Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 016 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Division 24 - Division of Health
Rule 016.24.06-009 - Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems, Designated Representatives and Installers

1.1. The following RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO ONSITE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS, DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES, INSTALLERS AND MANUFACTURERS are duly adopted and promulgated by the Arkansas State Board of Health pursuant to the authority expressly conferred by the laws of the State Arkansas including, without limitation, Act 96 of 1913 (A.C.A. {20-7-l09), and Act 402 of l977 (A.C.A. { 14-236-101, et seq.).

1.2. Purpose: To establish minimum standards for the design and construction of onsite wastewater systems in suitable soils for the renovation of wastewater and the return of the renovated wastewater into the hydrologic cycle.

2.1. Alternate Onsite Wastewater System. A non-standard individual wastewater treatment or collection system approved by the Department in instances where a standard system is not suitable.

2.2. Approved System. An onsite wastewater system constructed and installed in accordance with the standards and requirements of this Regulation and for which a Permit for Operation has been issued. "Approved system" does not imply that the system will perform satisfactorily for a specific period of time, only that the system has meet the minimum requirements of this Regulation.

2.3. Authorized Agent. The Environmental Health Specialist assigned to the County, or Business Unit by the Department.

2.4. Bedrock. Consolidated rocks such as sandstones, siltstones, and shale, which essentially retain their depositional or tectonic orientation. Fine earth materials shall constitute less than 10% of the materials and no other conditions exist that would provide adequate wastewater renovation. Where bedrock and soil horizons are interlayered, the depth to bedrock shall be the cumulative thickness of the soil layers greater than or equal to four inches in thickness within 72 inches of the soil surface.

2.5. Bedroom. Any room inside a residence intended for the purposes of sleeping quarters.

2.6. Benchmark. A mark made on a stationary object of a determined position and elevation and used as a reference point.

2.7. Community Wastewater System. Any system, whether public or privately owned, serving 2 or more individual lots, for the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater or industrial wastes of a liquid nature, including various devices for the treatment of such wastewater or industrial wastes.

2.8. Department. The Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services.

2.9. Designated Representative (DR). A person certified by the department to make percolation tests, system designs and inspections subject to the authorized agent's final approval. Designated representatives shall be registered professional engineers, registered land surveyors, licensed master plumbers, registered sanitarians or other similarly qualified individuals holding current certificates from the State of Arkansas, and shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the authorized agent prior to their designation as a "designated representative" their competency to make percolation tests, designs and final inspections for onsite wastewater systems in accordance with these Rules and Regulations and when authorized by the Authorized Agent.

2.10. Dwelling Unit. A structure intended to be used as a residence. A single structure may contain more than one dwelling unit: e.g., a duplex contains 2 dwelling units.

2.11. Distribution Box. A watertight box that receives the discharge of effluent from the septic tank and distributes the flow of wastewater equally to each absorption trench.

2.12. Distribution Device. A device, approved by the Department, used to distribute or alternate the effluent load between 2 or more locations.

2.13. Domestic Wastewater. All wastes discharging from sanitary conveniences and plumbing fixtures of a domestic nature, exclusive of industrial and commercial wastes.

2.14. Dosing Tank. A tank constructed of concrete, plastic, fiberglass or other approved material that contains one or more pumps or automatic siphons designed to deliver a specified volume of wastewater effluent to the distribution system.

2.15. Emergency Repair. The repair and/or replacement of any part of a malfunctioning onsite wastewater system, excluding the alteration of existing absorption trenches and/or the installation of additional absorption area, that poses an immediate health hazard.

2.16. Engineering. The engineering section of the Arkansas Division of Health.

2.17. Experimental Onsite Wastewater System. A sewage treatment system that is not classified as a standard or alternate onsite wastewater system. Experimental systems may be approved on a case-by-case basis and evaluated under the direction of the Department to determine the effectiveness of the system.

2.18. High-use Area. Any site accessible to the public for the purposes of entertainment, recreation, or gathering.

2.19. High Water Mark. The line which the water impresses on the soil by covering it for sufficient periods of time to deprive it of non-aquatic vegetation or the established maximum flood elevation of lakes with constructed dams.

