South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-56 - ONSITE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
Section 61-56.203 - Onsite Wastewater System Construction Criteria

203.1. On sloping terrain, wastewater infiltration trenches shall be installed perpendicular to the direction of slope and parallel to the contours of the land.

203.2. Where deemed necessary by the Department, all required site alterations (swales, fill, shaping, etc.) shall be done prior to permitting the installation of the onsite wastewater system.

203.3. The area in which the onsite wastewater system is to be located shall be protected from surface water and roof or downspout drainage by the installation of drainage swales and small amounts of fill to achieve positive surface drainage.

203.4. Gross amounts of dirt, mud, and debris shall be removed from the septic tank before backfilling. All backfilling around the tank shall be tamped to facilitate stabilization.

203.5. If septic tank lids are of multi-part, slab-type construction, all joints shall be caulked or covered with heavy roofing paper or similar material.

203.6. All septic tanks of two-piece construction joined by tongue and groove shall be sealed with either bituminous mastic or other watertight caulking material placed in the groove in such quantity that the sealant is clearly visible around the entire tank after the two (2) pieces are joined.

203.7. When effluent pumping is required, all components of the pumping system shall adhere to standards contained within this regulation.

203.8. The Department may restrict, delay, or prohibit the installation or final approval of any onsite wastewater system when adverse soil or site conditions exist. These may include, but not be limited to, wet soil conditions in textural Class III and Class IV as described in the Long-Term Acceptance Rate Standard for Onsite Wastewater Systems approved by the Department.