Chapter 2 — SEWAGE DISPOSAL

This chapter shall be known as the Siskiyou County Sewage Disposal Law.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

The provisions of this chapter shall apply in the unincorporated area of the County to all new construction, relocated buildings, and trailers and to all alterations, repairs, or reconstruction, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

Whenever the term Health Officer is used in this chapter, it shall mean the Siskiyou County Health Officer or his authorized representative.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

Authorized representative shall mean a sanitarian registered in the State and working under the supervision of the Health Officer.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

The Siskiyou County Health Department shall administer the provisions of this chapter.

(§ 1 Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

The Health Officer shall maintain public office hours necessary to efficiently administer the provisions of this chapter, and amendments thereto, and shall perform the following duties:

(a)

Require the submission of, examine, and check plans and specifications, drawings, descriptions, and/or diagrams necessary to show clearly the character, kind, and extent of work covered by the application for a permit applied for;

(b)

Issue permits as provided for by this chapter, the duplicate copy of which shall be maintained as a record of his office;

(c)

Administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter in a manner consistent with the intent thereof and inspect all work authorized by any permit to assure compliance with the provisions of this chapter, and amendments thereto, approving or condemning such work in whole or in part as conditions require;

(d)

Condemn or reject all work done or being done which does not in all respects comply with the provisions of this chapter, and amendments thereto;

(e)

Order changes in workmanship and/or materials essential to obtain compliance with all the provisions of this chapter;

(f)

Investigate any construction or work regulated by this chapter and issue such notices and orders as provided in this chapter; and

(g)

Keep a complete record of all essential transactions of his office.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

The Health Officer and his authorized representatives shall carry proper credentials of their respective offices upon exhibition of which they shall have the right of entry, during usual business hours, to inspect any and all buildings and premises in the performance of their duties.

(§ 1 Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

(a)

Any portion of a sewage disposal system found by the Health Officer to be insanitary is hereby declared to be a nuisance.

(b)

Any refusal, failure, or neglect to comply with any notices or orders involving compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be considered a violation.

(c)

When any sewage disposal system is maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, and in violation of any notice issued pursuant to the provisions of this section where a nuisance exists, the Health Officer shall institute any appropriate action or proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent, restrain, correct, or abate the violation or nuisance.

(§ 1 Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed Five Hundred and no/100ths ($500.00) Dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of time not to exceed six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Each separate day, or portion thereof, during which any violation of the provisions of this chapter occurs or continues shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable as provided in this section.

The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans and specifications shall not be deemed or construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any provisions of this chapter. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this chapter shall be valid except insofar as the work or use which it authorizes is lawful.

The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans shall not prevent the Health Officer from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in such plans and specifications or from preventing construction operations being carried out thereunder when in violation of the provisions of this chapter or any other law.

Every permit issued by the Health Officer pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within sixty (60) days from the date of issuance of such permit, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of sixty (60) days. Before such work may be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained to do so.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

(a)

No work shall be commenced on any private sewage disposal system until a permit to do such work shall have first been obtained from the Health Officer.

(b)

A separate permit shall be obtained for each private sewage disposal system.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

If the Health Officer determines that the plans, specifications, drawings, descriptions, or information furnished by the applicant is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, he shall issue the permit applied for.

Every applicant for a permit to install, alter, relocate, or replace a private sewage disposal system, or part thereof, shall state in writing on the application form provided such information pertinent thereto as may be required.

Any person who shall commence any work for which a permit is required by this chapter without first having obtained a permit therefor shall be in violation of this chapter and shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; provided, however, this provision shall not apply to emergency work when it shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Health Officer that such work was urgently necessary and that it was not practical to obtain a permit therefor before the commencement of the work. In all such cases a permit shall be obtained as soon as it is practical to do so, and, if there is an unreasonable delay, in obtaining such permit, a double fee shall be charged. For the purposes of this section, an unreasonable delay shall be considered to be a period of time in excess of seven (7) days.

When a permit has been obtained to connect an existing building or existing work to the public sewer, or to connect to a new private disposal facility, the backfilling of private sewage disposal facilities abandoned consequent to such connection shall be included in the building sewer permit.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

All private sewage disposal systems shall be inspected by the Health Officer to insure compliance with all of the requirements of this chapter.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by the permit to notify the Health Officer in writing that such work is ready for inspection. Such notification shall be given not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the work shall be inspected.

