Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 511 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Chapter 511-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS
Subject 511-3-1 - ON-SITE SEWAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Rule 511-3-1-.05 - Septic Tanks

(1) Design and Construction. Septic tanks shall provide a minimum of 24 hours of retention and shall be designed and constructed to equal or exceed minimum design and construction criteria set forth in the Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems. Any person seeking approval of septic tanks to be used in on-site sewage management systems shall submit detailed plans and specifications for tank manufacture and other information as may be required by the Department. Manufacturers and suppliers are subject to inspection and approval by the County Board of Health or the Department. Both the inlet and outlet tees shall be ASTM 3034 rated or equivalent. In addition, an approved filter shall be installed on the outlet end of the septic tank in compliance with the Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems.

(2) Location. No septic tank shall be installed less than fifty feet (50') from existing or proposed wells, springs, sink holes, or suction water lines, and tanks shall be located downgrade from wells or springs if physically possible; less than twenty-five feet (25') from geothermal boreholes, lakes, ponds, streams, water courses, and other impoundments; less than ten feet (10') from pressure water supply lines, or less than ten feet (10') from a property line. No septic tank shall be installed less than fifteen feet (15') from a drainage ditch or embankment. Septic tanks shall be installed so as to provide ready access for necessary maintenance, and should be at least ten feet (10') from hardscape, drives, swimming pools and building foundations. The County Board of Health, after site inspection, may allow lesser separation distances or require greater distances than cited herein due to unusual conditions of topography, site configuration, subsurface soil characteristics, or groundwater interference.

(3) Capacity. The liquid capacity of septic tanks for single family dwellings shall be one thousand gallons for one, two, three or four bedrooms and 250 additional gallons for each bedroom over four. Septic tank capacity shall be increased by (50%) if a garbage grinder is to be used. Auxiliary systems serving single family residences or other facilities shall be based on the maximum daily flow.

(4) Compartmented Tanks. Two compartment tanks shall be required. The first compartment shall be at least 2/3 the liquid capacity of the tank.

(5) Tanks in Series. The County Board of Health may approve the installation of tanks placed in series as equivalent to a single compartmented septic tank. Tanks in series should be single compartment tanks, with the first tank being at least 1000 gallons and equal to 2/3 of the required liquid capacity. When tanks in series are used, they shall be connected with a sealed sewer line, and all sewage shall initially enter the first tank.

(6) Foundation and Backfill. Septic tanks shall be installed level on a foundation that will prevent settling. Backfill shall be placed so that a stable fill results and undue strain on the tank is avoided. Earth backfill shall be free of voids, large stones, stumps, broken masonry, or other such materials. A minimum earth cover of six inches (6") over the tank is recommended. With proper documentation the County Board of Health may approve less cover. All openings, risers, and manholes shall be constructed so as to prevent the entrance of surface water.