2.20. Homeowner. A person who owns and occupies a building as his home.

2.21. Hydraulic Conductivity. The rate of water movement under unit gradient in a specific soil horizon.

2.22. Onsite Wastewater System. A single system of treatment tanks and/or renovation facilities used for the treatment of domestic wastewater, exclusive of industrial wastes, serving only a single building, commercial facility such as an office building, or industrial plant or institution.

2.23. Industrial Wastes. Liquid wastes resulting from the processes employed in industrial and commercial establishments.

2.24. Installer. Any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality, or governmental agency licensed by the department, which constructs, installs, alters or repairs onsite wastewater systems for others.

2.25. Interceptor Drain. A subsurface drainline, usually constructed upgrade from the absorption area to divert seasonal groundwater.

2.26. Lake. A considerable body of inland water or an expanded portion of a river generally of appreciable size and too deep to permit vegetation, excluding subaqueous vegetation, to take root completely across the expanse of water.

2.27. Maintenance Personnel. An individual certified by the Department to conduct assessments under the Onsite Maintenance and Monitoring Program.

2.28. Municipality. A city, town, county, district, or other public body created by or pursuant to State law, or any combination thereof, acting cooperatively or jointly.

2.29. Pedon. The smallest classifiable soil units. Pedons are intended to be of a size suitable for field examination, description, and sampling.

2.30. Person. Any institution, public or private corporation, individual, partnership, or other entity.

2.31. Piezometer. A pipe placed in the soil which gives the water pressure at depth. The reading is used to estimate the elevation of a water table.

2.32. Pond. A body of water smaller than a lake, often artificially formed.

2.33. Potable Water. Water free from impurities in amounts sufficient to cause disease or harmful physiological effects with the bacteriological and chemical quality conforming to applicable standards of the Arkansas State Board of Health.

2.34. Primary Absorption Area. The area approved by the Department or it's authorized agent for the installation of an onsite wastewater system for a specified tract of land.

2.35. Professional Soil Classifier (P.S.C.). A person who, by reason of their special knowledge of the physical, chemical, and biological sciences applicable to soils as natural bodies and of the methods and principles of soil classification experience in the formation, morphology, description, and mapping of soils, is qualified to practice soil classifying, and who has been registered by the Arkansas State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers.

2.36. Property Owner. A person who owns and may or may not occupy the property.

2.37. Property Owners' Association. An association created by and pursuant to State law and organized for the purpose of maintaining common facilities including onsite wastewater facilities in unincorporated subdivisions.

2.38. Redoximorphic Features. Soil features formed by the processes of reduction, oxidation, and translocation of iron and manganese oxides in seasonally saturated and reduced soils.

2.39. Relic Redoximorphic Features. Redoximorphic features that are observed in the soil profile but are not indicative of contemporary seasonal water table levels. Redoximorphic features may not be considered relic unless they meet the guidelines as specified in Section 8.4.1.1 or are evaluated by a monitoring process as specified in Section 8.4.6.

2.40. Restrictive Soil Layer. A soil layer that impedes the movement of water, air or growth of plant roots. Examples of such layers or conditions are traffic pans, claypans, fragipans, compacted soil, bedrock and clayey soil.

2.41. Scum. The accumulated floating material, including grease, oils and other low-density solids in a septic tank.

2.42. Secondary Absorption Area. An alternate location indicated on a lot or plot plan showing where the absorption area is to be placed in the event of failure or necessary replacement of the system located on the primary absorption area.

2.43. Seasonal Water Table (SWT). A zone of soil that become saturated for periods long enough to undergo reducing conditions during periods of climatic stress due to an underlying restrictive layer. The seasonal water table may be classified as brief, moderate, or long.

2.44. Septic Tank. A single tank or series of tanks that receives raw domestic wastewater and serve as the primary treatment unit in an onsite wastewater system. The septic tank provides skimming and storage of scum, settling and storage of the wastewater solids, and the partial digestion of accumulated solids by anaerobic action. Clarified effluent then flows from the septic tank to the absorption area or for further treatment.

2.45. Septic Tank Manufacturer. A person, firm, corporation or association who manufactures septic tanks, package treatment units or other components for onsite wastewater systems.

2.46. Similarly Qualified Individual. A bachelor's degree with 30 hours of natural science, engineering and/or math, or 3 years experience verified by the Department in the design of onsite wastewater systems.