It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by the permit to make sure that the work will comply with the provisions of this chapter before giving such notification.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

(a)

Every building, structure, mobile home, manufactured home, recreational vehicle, house car, motor vehicle, bus, camper shell, tent, or any other vehicle used as a place of habitation, or any other place or premises where an individual(s) permanently or temporarily resides, shall be equipped with approved sanitary facilities and connected to a public or approved onsite sewer system. Any building, structure, or enclosure with piping or plumbing fixtures which can be or are used for sanitary purposes shall have a connection to a public or approved on-site sewer system.

(b)

When no public sewer intended to serve any lot or premises is available in any thoroughfare or right-of-way abutting such lot or premises, all drainage from any building, structure, mobile home, manufactured home, recreational vehicle, house car, motor vehicle, bus, camper shell, tent, or any other vehicle used as a place of habitation shall be connected to an approved private sewage disposal system.

(c)

No permit shall be issued for the installation, alteration, or repair of any private sewage disposal system, or part thereof, on any lot for which a connection is available with a public sewer.

(d)

No provision of this chapter shall be deemed to require a change in any portion of the disposal system or any other words regulated by the provisions of this chapter in or on an existing building or lot when such systems were installed and are being maintained in accordance with the laws in effect prior to March 10, 1966, except when any such disposal system or other works regulated by the provisions of this chapter determined by the Health Officer to be in fact dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary, or a nuisance and a menace to life, health, or property.

Exception: Single-family dwellings and buildings, structure, mobile home, manufactured home, recreational vehicle, house car, motor vehicle, bus, camper shell, tent, or any other vehicle used as a place of habitation, existing and connected to an approved private sewage disposal system prior to the time of connecting the premises to a public sewer may, when no hazard, nuisance, or insanitary condition is evidenced and written permission has been obtained from the Health Officer, remain connected to such properly maintained private sewage disposal system when there is insufficient grade or fill to permit drainage to the sewer by gravity.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966, as amended by § I, Ord. 96-26 eff. August 23, 1996)

Whenever compliance with all the provisions of this chapter fails to eliminate or alleviate a nuisance, or any other dangerous or insanitary condition which may involve health or safety hazards, the owner or his agent shall install such drainage facilities or shall make such repairs or alterations as may be ordered by the Health Officer.

(§ 1 Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

(a)

No cesspool, septic tank, seepage pit, or drainfield shall be connected to any public sewer or to any building sewer leading to such public sewer.

(b)

No commercial food waste grinder shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system unless permission has first been obtained from the Health Officer.

(c)

An approved watertight sewage or waste holding tank, the contents of which, due to their character, must be periodically removed and disposed of at some approved off-site location, shall be installed only when required by the Health Officer to prevent anticipated surface or subsurface contamination or pollution, damage to the sewer, or other hazardous or nuisance conditions.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

The building sewer for septic tank installations, beginning two (2') feet from any building or structure, shall be of such materials as may be approved by the Health Officer.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

The minimum size of any building sewer to a septic tank shall be determined on the basis of the total number of fixture units drained by such sewer in accordance with the County Building Code. The minimum diameter of any nonmetallic building sewer shall be four (4″) inches.

(§ 1 Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

Building sewers shall be run in practical alignment and at a uniform slope of not less than one-fourth (¼″) inch per foot toward the point of disposal; provided, however, where it is impractical, due to the structural features or to the arrangement of any building or structure, to obtain a slope of one-fourth (¼″) inch per foot, any such pipe or piping four (4″) inches or larger may have a slope of not less than one-eighth (⅛″) inch per foot when approved by the Health Officer.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

(a)

Cleanouts shall be placed in every building sewer connected to a septic tank at the junction with the soil pipe at the building and at intervals not to exceed 100 feet in a straight run.

(b)

When a building sewer connected to a septic tank does not exceed ten (10') feet in length and is a straight line projection from a building drain which is provided with a cleanout, no cleanout shall be required at its point of connection to the building drain.

