlet of a septic tank having a uaffle
wall shall consist of a sanitary vI: "c'Ptj~ tAnk tee extending to 2/5
the liquid depth of the tank.
6.223. The invert of the effluent lines must be two inches
lower than the invert of the influent line.
6.224. Where the influent and effluent line do not enter and
leave from opposite ends of the tank the influent and effluent lines
must be separated by the entire tank length less twelve inches.
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6.225. All septic tanks shall have a minitaul!l of Di.ne iac:.,es
free-board.
6.226. In every septic tank satisfactory venting shall be
provided through the inlet and main building stack.
6.22~. The length of the single compartment septic tank
and the length of the inlet compartnent of a multi-compartment tank
shall not be less than twice the widt)l nor more than three times the
width of the tank.
6.228. 110 residential septic tank shall be installed which
has a liquid depth of less than four feet nor a liquid depth greater
than six feet unless approved by the Health Director.
6.229. Construction of every septic tank shall be such as
to assure its being water-tight to prevent the entrance of rain water
or surface draJ.ilan8..
6.230. Every septic tank shall be constructed of sound and
durable material not subject to excessive corrosion or decay.
6.231. In every multi-conpartment tank there shall be a full
baffle made of durable material extending from the bottom of a hori-
zontal line three inches below the lid, and broken by a horizontal
series of holes along a line located a distance below the surface
equal to approximately 2/5 the liquid depth, and in one of the two lower
corners of the baffle, a hole approximately ths size of a half brick
shall be provided to equalize the original liquid pressure between the
two compartments.
6.30. Design, construction, and materials to be used in the
installation of nitrification lines:
6.310. fnlere core than one nitrification line is used on a
sub-surface disposal field, all lines shall contain equivalent square
footage trench botton area.
6.311. The m1.nimul!I effective absorption area of the nitrifi-
cation lines shall comply with the following table:
DATA FOR DETERllINIllG NITRIFICATION FIELD
REQUIREUENTS FROU PERCOLATION TEST
Average time required for water
to fall one inch (in minutea)
Effective absorption Area (area
in botton of nitrification trench)
in square feet per bedroom*
1 or less
2
3
4
5
10
15
30
45
60
70
85
100
115
125
165
190
250
300
330
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*For the purpose of determining the number of tedrooms, a "den"
with a closet will be considered as a bedroom.
6.312. In areas where soil conditions lead to a percolation
rate of less than 1 inch in 60 minutes, a permit for a septic tank
system shall not be issued.
6.313. A single nitrification line must in no case exceed a
maximum of three feet in width unless approved Ly the Health Director.
6.314. A single nitrification line shall not exceed 100 feet
in length. A distribution box with multiple outlets shall be installed.
6.315. The filter material to be used in nitrification lines
shall consist of washed, crushed stone or equivalent and must be of a
size not less than 1 inch nor more than 2 1/2 incl,es in diameter. Pre-
cast concrete or terra cotta cavity producing devices may be used when
substituted for equivalent volune of stone.
6.316. A 1-inch Ly 6-inch Loard shall be set to a uniform
grade of 1/4 inch fall in ten feet and supported by stakes at least
every ten feet.
6.317. The bottou. of the excavation of each nitrification
line or bed shall follow as nearly as is possible the grade of the
grade board described in Section VI, Paragraph 6.316, aLove, and shall
in no case exceed 1/4 inch fall in ten feet.
6.318. All nitrification lines shall be so constructed as
to allow a minicum of ten inch cover and no oore than naximum of
thirty inch cover from the top of the tile to the finished grade.
6.319. rtle open joints of the tile shall Le covered with
asphalt roofing or tar paper of a size approximately six inches wide
and ten inches long.
6.320. All trenches in a subsurface field shall be separated
Ly at least ten feet of uncisturbed earth.
6.321. The mininum depth of filter material to be used beneath
the tile in the nitrification line shall be six inches and shall be
graded level over the tile to completely encase th" tile.
6.322. All pipes used under paved area or under driveways
shall be bell and spigot cast pipe with calked and leaded joints. Pipes
used fron the distriLuti0n Lox to nitrification lines shall Le approved
by the Health Director. None of the atuve lines shall be considered
in determining the effective aLsorption area of the nitrification line.