2.47. Sludge. The accumulated solids that have settled to the bottom of a septic tank.

2.48. Soil Absorption System. The system for the final renovation of the septic tank effluent and return of the renovated wastewater to the hydrologic cycle, including the lateral lines, the perforated pipes, the rock or other approved material and the soil absorption trenches.

2.49. Soil Horizon. A layer approximately parallel to the surface of the soil distinguishable from adjacent layers by a distinctive set of properties produced by the soil forming process.

2.50. Soil Pit. An onsite excavation. The excavation shall be of adequate size to observe depth to seasonal water tables, depth to bedrock, or impervious layers. The soil pit is a minimum of 36 inches in width, and dug to provide ease of access such as steps or a moderate slope. The excavation shall be 4 feet in depth unless an impervious layer is encountered and shall provide an exposed sidewall area of at least 3 feet in length. It is used to observe those soil characteristics relevant in determining soil suitability for wastewater absorption and renovation.

2.51. Soil Qualified Designated Representative. A Designated Representative who has successfully passed the soils portion of the D.R. testing procedure, as set forth by the Department. These individuals are certified to size absorption areas based on depth to seasonal water tables.

2.52. Soil Textural Class. The relative proportions by weight of the three mineral fractions sand, silt, and clay as defined by the USDA soil texture classifications

2.53. Stream. A year round flowing stream as designated by the United States Geological Survey.

2.54. Subdivision. Land divided or proposed to be divided for predominantly residential purposes into such parcels as required by local ordinances, or, in the absence of local ordinances, subdivision means any land which is divided or proposed to be divided by a common owner or owners for predominantly residential purposes into 3 or more lots or parcels, platted or unplatted units any of which contains less than three acres, as a part of a uniform plan of development.

2.55. Surface Discharging System. Those systems that apply effluent directly to the soil surface or are sized less than that determined by seasonal water table loading rates as outlined in this regulation.

2.56. True Water Table. The upper surface of a saturated zone within the soil that is directly connected to a regional aquifer.

2.57. Undisturbed Soil. Soil which has developed by the actions of the soil forming processes and which has not been disturbed or altered by the human activities. Exception: plow layers less than 7 inches from the soil surface.

2.58. Valid Permit. A permit for construction is valid for a period of one year from the date of approval and may be deemed invalid by the Authorized Agent before construction if the site and/or soil conditions have changed after approval or the information on the permit is inaccurate.

2.59. Wastewater. Any sewage containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution, including but not limited to liquid wastes from toilets, kitchen sinks, lavatories, washing machines and other plumbing fixtures.

2.60. Wet Season. The period within a year when rainfall normally exceeds evapo-transpiration and a seasonal water table can be expected to be at its highest level in the soil.

3.1. Requested variations from these Rules and Regulations will be considered and may be approved at the sole discretion of the Department.

3.2. Submission of proposed experimental onsite wastewater systems may be approved, disapproved, or approved on a trial basis for a specific period of time. Such approval or disapproval shall be at the sole discretion of the Department. Submission of an experimental design shall include design data as to the efficiency of operation of the proposed experimental system. A monitoring plan shall be submitted for approval in addition to the system design.

3.3. Good management practices. Good management practices are additions or modifications to systems which will make such systems more efficient, or which could make such systems acceptable in certain soil conditions. Where good management practices are proposed for inclusion in a soil absorption system, approval shall be at the discretion of the Department or its Authorized Agent.

3.4. Existing installation. No onsite wastewater system in existence on the effective date of these Rules and Regulations nor any onsite wastewater system installed after the effective date of these Rules and Regulations in a subdivision, wherein individual lots have been developed or sold for use with onsite wastewater systems for which a plat has been filed on record prior to the effective date of these Rules and Regulations shall be required to conform to more stringent specifications and requirements as to design, construction, density of improvements, lot size and installation than those standards contained in any applicable duly adopted and published regulations in effect at the time of platting of record of such subdivisions. No onsite wastewater system to be installed on a residential lot for which the Department or its authorized agent has issued a construction permit on or before the effective date of these Rules and Regulations shall be required to conform to the design, construction and installation provisions of these Rules and Regulations. In a subdivision for which a master plan has been approved by the Department prior to the effective date of these Rules and Regulations or for which the Department has otherwise previously issued its written approval for the installation of onsite wastewater systems and where individual lots have been developed or sold in reliance upon such prior written approval, onsite wastewater systems shall not be required to conform to more stringent specifications as to design, construction and installation than those standards in effect at the time of, or referred to, in such prior written approval. However, it is provided, that any onsite wastewater system which is determined by the Department to be a health hazard or which constitutes a nuisance due to odor or unsightly appearance must conform to the provisions of these Rules and Regulations within 30 working days after notification that such determination has been made.