(c)

Each cleanout shall be installed so that it opens in a direction opposite to the flow of the soil or waste or at right angles thereto and, except in the case of the wye branch and end-of-line cleanouts, vertically above the flow of the pipe.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

Building sewer or drainage pipes shall not be laid or run in the same trench with water service pipes or any underground water pipes unless both of the following requirements are met:

(a)

The bottom of the water piping at all points shall be at least twelve (12″) inches above the top of the sewer piping; and

(b)

The water piping shall rest on a solid shelf at one side of the common trench.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

The Health Officer may require any or all of the following information before a permit is issued for a private sewage disposal system, or at any time during the construction thereof:

(a)

A plot plan drawn to scale, completely dimensioned, showing the direction and approximate slope of the surface, the location of all present or proposed retaining walls, drainage channels, water supply lines, or wells, paved areas or structures on the plot, the number of bedrooms or plumbing fixtures in each structure, and the location of the building sewer and private sewage disposal system with relation to lot lines and structures;

(b)

Details of construction necessary to assure compliance with the requirements of this chapter, together with a full description of the complete installation, including the quality, kind, and grade of all materials, equipment, construction workmanship, and methods of assembly and installation; and

(c)

A log of soil formations and ground water level as determined by test holes dug in close proximity to any proposed seepage pit or disposal field, together with a statement of the water absorption characteristics of the soil at the proposed site as determined by approved percolation tests.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

No private sewage disposal system, or part thereof, shall be located in or on any lot other than the lot which is the site of the building or structure served by such private sewage disposal system; nor shall any private sewage disposal system or part thereof be located at any point having less than the minimum distances indicated in Table 1.

(Ord. § 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966; Table 1 added by Res. 170, adopted February 8, 1966.)

The minimum lot on which any building, structure, trailer, or mobile home may be permitted, which lot requires plumbing facilities and which is not served by a public sewer, shall not be smaller than the following when an individual sewage disposal system is required:

(a)

When a lot is served by a public water system the minimum lot size shall be 10,000 square feet.

(b)

When the lot is to have an individual water system, the minimum lot size shall be 32,700 square feet (approximately three-fourths (3/4) acre).

(c)

Qualifying mound systems shall be a minimum of ten (10) acres.

(§ 1 Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966, as amended by § I, Ord. 84-27, eff. August 23, 1984)

(a)

Where permitted by Section 5-2.13 of this chapter, the building sewer may be connected to a private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of this chapter. The type of system shall be determined on the basis of location, soil porosity, and ground water level and shall be designed to receive all sanitary sewage from the property. The system, except as otherwise provided, shall consist of a septic tank with effluent discharging into a subsurface disposal field, into one or more seepage pits, or into a combination of subsurface disposal fields and seepage pits. However, an engineered sewage disposal system, other than a septic tank, which meets the requirements of the County Health Officer and is acceptable to the Board, may be permitted. Such alternate systems, including mound systems, shall require engineered plans, installation, and monitoring.

(b)

Where conditions are such that the system referred to in subsection (a) of this section cannot be expected to function satisfactorily, such as for commercial, agricultural, and industrial plumbing systems; for installations where appreciable amounts of industrial or indigestible wastes are produced; for hotels, hospitals, office buildings, schools, and other occupancies not listed in Table 3 of Section 5-2.25 of this chapter; for occupancies producing abnormal quantities of sewage or liquid waste; or when grease interceptors are required, the method of sewage disposal and treatment shall be first approved by the Health Department. Special sewage disposal systems for minor, limited, or temporary uses shall be first approved by the Health Department.

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TABLE 1 LOCATION OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

Minimum Horizontal Distance in Clear Required From: Building Sewer Septic Tank Disposal Field Seepage Pit Or Cesspool

Buildings or structures 1 2 feet 5 feet 8 feet 8 feet

Property lines adjoining private property Clear 5 feet 5 feet 8 feet

Water supply wells 50 feet 2 50 feet 100 feet 100 feet

Streams 50 feet 50 feet 100 feet 100 feet

Large trees ______ 10 feet 10 feet 10 feet

Seepage pits or cesspools ______ 5 feet 5 feet 12 feet

Disposal fields ______ 5 feet 4 feet 3 5 feet

Domestic water lines 1 foot 4 5 feet 5 feet 5 feet

Distribution boxes ______ ______ 5 feet 5 feet

NOTE:

When disposable fields and/or seepage pits are installed in sloping ground, the minimum horizontal distance between any part of the leaching system and ground surface shall be filled fifteen (15') feet.

 1. Including porches and steps, whether covered or uncovered, breezeways, roofed porte cocheres, roofed patios, carports, covered walks, covered driveways, and similar structures and appurtenances.

 2. All nonmetallic drainage piping shall clear domestic water supply wells by at least fifty (50') feet. This distance may be reduced to not less than twenty-five (25') feet when approved type metallic piping is installed.

 3. Two (2) times the width of the trench for trenches wider than two (2') feet. (See also Section 5-2-29 of this chapter.)

