Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 51 - PUBLIC HEALTH-SANITARY CODE
Part XIII - Sewage Disposal
Chapter 7 - Individual Sewerage Systems [formerly Chapter 13 Subpart D]
Subchapter B - Design and Construction Regulations [formerly Chapter 13 Appendix A]
Section XIII-717 - Septic Tank Effluent [formerly Section II of Appendix A]

A. [Formerly paragraph A:2.1 of Appendix A] There is a common belief that sewage after treatment in a septic tank is pure water, or very nearly so. This is false. The effluent or liquid flowing from the tank is still foul and dangerous. The septic tank cannot be depended upon to remove disease germs. The discharge of the effluent from septic tanks into street gutters, surface ditches, or streams is prohibited.

B. [Formerly paragraph A:2.2 of Appendix A] The treatment level of a septic tank is referred to as primary treatment.

C. [Formerly paragraph A:2.3 of Appendix A] The preferred method of treatment for septic tank effluents is accomplished through the use of soil absorption trenches. Small oxidation ponds or sand filter beds may be used in lieu of absorption trenches only where soil and drainage conditions or available space prevent the use of absorption trenches. The level of treatment of these units is referred to as secondary treatment.

D. [Formerly paragraph A:2.4 of Appendix A] The use of absorption trenches, oxidation ponds and filter beds for the treatment of septic tank effluents is discussed in detail in the following Paragraphs of these standards.