4.1. All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within 300 feet and available to said premises when connection can be made without crossing another person's property. No privies, onsite wastewater systems or other receptacles for human excreta shall be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises. Plumbing fixtures shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the ARKANSAS STATE PLUMBING CODE. (See Ark. Stat. Ann. 19-4125-4127.)

4.2. When connection to an existing sanitary sewer system is not feasible and a large number of residences are to be built in an area, consideration should be given to the construction of a community sewer system and treatment plant. However, since an improperly operated or inadequately staffed community wastewater treatment plant cannot effectively treat wastewater, consideration should be given to the size of the proposed system to ensure that economically feasible sewer rates are sufficient to ensure proper treatment plant operation. As an aid to developers and engineers, the following information is offered to determine the feasibility of a public sewer system or onsite wastewater system.

5.1. A completed Onsite Wastewater System Permit Application and detailed plans and specifications following the requirements found in Appendix H for the collection, treatment and/or renovation facilities for all wastes of a domestic nature, containing a predominance of human excreta and exclusive of industrial wastes shall be submitted to and receive the approval of the Arkansas Division of Health or its authorized agent, prior to construction of a building or residence.

5.2. Onsite wastewater systems in subdivisions or in platted or unplatted lots or tracts of land as provided in Act 402, must be planned, designed and constructed in accordance with the RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO GENERAL SANITATION and the RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO ONSITE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS,

DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES AND INSTALLERS of the Arkansas Division of Health. Permits for construction and operation of onsite wastewater systems must be obtained in accordance with the RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO ONSITE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS, DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES AND INSTALLERS prior to the construction, installation or modification of the Onsite Wastewater System.

5.3. Permit requirement. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality or governmental agency to begin construction, alteration, repair or extension of any onsite wastewater system, owned by any other person, firm, corporation, association, municipality or governmental agency until the owner first obtains a valid Permit for Construction issued by the Department or its authorized agent.

5.4. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality or governmental agency to begin operation of any onsite wastewater system until such system has been inspected and approved by the Department or its authorized agent and the owner has first obtained a Permit for Operation issued by the Department or its authorized agent.

5.5. It shall be unlawful for any installer to begin construction, alteration, repair or extension of any onsite wastewater system owned by any other person, firm, corporation, association, municipality or governmental agency until the permit holder or installer first notifies the authorized agent a minimum 24 hours prior to the date he plans to begin work on said system. Emergency repairs may be undertaken without prior notification to the authorized agent provided a permit is obtained within ten working days.

5.6. To those cities or counties with authorized agents, the authorized agent shall be the authorized agent of the Department. In the event that an authorized agent has not been designated for a city or county, applications for onsite wastewater systems shall be made to the Department. Application forms and instructions may be obtained from the authorized agent or from the Department.

5.7. Plan review fee. A fee shall be levied for the review of each permit. Permit fees shall be made payable to the Department. The review fee must be paid before the issuance of Part 1 of the Permit Application. There shall be no refund of the fee or any part thereof due to failure to proceed under the Permit Application. Construction must begin within one year of issuance or the permit must be re-validated by the Department or its authorized agent.

5.8. Permit Procedure

5.9. Subdivision Review

5.10. No surface discharging systems shall be allowed in subdivisions.

5.11. Primary and secondary absorption areas in a subdivision shall be sized according to natural soil conditions. Capping fill may be used to overcome separation to bedrock; however, no reduction in loading rate shall be granted for the purpose of determining minimum lot size. On lots proposed for subdivision development, all undisturbed soils shall have a minimum depth of 13 inches or greater to a brief seasonal water table, and/or a depth of 18 inches or greater to an adjusted moderate seasonal water table, and/or a depth of 24 inches or greater to an adjusted long seasonal water table. Good management practices shall not be used for the purpose of determining minimum lot size.