 4. See Section 5-2.20 of this chapter.

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(c)

Disposal systems shall be designed to utilize the most porous or absorptive portions of the soil formation. Where the ground water level extends to within twelve (12') feet or more of the ground surface, or where the upper soil is of adequate depth and porous and the underlying stratum is rock or impervious soil, a separate tank and disposal field shall be installed.

(d)

All private sewage disposal systems shall be designed so that additional seepage pits or subsurface drainfields, equivalent to at least 100 percent of the required original system may be installed if the original system fails or cannot absorb all the sewage.

(e)

No property shall be improved in excess of its capacity to properly absorb sewage effluent in the quantities and by the means provided in this chapter.

(f)

Where there are insufficient lot area or improper soil conditions for adequate sewage disposal for the building or land use proposed and the Health Department so finds, no building permit shall be issued, and

no private sewage disposal shall be permitted. Where space or soil conditions are critical, no building permit shall be issued until engineering and test reports satisfactory to the Health Department have been submitted and approved or a private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of this chapter has first been installed.

(g)

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the Health Department from requiring compliance with higher requirements than those set forth in this chapter where such higher requirements are essential to maintain a safe and sanitary condition.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966, as amended by § I, Ord. 57, eff. November 10, 1983, and § II, Ord. 84- 27, eff. August 23, 1984)

The liquid capacity of all septic tanks shall conform to Tables 2 and 3, as determined by the number of bedrooms or apartment units in dwelling properties and the occupant load or the number of plumbing fixture units, whichever is greater, in other properties.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966; Tables 2 and 3 added by Res. 170, adopted February 8, 1966)

The minimum effective area in disposal fields in square feet of the trench bottom, and in seepage pits in square feet of the sidewall, shall be predicated on the required septic tank capacity in gallons and shall conform to Table 4, set forth in this section, as determined for the type of soil found in the excavation and shall be as follows:

(a)

When disposal fields are installed, a minimum of 150 square feet of trench bottom shall be provided for each system exclusive of any hardpan, rock, clay, or other impervious formations. For large specially designed and approved systems, a sidewall area in excess of the required twelve (12″) inches and not to exceed thirty-six (36″) inches below the leach line may be added to the 150 square feet of trench bottom area when computing absorption areas.

(b)

The minimum effective absorption area in any seepage pit shall be calculated as the excavated sidewall area below the inlet, exclusive of any hardpan, rock, clay, or other impervious formations. The minimum required area of porous formation shall be provided in one or more seepage pits. No excavation shall extend into the water table nor to a depth where sewage contamination may affect underground water stratum usable for domestic purposes.

(c)

Soil types porous, or other than those appearing in Table 4, shall be tested for porosity as required by Section 5-2.29 of this chapter.

TABLE 4 Rated Absorption Capacities of Five Typical Soils

Type of Soil Required Square Feet of Maximum Absorption Capacity Leaching Area per 100 Gallons Gallons per Square Feet of Leaching

(1) hg;Course sand or gravel 20 5

(2) hg;Fine sand 25 4

(3) hg;Sandy loam or sandy clay 40 2.5

(4) hg;Clay with considerable 60 1.66 sand or gravel

(5) hg;Clay with a small amount of 90 1.11 sand or gravel

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

(a)

Wherever practicable, disposal field and seepage pit sizes shall be computed from Table 4, set forth in Section 5-2.26 of is chapter.

(b)

In order to determine the absorption qualities of questionable soil, other than those listed in said Table 4, the proposed site shall be subjected to a percolation test acceptable to the Health Officer.

(c)

Each percolation test, when required by the Health Officer, shall be made using the current Federal Housing Administration method.

(d)

No disposal field or seepage pit installation shall be permitted unless it can be clearly demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Health Department that the proposed installation will absorb a quantity of clear water in a twenty-four (24) hour period equal to at least five (5) times the liquid capacity of the septic tank.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

(a)

Plans for all septic tanks shall be submitted to the Health Department for approval. Such plans shall show all dimensions, reinforcing, and such other pertinent data as may be required.

(b)

Septic tanks shall be constructed of sound, durable materials, not subject to excessive corrosion or decay, and shall be watertight. Each tank shall be structurally designed to withstand all anticipated earth or other loads and shall be installed on a solid bed and level.

(c)

The walls and floor of each poured-in-place concrete septic tank shall be monolithic; the maximum length of any section of unreinforced concrete wall or floor shall be six (6') feet, and no cross-section of any unreinforced concrete wall or floor shall be less than five (5″) inches in thickness. The minimum compressive strength of any concrete septic tank wall or floor shall be 2,000 pounds per square inch.

