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-.07 - Absorption Fields
Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024
(1) Absorption Area.The absorption area shall be based upon the anticipated volume of treated sewage and upon the characteristics of the soil in which absorption fields are to be located as specified in the Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems. Soil characteristics and other related data, including percolation tests, may be required by the County Board of Health. Absorption areas shall be classified as follows: aggregate, non-aggregate and other.
(2) Prior Approved Systems. Any "prior approved system" as defined in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 31-2A-11(a)(4) is approved for installation according to the manufacturer's recommendation.
(3) Location. No absorption field will be constructed less than one hundred feet (100') from existing or proposed wells, springs, or sinkholes; less than ten feet (10') from water supply lines and buildings with basements and less than five feet (5') from buildings without basements, other structures, drives, hardscape, and property lines; less than fifteen feet (15') from an embankment, swimming pool foundation, drainage ditch or trash pits; not less than fifty feet (50') from geothermal boreholes and the normal water level of any impoundment, tributary, stream, or other body of water, including ponded areas of wetlands. If the water supply line crosses or comes within ten feet (10') of the absorption field, the water supply line shall be installed at least twelve inches (12") above the top of the aggregate layer of the absorption line, non-aggregate absorption line or other absorption line, and shall be encased in a single length of larger diameter water pipe. No absorption field shall be installed in areas where groundwater, soil characteristics, or adverse geological formation may interfere with the absorption or effective treatment of sewage effluent.
(4) Minimum Design and Construction for Absorption Fields. Absorption lines and absorption trenches shall be designed and installed in accordance with the minimum design and installation criteria set forth in the Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems.
O.C.G.A. Secs. 12-8-1, 31-2A-6, 31-2A-11.