6.1. These distances shall be used only where ideal conditions indicate them to be sufficient, and greater distance shall be required where local conditions demand. All waivers except with public water supplies involved must be submitted to and approved by the Department. Waivers affecting public water supplies must be submitted to and approved by Engineering. Details pertaining to local water wells, such as depth, type of construction, vertical zone of influence, etc., together with data on the geological formations and porosity of subsoil strata, should be considered in determining the safe allowable distance between wells and subsurface onsite wastewater systems.

6.2. Minimum Horizontal Distances.

7.1. For the purpose of determining minimum lot size, all lots must have suitable primary and secondary absorption areas, sized according to natural soil data. Good management practices shall not be used for the purpose of determining minimum lot size. However, in no case shall a wastewater system utilizing subsurface renovation be approved regardless of lot size if soils are not suitable for subsurface renovation.

7.2. If an individual water well supply and an onsite wastewater system is proposed, the lot size must be such that the well may be located at least 50 feet from any lot line, and at least 100 feet from any part of the wastewater absorption area proposed on the same lot and wastewater absorption areas proposed on any adjacent lots. Wells should be located up slope from wastewater systems if possible. Both primary and secondary wastewater absorption areas shall conform to all set back requirements established under Section 6.2 of this regulation.

7.3. If a public water supply is proposed and an onsite wastewater system is to be used, the lot size must be such that a primary absorption area and a secondary absorption area are present. Both absorption areas must conform to the set back requirements outlined in Section 6.2 of this regulation.

8.1. The first step in the design of any onsite wastewater system is to determine the suitability of the soil. A minimum of 2 soil pits is required to determine the suitability of a site. One pit must be in the area of the proposed primary absorption area and one pit must be in the area of the proposed secondary absorption area. The soil pits must be left open for use by the authorized agent. Depths to seasonal water tables, bedrock (if encountered), and the type and depth of the various soil layers including both pervious and impervious strata and their relationship with the proposed soil absorption system's other impervious strata shall be reported.

8.2. Soil Separation Distances

The following are minimum soil separation distances from the bottom of the proposed absorption trench to the true water table (aquifer) and bedrock. These conditions must be met before the soil is considered suitable for subsurface renovation.

8.3. Hydraulic Conductivity Classes

The hydraulic conductivity class may be estimated using the following.

8.4. Seasonal Water Table (SWT) Classes

The depth to seasonal water tables of 3 durations can be estimated from the following guides. The guides are interpretations of redoximorphic features, a type of soil morphology which results from reduction-oxidation processes. All colors are for moist conditions. Place each horizon in the most limiting class in which it will fit.

The placing of soil horizons into SWT classes based on redoximorphic features is an interpretation and requires some understanding of soil development processes. Redoximorphic features are not expected to occur unless the horizon has been both saturated and reduced. Reduction is not expected to occur until after the horizon has been saturated for some period of time.

8.5. On lots less than 3 acres, prior to adjustment for capping fill, where the slope is less than or equal to 12%, all undisturbed soils exhibiting a depth of 13 inches or greater to a brief seasonal water table, and/or a depth of 18 inches or greater to an adjusted moderate seasonal water table, and/or a depth of 24 inches or greater to an adjusted long seasonal water table must utilize a subsurface onsite wastewater systems as outlined in this regulation.

8.6. On lots of 3 acres or greater, prior to adjustment for the capping fill, all undisturbed soils exhibiting a depth of 12 inches or greater to a brief seasonal water table, and/or a depth of 16 inches or greater to an adjusted moderate seasonal water table, and/or a depth of 20 inches or greater to an adjusted long seasonal water table must utilize a subsurface onsite wastewater systems as outlined in this section.

9.1. A standard onsite wastewater system consists of a field of perforated pipe surrounded by gravel, or other product approved by the Department and installed in such a manner that the clarified effluent from the septic tank or pretreatment unit will be distributed with reasonable uniformity into the natural soil. The individual absorption trench should not be more than 60 feet long, with a maximum length of 100 feet, and the trench bottom and perforated pipe or gravel substitute should be installed at a grade of 0 to 2 inches per 100 feet. In order to ensure even distribution of the effluent, all onsite wastewater systems utilizing a distribution box must have absorption trenches of the same length. Onsite wastewater systems utilizing serial distribution of the effluent must be provided with an approved diversion device to allow drying of the most used absorption trenches. The most used absorption trench should be allowed to drain and dry out during the summer months. In all cases, a minimum of 2 absorption trenches is required to ensure that the absorption area will function even if one absorption trench is disturbed.