(d)

Concrete septic tank covers shall be reinforced and shall have a minimum compressive strength of 2,500 pounds per square inch.

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TABLE 2 CAPACITY OF SEPTIC TANKS*

Single-Family Multiple Dwelling Trailer Parks: Other Uses Minimum Septic Dwellings: Number Units or Apartments: Maximum Fixture Tank Capacity in of Bedrooms One Bedroom Each Large Trailers Small Trailers Units Served Gallons

1 or 2 1 1 15 750

3 2 2 20 1,000

4 2 units 3 3 25 1,200

5 or 6 3 4 4 33 1,500

4 5 or 6 45 2,000

5 55 2,250

6 60 2,500

7 70 2,750

8 80 3,000

9 90 3,250

10 100 3,500

Extra bedrooms, 150 gallons each

Extra dwelling units over 10, 250 gallons each

Extra dwelling units over 100, 25 gallons per fixture unit

Extra large trailers, over 6, 250 gallons each

Extra large trailers, over 4, 180 gallons each

* NOTE:

  Septic tanks sizes in this table include sludge storage capacity and the connection of domestic food waste disposal units without further volume increase.

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(e)

All septic tank covers shall be capable of supporting an earth load of not less than 300 pounds per square foot when the maximum coverage does not exceed three (3') feet.

(f)

The minimum wall thickness of any steel septic tank shall be No. 12 U.S. gauge (.109), and each tank shall be protected from corrosion, both externally and internally, by an approved bituminous coating or by other acceptable means.

(g)

Septic tank design shall be such as to produce a clarified effluent consistent with accepted standards and shall provide adequate space for the sludge and scum.

(h)

Septic tanks shall have a minimum of two (2) compartments. The inlet compartment of any septic tank shall be two-thirds (?) of the total capacity of the tank, and no less than 500 gallons liquid capacity, and shall be at least three (3') feet in width and five (5') feet in length. Liquid depth shall be not less than three (3') feet and six (6″) inches nor more than six and one-half (6 1 / 2 ) feet. The secondary compartment of any septic tank shall have a minimum capacity of 250 gallons and shall have a capacity of one-third (?) of the total capacity of such tank. In septic tanks having more than 1,500 gallons capacity the secondary compartment may not be less than five (5') feet in length.

(i)

Access to each compartment shall be provided by a manhole twenty (20″) inches in minimum dimension or by an equivalent removable cover slab. The manhole shall be located over the inlet and outlet fixtures of the tank.

(j)

The inlet and outlet pipe or baffle shall extend four (4″) inches above, and at least twelve (12″) inches below, the water surface. The invert of the inlet pipe shall be at a level not less than two (2″) inches above the invert of the outlet pipe.

(k)

Inlet and outlet pipe fittings or baffles and compartment partitions shall have a free vent area equal to the required cross-sectional area of the house sewer or private sewer discharging thereinto to provide free ventilation above the surface from the disposal field or seepage pit through the septic tank, house sewer, and stack to the outer air.

(l)

The total depth of the tank shall be not less than nine (9″) inches greater than the liquid depth. The cover of the septic tank shall be at least two (2″) inches above the back vent openings.

(m)

Partitions or baffles between compartments shall be of sound durable material and shall extend at least four (4″) inches above the liquid level. A four (4″) inch by twenty-four (24″) inch horizontal slot shall be incorporated in the structure of the baffle. The bottom of the slot shall be located at one-half (½) the liquid depth.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

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TABLE 3*

Type of Building Daily Per Capita Basic Factor

Grammar schools 15 gallons ..... 35 students

Grammar schools with cafeterias 20 gallons ..... per class room

High schools with cafeterias and shower 25 gallons baths

Factories 20 gallons ..... Each 8 hour shift (without showers)

25 gallons ..... Each 8 hour shift
(with showers)

Restaurants 50 gallons ..... Per seat

Trailer parks—community baths 50 gallons ..... 3 persons per trailer

Trailer parks—private baths or independent 60 gallons ..... 3 persons per trailer trailers

Motels—baths and toilets 50 gallons ..... 3 persons per unit

Motels—baths, toilets, and kitchens 60 gallons ..... 3 persons per unit

Self-service laundries 300 gallons per machine per day

Drive-in theaters 5 gallons per car per day

* NOTE:

Additional estimates of sewage flow not covered in the table above shall be obtained from the current "Manual of Septic Tank Practice", published by the United States Public Health Service.