6.323. Hhere offsets or stepdowns are necessary, they shall
have a two foot thick unJisturLeJ earth dan: .extending to the top of
the grade bOar<lB iLU:'.cdiately prece<ling the offset or stepdown. Offsets
anD stepJowns shall not be considered in deternining the effective
absorption area.
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6.32t..
be close fitting
order to prevent
All curves and turns in a nitrification line shall
and sealed across the top and down each side in
their being knocked out of line.
6.325. Tie-downs shall be used at a separation distance
not to exceed three (3) feet. Two acceptable methods shall be:
6.3251. Curved rods to hold the pipe in place.
6.3252. Wiring the pipe to the grade board.
S E C T ION VII
AUTHORITY TO INCREASE lIINIHUH REQUIRE}lliWTS
7,10. The requirements set out in the foregoing sections are
to be rnini",uD requirements an'] the Uealth Director is hereby authorized
to require more 3tringent requirements when, because of the type of
soil, the ten:ain, the results of a percolation test, or the size of
the lot, he finds it necessary in the interest of the public health.
SECTION
VIII
RIGHT OF APPEAL
8.10. Any owner or builder denied an improvements permit or
a certificate of coopletion under this ordinance shall have a right of
appeal to the New Hanover County Doard of Health, provided such action
is taken within 15 days of denial. Notice of appeal shall be given by
filing with the Health Director a demand for a hearing. Upon filing of
such notice, the Health Director shall, >Jithin three (3) days, transTJit
to the Doard of Health the papers and I!laterials constituting the record
upon which the decision appealed from >Jas made.
8.20. New Hanover County lJoard of Health shall hold a hearing
within 15 days of the receipt of the notice of appeal. The lJoard shall
give the appellant not less than 5 days' notice of the date, time, and
place of hearing. Any party may appear in person or by ar,ent or attorney.
8.30. In considerinr, appeals, the Board shall have authority
only to determine whether a ground aLsorption system can be installed
in compliance with its rules and regulations of whether the work done
complies.
8.40. iJo person denied an ioproveoents permit or certificate
of completion shall proceed with any work or improvement activity whatso-
ever or shall occupy any dwellinr, or reside in any mobile hOl!le unless
and until the department issued the necessary permit.
8.50. Any owner or builder denied a permit under this ordi-
nance 'shall have the right of appeal to the District Court having
jurisdiction, if such appeal be made within 10 days after the date of
the denial by the Board of Health.
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SEe T ION IX
EXEHPTIONS
9.10. No provision of this ordinance shall apply to persons
developing land in areas not served by community sewer systems who
present acceptable plans for installation of community sewer systems to
the Health Director and North Carolina Board of Water and Air Resources
and who certify that such system be installed before permitting occupancy.
S E C T ION X
SEVERABILITY
10.10. If any Vrovision or clause of these regulations
affectinG sewage disposal in New Hanover County shall be declared
invalid, such declaration shall not invu1idate any other provision
or clause of said regulations.
SEe T ION XI
PRIOR ORDINANCE, RULES AND REGULATIONS REPEALED
-
11.10. All ordinance, rules and regulations heretofore
adovted Ly the New Hanover County Board of Health governing sewaee
disposal in New Hanover County which are in conflict with the pro-
visions of these regulations are here,,! revealed.
S E C T ION XII
PENALTY SECTION
12.10. If any person shall violate any rules and regulations
adupted by the Board of Health, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
and punishable of a fine not to exceed fifty dollars or imprisonment
not exceeding thirty days, as provided by G. S. 130-203.
SECTION
XIII
EFFECTIVE DATE
13.10. This Ordinance shall be in full effect from and after the
15th day of February, 1975, which date is hereinafter called "effective
d:,.:t'"~tt. Th~ kJ,Ll.,..,l<..;.....n.Q <C,E. Rprt'"ipo IJl {)f t:hiFo ()rdinA-ncc shRll not apply
to s'lhd~visions, plats of which have ween duly recorded in the New
lJauuv"r County Registry prior to the effective date, nor to suwdivisions
which, prior to the effective date, have received preliminary plat
approval by New Hanover County or by any municipality therein having
legal jurisdiction over the subdivision of land, provided such subdivi-
sion receives final plat approval and a plat thereof is duly recorded
in the Hew Hanover County kep,istry within one year of the effective date.
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