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-.17 - Maintenance and Operation

(1) Prohibited Discharge. No person shall allow the unapproved discharge or spillage of sewage, nor shall an on-site sewage management system be used or maintained in such a manner as to allow the seepage or discharge of effluent from such system to the ground surface, to a water course, drainage ditch, open trench, canal, storm drain or storm sewer, water well, abandoned well, lake, stream, river, estuary, groundwater, or other body of water.

(2) Maintenance. The property owner shall be responsible for properly operating and maintaining the on-site sewage management system to increase its life expectancy and prevent failure. Maintenance of the system shall be in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems.

(3) Additives. No strong bases, acids, or organic solvents shall be used in the operation of an on-site sewage management system.

(4) Existing System Evaluations. If a performance evaluation of an existing system is conducted, the evaluation shall be performed in accordance with the procedure set forth in the Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems.

(5) Abandonment of a Septic Tank. If the use of a septic tank is discontinued, or if the tank cannot be made to comply with the Rules and its further use is prohibited, then the property owner shall either have the abandoned tank pumped out by a certified pumper and fill the empty tank with sand, soil, or rock to prevent entrapment, or have the empty tank removed to make room for a new system component.

(6) Variances. The County Board of Health may grant variances in the cases of hardship where existing systems are malfunctioning.