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(a)

Disposal fields shall be constructed of clay field tile approximately twelve (12″) inches in length and not less than four (4″) inches in diameter, laid with one-half ( 1 / 2″ ) inch open joints extending around the bottom of the pipe. Other types of drain lines may be used when acceptable to the Health Officer. All bends used in the disposal field shall have one tight joint to each end of the bend.

(b)

Before drain lines are laid, crushed stone, gravel, slag, or similar filter materials acceptable to the Health Officer and having adequate voids, varying in size from one (1″) inch to three (3″) inches, shall be placed in the trench to the depth and grade required by this section. After drain lines have been placed, the upper half of each open joint shall be covered with roofing felt, and the level of the filter material shall be raised to the center line of the drain before inspection. Drain lines shall be completely encased in filter material only after approval by the Health Department; untreated building paper, straw, or similar material then shall be placed over the filter bed to prevent the closure of voids with earth and back fill.

(c)

Where seepage pits are used in combination with disposal fields, the filter material in the trenches shall terminate at least five (5') feet from the pit excavation, and the line extending from such points to the seepage pit shall be bell and spigot pipe with tight joints on undisturbed soil.

(d)

Where two (2) or more drain lines or seepage pits are installed, a distribution box of sufficient size to receive lateral lines shall be constructed at the head of each disposal field. The inverts of all outlets shall be level, and the invert of the inlet shall be at least one inch above the outlets. Suitable baffles shall be provided to insure equal flow. Distribution boxes shall be built on a level concrete slab installed in natural or compacted soil.

(e)

All laterals from the distribution box to the disposal field, where the grade exceeds six (6″) inches per 100 feet, shall be bell and spigot vitrified clay or other approved pipe with watertight joints. Multiple disposal field laterals, wherever practicable, shall be of uniform length.

(f)

Connections between a septic tank and a distribution box, or between a distribution box and a seepage pit or drainfield, or between seepage pits shall be laid with approved watertight joints on natural ground or compacted fill.

(g)

Automatic siphon or dosing tanks shall be installed when required or as permitted by the Health Officer.

(h)

Disposal fields shall be constructed as follows:

Minimum number of drain lines per field ..... 1

Maximum length of each line ..... 100 feet

Minimum bottom width of each trench ..... 18 inches

Maximum bottom width of each trench ..... 36 inches

Minimum spacing of lines center to center ..... 6 feet

Minimum depth of earth cover over lines ..... 12 inches

Preferred depth of cover over lines ..... 18 inches

Maximum grade of lines ..... 6 inches per 100 feet

Minimum grade of lines ..... 2 inches per 100 feet

Minimum filter material under drain lines ..... 12 inches

Minimum filter material over drain lines ..... 2 inches

Minimum spacing between trenches ..... 4 feet or

  two times the width of the trench for wider than 2 feet, plus 2 feet for each additional foot of depth in excess of one foot below the bottom of the drain line.

Where leaching beds are permitted in lieu of trenches, the area of each such bed shall be at least fifty (50%) percent greater than the tabular requirements for trenches. Distribution drain lines in leaching beds shall be not more than three (3') feet apart on centers, and no part of the perimeter of the leaching bed shall be more than three (3') feet from a distribution drain line.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

(a)

The capacity of seepage pits shall be based on the quantity of liquid waste discharging thereinto and on the character and porosity of the surrounding soil and shall conform to the provisions of Section 5-2.27 of this chapter.

(b)

Multiple seepage pits shall be of uniform depth and shall be served through an approved distribution box.

(c)

Each seepage pit shall be circular in shape and shall have an excavated diameter of not less than four (4') feet. Each pit shall be lined with an approved type new hard-burned clay brick, concrete brick, concrete circular type cesspool blocks, or other approved materials.

(d)

The lining in every seepage pit shall be laid on a firm foundation. Lining materials shall be placed together and laid with joints staggered. Except in the case of approved type precast concrete circular sections, no brick or block shall be greater in height than its width and shall be laid flat to form at least a four (4″) inch wall. Bricks or blocks greater than twelve (12″) inches in length shall have chamfered matching ends and shall be scored to provide for seepage. Excavation voids behind the brick or block lining shall be progressively backfilled and tamped while the lining is being installed.

(e)

All bricks or blocks used in seepage pit construction shall have a minimum compressive strength of 2,500 pounds per square inch.

(f)

Each seepage pit shall have a minimum sidewall (not including the arch) of ten (10') feet below the inlet.