9.2. Many different designs may be used in laying out absorption trenches. The choice may depend on the size and shape of the available absorption area, the area required, and the topography of the absorption area. In all cases, the septic tank flow line must be at or above the ground elevation of the highest trench.

9.3. Soil absorption areas utilizing pipe and gravel provide for a trench 24 inches wide, with a standard trench depth of 18 inches from the bottom of the trench to the finished settled grade. Systems designed with trench depths up to 24 inches may be utilized. There shall be a minimum of 6 inches of gravel below the pipe and a minimum of 2 inches of gravel above the pipe. A minimum of 6 inches of cover is required above the gravel bed or gravel substitute. The trench depth may vary in those instances where the soil absorption area was designed to overcome limiting soil characteristics. Trench depths must be specifically called for in the Designated Representative's design and approved by the authorized agent. The absorption area in square feet is twice the total length of the trenches. The minimum spacing between the trenches shall be 6 feet between the trenches and 8 feet center to center. Increased separation between trenches is encouraged to enhance the effectiveness of the trenching system.

9.4. All gravel substitute products approved by the Department must be a minimum of 8 inches in height and may not exceed 24 inches in width. The D.R. must specify the product name and model to be installed when utilizing a gravel substitute in the system design.

9.5. Sizing the Absorption Area

If the soil is acceptable for the installation of subsurface absorption trenches, a percolation test or a seasonal water table determination shall be made at points selected as typical of the area in which the absorption trenches will be located. Only a Soil Qualified Designated Representative may design subsurface absorption systems based on seasonal water table data.

9.6. Serial Distribution

9.7. Capping Fill Systems

9.8. Dosing Standard Systems

9.9. Low Pressure Distribution (LPD)

Low pressure distribution allows an absorption area or secondary treatment filter to be dosed evenly across the entire area. The discharge assembly of LPD systems consists of small diameter piping with orifices drilled at predetermined intervals through which effluent is dosed to the absorption area or secondary treatment filter. All LPD systems shall meet the following requirements.

9.10. Construction Considerations

10.1. Alternate systems outlined in this section shall not be approved as a uniform plan of development in any municipality, community, subdivision, or other developed area.

10.2. All alternate systems outlined in this section shall be installed by a licensed septic system installer. Installers may be required to attend special training sessions before being allowed to install certain types of alternate systems.

10.3. In addition to the permitting requirements outlined in Section 5 of this regulation, a Memorandum of Agreement signed by the property owner shall be submitted as part of the Onsite Wastewater System Application for all alternate systems.

10.4. The Department or its authorized agent may require the designated representative to oversee the construction of projects with unusual or rarely used designs.

10.5. Surface Discharging Systems

10.6. Holding Tanks

10.7. Composting/Incinerating Toilets

A composting toilet is a device specifically designed to retain and process body wastes and, in some cases, household garbage by biological degradation. The process may be either thermophilic or mesophilic, depending on the design of the toilet. Thermophilic devices are normally smaller and require some type of energy input to maintain the desired temperature. Mesophilic devices rely on the heat produced by the biological process to maintain the required temperature. Whether or not a device can accept household garbage is dependent on product design and intended use. An incinerating toilet is a device designed to reduce body wastes, both urine and feces, to an ash residue. The type of energy used to incinerate wastes is dependent upon the design of the device used.

11.1. The minimum liquid capacities required in Appendix C, allow for the use of standard household appliances. Garbage grinders are not recommended for subsurface absorption systems.

11.2. Location. Consideration should also be given to the location from the standpoint of cleaning and maintenance. Septic tanks shall be so located that septic tank cleaning equipment trucks can be driven within reasonable vertical and horizontal distance of the tank for the purpose of tank cleaning. Where public sewers may be installed at a future date, provision should be made in the household plumbing system for connection to such sewer.

11.3. All septic tanks and dosing tanks used in Arkansas must be manufactured by an individual holding a current septic tank manufacturer license issued by the Department. The manufacturer is responsible for producing septic tanks, pump basins, and dosing tanks that meet all current requirements as outlined in these regulations.

