Paradise Municipal Code Art. VI Abandonment

A. Every cesspool, septic tank and seepage pit which has been abandoned or has been discontinued otherwise from further use or to which no waste or soil pipe from a plumbing fixture is connected, shall have the sewage removed therefrom in a manner acceptable to the on-site sanitary official and shall be sufficiently uncovered to allow an examination of structural integrity and a determination of appropriate means of processing.

B. Processing of abandoned septic tanks and cesspools shall depend upon materials of construction and structural integrity at the time of abandonment:

1. Systems constructed entirely of concrete, including compartment covers, which are confirmed to be structurally sound by the on-site sanitary official, may be left in place without further action. Such systems which are structurally sound except for the top or cover may be processed in this manner, provided a new top or cover, cast in concrete, is added prior to final abandonment.

2. Systems constructed of fiberglass may be left in place, provided they are covered with a layer of concrete of not less than four inches nominal thickness, and the slab shall not extend one foot beyond outside wall of the tank.

3. All other systems, including those made of wood, steel and concrete or fiberglass not processed as provided in subsection B of this section, shall be completely filled with earth, sand, gravel, concrete or other approved material as follows:

a. The top of the septic tank shall be demolished before filling and the filling shall not extend above the top of the vertical portions of the side walls or above the level of any outlet pipe until inspection has been called and the fill material has been inspected. After the inspection, the cesspool, septic tank or seepage pit shall be filled to the level of the top of the ground.

4. If the abandoned tank, etc., is going to be under a structural stem wall or pier and soil is used for backfill, the soil shall be compacted as determined by the building official.

5. Nothing contained in this section prevents the on-site sanitary official from requiring additional or other processing requirements in the furtherance of health and safety.

(Ord. 228 §3(part), 1993; Ord. 219 §2(part), 1992)