(g)

The arch or dome of any seepage pit may be constructed in one of the three (3) following ways:

(1)

Approved type hard-burned clay or brick or solid concrete brick or block laid in cement mortar;

(2)

Approved brick or block laid dry; or

(In both of the above methods an approved cement mortar covering at least two (2″) inches in thickness shall be applied, such covering to extend at least six (6″) inches beyond the sidewall of the pit.)

(3)

Approved type one or two (2) piece reinforced concrete slab of 2,500 pounds per square minimum compressive strength, not less than five (5″) inches thick and designed to support an earth load of not less than 400 pounds per square foot. Each such cover shall extend not less than three (3″) inches beyond the sidewalls of the pit; shall be provided with a nine (9″) inch minimum inspection hole with plug or cover; and shall be coated on the underside with an approved bituminous or other nonpermeable protective compound.

(h)

The top of the arch or cover shall be at least eighteen (18″) inches, but not more than four (4') feet, below the surface of the ground.

(i)

An approved vented outlet fitting shall be provided in every seepage pit so arranged so as to prevent the inflow from damaging the sidewall.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

(a)

A cesspool is considered only as a temporary expedient, pending the construction of a public sewer, as an overflow facility when installed in conjunction with an existing cesspool, or as a means of sewage disposal for limited, minor, or temporary uses when it is first approved by the Health Officer.

(b)

Where it is established that a public sewer system will be available in less than two (2) years, and soil and ground and water conditions are favorable to cesspool disposal, cesspools without septic tanks may be installed for single-family dwelling units or for other limited uses when first approved by the Health Officer.

(c)

Each cesspool, when permitted, shall conform to the construction requirements set forth in Section 5-2.30 of this chapter for seepage pits and shall have a minimum sidewall (not including the arch) of twenty (20') feet below the inlet; provided, however, when a strata of gravel or equally pervious material of four (4') feet in thickness is found, the depth of such sidewall need not be more than ten (10') feet below the inlet.

(d)

When overflow cesspools or seepage pits are added to existing installations, the effluent shall leave the existing pit through an approved vented leg extending at least twelve (12″) inches downward into such existing pit and having its outlet flow line at least six (6″) inches below the inlet.

All pipe between pits shall be laid with approved watertight joints.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

(a)

Every abandoned building, house, trailer, and/or mobile home sewer, or part thereof, shall be plugged or capped in an approved manner within five (5') feet of the property line.

(b)

Every cesspool, septic tank, and/or 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 and shall be completely filled with earth, sand, gravel, concrete, or other approved materials.

(c)

The top cover or arch over the cesspool, septic tank, and/or seepage pit shall be removed before filling, and the filling shall not extend above the top of the vertical portions of the sidewalls or above the level of any outlet pipe until an inspection has been called and the septic tank, cesspool, or seepage pit has been inspected. After such inspection the cesspool, septic tank, or seepage pit shall be filled to the level of the top of the ground.

(d)

No person owning or controlling any cesspool, septic tank, and/or seepage pit on the premises of such person or in that portion of any public street, alley, or other public property abutting such premises shall fail, refuse, or neglect to comply with the provisions of this section or upon receipt of notice so to comply from the Health Officer.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)

(a)

The construction and/or use of chemical toilets is prohibited except as follows:

(1)

May be used at construction sites on a temporary basis not to exceed one year unless an extension is requested and approved by the Public Health Officer;

(2)

May be used at temporary events such as flea markets, fairs, carnivals, fire camps, summer camps or special events where a temporary increase in the members of the public will require additional restroom facilities;

(3)

May be used by private individuals, families or private parties for temporary events. Use of chemical toilets under this subsection shall not be subject to regulation so long as commercial food handlers are excluded from using the chemical toilets.

(b)

The use of composting toilets, chemical toilets, or other approved technology, may be allowed for use if it is not practical to connect to or install an approved sewer system, or to obtain a permanent potable water supply in approved public campgrounds or at other locations such as trail heads, and only if approved by the Public Health Officer.

(c)

Chemical toilets are designed to be portable and temporary, but with the approval of the Health Officer may be used on a permanent basis.

Chemical toilets must:

(1)

Be kept clean and maintained in good working order, designed and maintained in a manner that will assure privacy;

(2)

Have a self-closing door;

(3)

Be provided with an adequate supply of toilet paper;

(4)

Be located in close proximity to a hand cleaning unit approved by the Public Health Officer.

Freeze protection is required for all fixtures or equipment subject to freezing, which protection must be approved by the Public Health Officer.

ADA regulations must be followed. Employee regulations as found in Title 8 Section 1526, or any successor thereto, of California Code of Regulations must be followed.