11.4. The septic tank installer is responsible for inspecting the tank(s) delivered to the jobsite to ensure a licensed manufacturer produced it and that it remains in a sound, watertight condition throughout the installation. All septic tanks shall be installed and bedded on a firm, level, gravel surface. All influent and effluent lines connected to the tank must be sealed in a manner that prevents groundwater infiltration and pipe movement. Rubber or plastic pipe penetration seals shall be either cast into the tank or installed after manufacture.

11.5. Septic Tanks no longer in use must be pumped out by a licensed septic tank cleaner, collapsed, and filled with clean material at the time of abandonment.

11.6. Specifications for septic tanks and dosing tanks.

11.7. Grease interceptors shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the ARKANSAS STATE PLUMBING CODE. The minimum volume in gallons for a grease interceptor utilized with an onsite wastewater system, shall either be 500 or the number of fixture units multiplied times a flow rate of 7.5 gallons per minute multiplied times a 12 minute retention time (#Fx7.5x12), whichever is greater. Fixture units will be calculated using Arkansas State Plumbing Code. Grease interceptors installed below finished grade will be installed with service risers to the finished grade. The size of the service riser will be adequate in size to accommodate proper inspection and maintenance.

SECTION VI. THE HOUSE SEWER:

12.1. Effluent treated by a secondary treatment unit shall be further renovated or discharged in accordance with either Section 9 or Section 10.5 of this regulation.

12.2. The discharge from all secondary treatment units shall meet current N.P.D.E.S. discharge requirements.

12.3. All onsite wastewater systems incorporating secondary treatment units shall comply with the Onsite Maintenance Program outlined in Section 14 of this regulation.

12.4. Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs)

12.5. Single Pass Filters

12.6. Multiple Pass Filters

12.7. Other Filters

Proprietary media filters such as peat filters, gravel filters, and geo-textile filters shall be designed and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications as approved by the Department.

13.1. The Maintenance and Monitoring Contract and the Memorandum of Agreement shall be submitted with the Application for an Onsite Wastewater System Permit (EHP-19).

13.2. All Maintenance and Monitoring Contracts shall include the following minimum terms or services:

Frequency of system assessments

Assessment of system components

Assessment of discharge route for surface discharge systems

Measurement of free chlorine residual, if applicable

Assessment of proper servicing of grease interceptor, if applicable

Reporting to the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services

13.3. Assessments shall be conducted for all systems maintained and monitored under the program a minimum of once every 6 months.

13.4. Free chlorine residual will be measured and recorded from the outlet end of the contact chamber. If the free chlorine residual is less than 0.1 parts per million, collection of a fecal coliform sample is required within acceptable limits, as specified the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge parameters, before returning to a routine schedule.

13.5. Where ozone, ultraviolet, or other disinfection methods that do not produce a chlorine residual are incorporated in the system, annual fecal analysis of the discharged effluent shall be required.

13.6. Maintenance and Monitoring Contracts with Maintenance Personnel with additional monitoring terms and services may be required by the department for approval of systems permitted under the variance and experimental sections 3.1 and 3.2

13.7. Onsite Maintenance and Monitoring reports shall be submitted to the homeowner, local health unit, and the Department's database. Certified Maintenance Personnel shall maintain a copy for their records.

13.8. Maintenance personnel shall be certified by the Department. To maintain certification, Onsite Maintenance Personnel shall attend an annual training session.

14.1. A fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be levied annually for the registration of each Designated Representative. Each Designated Representative who operates within the State of Arkansas, regardless where their home office may be, must be registered by the Department. The registration will be issued by the Department upon successful completion of an examination and compliance with the provisions of the Rules and Regulations. I n order to maintain registration, a Designative Representative must attend at least one (1) annual training course approved by the Department prior to March 1 and continue to demonstrate competency in practice to ensure the purpose of this regulation. Registration renewal fees shall be renewable on January 1 of each year. Failure to pay the registration renewal fee by March 1 shall result in a late fee equal to one half of the renewal fee. Failure to pay the registration renewal fee within a calendar year or failure to attend an approved training course by March 1 shall require re-examination in order to become registered.

