Alabama Administrative Code
Title 420 - ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
Chapter 420-3-1 - ONSITE SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL
Disposal Methods And Criteria For Special Sites
Section 420-3-1-.28 - Pit Privies

Universal Citation: AL Admin Code R 420-3-1-.28

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 11, August 30, 2024

(1) In remote areas of the state or in certain transient or temporary locations, pit privies may be utilized. Due to their limited capacities, these systems shall be restricted to receive excreta only. Typical locations of pit privies are rural camps, seasonal recreation areas, public gatherings, and similar transient or temporary locations. Conditions that prohibit the use of a pit privy are:

(a) Water under pressure is present.

(b) Site limiting conditions (Table 7 and Table 18) and soil restrictions (ASHES < 78 inches).

(2) Pit privy construction requirements consist of the following:

(a) A pit privy shall be constructed pursuant to 420-3-1-.65 Setback and Separation Distances.

(b) The pit shall be at least three and one half (31/2) feet square, 5 feet deep, and at least 18 inches above ASHES. It shall be fitted with a restraining curb to prevent caving and contain adequate openings to allow liquids to seep into the surrounding soil. The pit shall be vented to permit escape of the gases from decomposition of waste.

(c) The pit shall be located on a mound to provide drainage of roof water away from the pit to prevent erosion, caving, or flooding.

(d) The floor shall rest on a suitable foundation to prevent settling, sagging, erosion, or caving. It shall cover the pit tightly.

(e) The seat riser shall be joined to the floor, forming a watertight and insect resistant joint. It shall be fitted with a seat and a self-closing cover.

(f) The foundation, floor, and seat riser shall be constructed of concrete or other impervious material that will not warp, crack, or develop openings for the entrance of insects or leakage of excreta.

(g) The abandonment of a pit privy shall be accomplished by filling the pit with soil or other inert material to an elevation equal to the surrounding grade.

Previous Rule .43 was renumbered .28 per certification published December 30, 2022; effective February 13, 2023.

Author: Thad Pittman, Matthew Conner, Ken Stephens, Bob Bright

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 22-2-2(4); 22-2-2(6); 22-10-1, et seq.; 22-26-1, et seq.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Alabama may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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