Country Living Articles:
5. "Buying or Living in the Country: Have You Thought About...Waste Disposal?"
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5. "Buying or Living in the Country: Have You Thought About...Waste Disposal?" |
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By Glacierland Resource Conservation and Development Council and David C. Such, University of Wisconsin - Extension |
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Note: This is the fifth in a series of articles focusing on country living and information that should be considered by those thinking about rural residency. Rural residents generally assume greater responsibility for waste disposal than city dwellers. Rural homeowners must install and maintain a private wastewater disposal system. “Curbside” pick-up of garbage and/or recyclables may not be available in rural areas; which means residents may have to haul to a transfer station and/or recycling center. Municipal sewer systems are designed and monitored continuously by trained professionals. Most rural property owners, however, must treat their own household wastewater using an on-site disposal system. A properly functioning sewage system removes most disease-causing organisms, or pathogens, and some nutrients and chemicals from the wastewater to protect health, surface water and groundwater. However, it will not remove or treat many water soluble pollutants. Therefore, extra care in location and maintenance of systems is critical near surface waters and where groundwater is near the land surface. Private sewage systems are regulated under the State Uniform Plumbing Code, which is administered by the county zoning administrator or sanitarian. A permit is needed to install or replace a system. County ordinances require that sewage systems avoid floodplains and wetlands and be located specific distances from wells and surface water. Factors such as soil types, topography (slope) and depth to groundwater and bedrock will play a role in determining which type of private sewage system will be allowed. A conventional septic tank and soil absorption system is the simplest and most common type. It consists of a septic tank, usually constructed of concrete, which is buried outside of the house. In the septic tank, some wastes are digested to soluble form while heavy materials settle to form a sludge on the bottom; oil, grease and other floating materials are trapped in a scum layer at the top. Baffles in the tank retain floating material and scum and keep it from flowing into the absorption field. Sludge and floating materials must be periodically removed from the tank by pumping. The remaining liquid is removed by gravity or a pump to a buried drain field of perforated plastic pipes or drain tiles. Organisms in the gravel drain field bed, as well as the soil below the bed, filter out and break down waste products. The remaining partially treated waste eventually percolates [seeps] to the groundwater. A mound sewage system functions similarly to a conventional septic system, except the liquid wastes flow or are pumped to a drain field which is constructed above the natural ground level. Mound systems are required where bedrock, groundwater near the surface, or unsuitable soils prevent construction of a buried drain field. Because mound systems require construction of an elevated drain field, they are generally more expensive than a conventional system. [Several other types of systems are being studied or used and may be permitted but will not be addressed in this article. Please refer to County Sanitarian.] A holding tank is a watertight tank which stores wastewater. Wastewater is pumped from the holding tank and trucked to a nearby municipal wastewater treatment plant. Holding tanks are permitted in some areas where site conditions prevent construction of a conventional or mound sewage disposal system. Frequent pumping makes this the most expensive method of waste disposal for year-round rural residents. Sales of rural property are generally contingent on a satisfactory sewage system report. A private sewage system can be as affective at removing most disease causing organisms as a municipal sewer system. A malfunctioning system of any type may result in contaminated well water and related health risks. Human and animal health can also be affected by improper disposal of garbage and trash. Proper disposal of wastes also promotes an attractive atmosphere. Property values and community pride decline if trash is disposed of on roadsides or in ravines or if old buildings and vehicles litter the landscape. Many communities provide drop-off centers for recyclables and solid wastes. Burning waste in backyard ‘burn barrels’, which was a common disposal method, occurs less frequently. Odors and other air quality concerns have caused many communities to discourage or ban this type of activity. Homes, especially farms, harbor many hazardous materials that endanger children, pets, livestock, water quality, wildlife or vegetation. Never flush hazardous liquids, such as paint thinners or varnish removers, down sinks or toilets. The wastes will move with the water and eventually contaminate the groundwater. Understanding how waste disposal can impact property is an important consideration for rural landowners. While there are undoubtedly many more questions about living or buying in the country, seeking answers and information on the topics already discussed should provide a foundation of information upon which intelligent decisions can be based. To assist in finding answers and/or for more information, contact Greg Hines, Coordinator, Glacierland RC&D, 3086 Voyager Drive, Suite 1, Green Bay, WI 54311. Telephone 920/465-3006. Fax 920/465-3010. Email: greg.hines@wi.usda.gov Revised 11.03 |
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