14.2. The Designated Representative's license may be revoked or suspended whenever any provision of these Rules and Regulations is violated pursuant unto the Arkansas Administrative Procedures Act. Each Designated Representative must furnish proof of current registration upon request by an authorized agent of the Department.

15.1. Each installer who operates within the State of Arkansas, regardless of wherever the home office may be, must be registered by the Department. The registration will be issued by the Department or its authorized agent upon successful completion of an examination and compliance with the provisions of the Rules and Regulations. In order to maintain registration, an installer must attend at least one (1) annual training course approved by the Department prior to March 1 and continue to demonstrate competency in practice to ensure the purpose of this regulation. The registration shall be renewable on January 1 of each year. Failure to renew by March 1 shall result in a late fee equal to one half of the renewal fee. Failure to renew within a calendar year shall require re-examination in order to become registered. Installers licensed at the time of the effective date of this regulation will be exempt from the initial examination.

15.2. The installer's license may be revoked or suspended whenever any provision of these Rules and Regulations is violated pursuant unto the Arkansas Administrative Procedures Act. Each installer must furnish proof of current registration upon request by an authorized agent of the Department.

15.3. It shall be a violation of these Rules and Regulations for an installer to start the actual construction, alteration, repair or extension of any onsite wastewater system without first notifying the Department or its authorized agent 24 hours in advance.

15.4. Installer's registration fee. A fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be levied annually for the registration of each installer. The registration fee shall be made payable to the Arkansas Division of Health and shall be attached to the completed APPLICATION and forwarded to the Arkansas Division of Health.

A. SOILS WITH A MODERATE HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY

B. SOILS WITH HIGH HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY

Appendix B QUANTITIES OF WASTEWATER FLOW FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF ESTABLISHMENTS

FOOTNOTES:

The estimated flows for residential systems assume a maximum occupancy of 2 persons per bedroom. Where residential care facilities (non-institutional) will house more than 2 persons in any bedroom, estimated flows are to be increased by 75 gallons per each additional occupant.

Waste from food service operations is commercial in nature and may require special system sizing and treatment/disposal considerations. For food service operations, kitchen wastewater flows are normally to be calculated at 66% of the total wastewater flow. Estimated daily flow is based on 3 meals served per seat per meal setting.

Systems serving high volume establishments, such as fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and service stations require special sizing consideration due to above average wastewater volume expected from restroom facilities.

Appendix C

MINIMUM CAPACITY OF SEPTIC TANKS LIOUID CAPACITY OF TANK (GALLONS)

Note: For each additional bedroom add 250 gallons.

Appendix D

Requirements for the Approval of Residential Aerobic Treatment units for Distribution in

Arkansas.

Aerobic Treatment units may be used for treating domestic wastewater waste, provided that each unit is installed, operated and maintained in conformance with the following provisions:

Appendix E

Requirements for becoming an Aerobic Treatment Unit Distributor

The following items are required to become a distributor of aerobic treatment units used for domestic wastewater treatment. Application is made to the Department:

Appendix F Requirements for Submission of an Onsite Wastewater System Permit Application

DR RESPONSIBILITIES IN APPLICATION SUBMITTAL

The Designated Representative (DR) submits a completed Individual Sewage Disposal System Permit Application (EHP-19) along with detailed plans, specifications, and required fees. This application package is submitted to the appropriate Environmental Health Specialist and/or Local Health Unit.

The following information must be provided on the Individual Sewage Disposal System Permit Application (EHP-19). The requirements for each item are explained below.

The type of application being requested is indicated by checking the appropriate box in the upper right corner of the EHP-19. The permit choices are:

[TICK] NEW INSTALLATION - Any individual sewage system that has not been permitted.

[TICK] ALTERATION/REPAIR

Alteration - Any change or extension to an existing, permitted system. Repair - The restoration of a malfunctioning system to proper function.

The fee amount is calculated from the chart in the upper right corner of the EHP-19 and marked with a check in the appropriate box.

In the first block of Part I (Treatment Type), check the Treatment Type proposed. If the Treatment Type is not listed on the EHP-19, mark Other (OTH).

In the second block of Part I (Disposal Method), check the Disposal Method proposed. If the Disposal Method is not listed on the EHP-19, mark Other (OTH).

The information required for items 1-22 is explained by the item's number as found on the EHP-19:

These items shall be on or provided with the plot drawing.

PRE-SITE REVIEW