§ 15.65.070. Holding tanks.

A.

A person may not install a holding tank, unless:

1.

Public sewer will be available within one year and the use of the holding tank is terminated within 60 days of the date public sewer is available in accordance with section 15.65.110; or

2.

An engineer certifies it is necessary as a remedial measure where an existing on-site wastewater disposal system malfunctions and cannot be repaired, rejuvenated or replaced to bring the system in compliance with this chapter.

A holding tank may be used as a temporary, seasonal measure to allow for repairs of the existing system.

B.

A holding tank shall be located no less than:

1.

Five feet from any property line or building foundation;

2.

Ten feet from any water main or water service line;

3.

One hundred feet from surface water; and

4.

The separation distances required by 18 AAC 72 from water supply wells.

C.

The capacity of a holding tank may not be less than 2,000 gallons and must be increased by 500 gallons for each bedroom over three.

D.

A holding tank must be installed in an area that is readily accessible to a pump truck at all times and where overflow during operation or spillage during pumping will not create a health hazard. The access site for the pump truck must not be more than 100 feet from the holding tank. The elevation of the site must not be more than 11 feet higher than the bottom of the holding tank.

E.

A holding tank must be secured against flotation under high water table conditions.

F.

A holding tank installed after September 25, 1990, must have a six-inch diameter standpipe with an airtight cap to provide pumping access. The standpipe must extend at least 12 inches above the surface of the ground.

G.

A holding tank must have a watertight manhole to provide access to the interior of the tank. The manhole must be at least 20 inches in diameter.

H.

If a holding tank is not buried or is buried at a depth of four feet or less, the tank and standpipe must be insulated.

I.

A holding tank must be equipped with an approved high water level alarm which registers both visually and audibly inside the dwelling. The alarm must be positioned to allow at least 150 gallons per bedroom of additional storage but not less than 300 gallons after the alarm has been activated.

J.

A holding tank must conform to the corrosion prevention standards for septic tanks under the Uniform Plumbing Code, as amended.

K.

The department may also ensure that the holding tank is designed and constructed so as to perform adequately and maintained and operated appropriately by requiring pumping contracts, operating plans, financial arrangements and other reasonable conditions.

(AO No. 86-21; AO No. 90-48(S-1))