(d)

The use of composting toilets or other approved technology shall be permanent structures equipped with a water closet and a means to wash hands and shall be provided and equipped as set forth in subsection (c) of this section.

Freeze protection is required for all fixtures or equipment subject to freezing, which protection must be approved by the Public Health Officer.

Unless provided for the exclusive use of construction, farm or ranch workers, they must be accessible to persons with disabilities. The first such unit placed shall be handicapped accessible; thereafter placement shall be in accordance with ADA regulations. Employee regulations as found in Title 8 Section 1526, or any successor thereto, of California Code of Regulations must be followed.

(e)

Chemical toilets, composting toilets, or other approved technology shall not be used in lieu of, but may be used in conjunction with, water closets and lavatories which are otherwise required by the Siskiyou County Code, State or Federal law, or applicable building standards. This applies to dwellings, restaurants, and other places of assembly.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966, as amended by § I, Ord. 96-10, eff. May 17, 1996)

(Ord. No. 22-05, § I, 2-15-2022)

(a)

Pit privies are not permitted in Siskiyou County.

(b)

Vault privies may be permitted but only under certain circumstances as deemed appropriate by the Public Health Officer and after a permit has been granted by the Public Health Officer.

(c)

Every chemical toilet shall conform to the requirements of the Environmental Health Department. A permit shall be required for the use of every chemical toilet remaining in place for six (6) months or longer.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966, as amended by § II, Ord. 96-10, eff. May 17, 1996)

(Ord. No. 22-05, § II, 2-15-2022)

(a)

Definitions: For the purpose of this Section, certain words and phrases are defined and certain provisions shall be construed as herein set forth unless it shall be apparent from their context that they have a different meaning:

(1)

"Black water" means human body waste, toilet paper, water used to flush human body waste, and any other material intended to be deposited in a receptacle designed to receive urine and/or feces.

(2)

"Communicable disease transmitted by black water" means that group of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, protozoans and helminths which transmit diseases such as Hepatitis, Giardiasis, Dysentery, Salmonellosis, Shigellosis, Diarrhea or any other pathogenic illness transmitted through black water.

(3)

"Composting toilet" means a device specifically designed for holding and processing black water. Composting devices employ the process of biological degradation, in which organic material is converted into a compost-like substance through action of microorganisms.

(4)

"Incinerating toilet" means a device specifically designed to reduce black water material to ashes through the process of incineration.

(5)

"National Sanitation Foundation" or "NSF" means the listing agency incorporated under the laws of Michigan which develops standards and criteria for products that bear upon health.

(6)

"Waterless toilet means a composting toilet or incinerating toilet as defined in this Section, or some other device as may be approved in the future for the holding and processing of black water.

(b)

Waterless Toilet Use Permitted: A waterless toilet may be utilized for purposes of treatment and disposal of black water if the owner of the property has in his or her possession a current valid waterless toilet permit from the Environmental Health Department. Said permit is revocable for noncompliance with standards of waterless toilet use as outlined in this Section. Disposal of waterless toilet waste shall not be permitted if the waste has been contaminated with any material other than black water waste.

(c)

Standards of Waterless Toilet Use:

(1)

Type of Toilet: Any waterless toilet proposed for use under this Section shall be a commercially manufactured unit, installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations or instructions, and accepted by any other governmental agency for a similar application.

(2)

Plumbing: The structure to be served by the waterless toilet shall also contain rough plumbing, connected to a permitted on-site wastewater treatment system, which will enable the installation of a conventional water flushing toilet as otherwise required by the Uniform Plumbing Code. In the case of connection of a graywater disposal system to the waterless toilet, all applicable provisions of Section 4 of this Chapter shall be observed. The Siskiyou County Building Department must attest to the Environmental Health Department that the plumbing system conforms to these requirements.

(3)

Type of Waste: A waterless toilet shall only receive wastes for which it has been designed.

(4)

Waterless Toilet Treatment Systems: The treatment of waterless toilet wastes shall be conducted in strict observance of the manufacturer's specifications, including the addition of any materials, the turning of drums, and the utilization of heating elements and timers. Adequate access to service and maintenance of all necessary components of the waterless toilet and its accessories shall be provided.

(5)

Composting Toilet Waste Disposal Methods: Disposal of the waste from composting toilets shall be disposed of only after such time as the material is thoroughly and completely decomposed and rendered noninfectious. Total and fecal coliform organisms shall not exceed the levels specified in the NSF Standard Number 41. The composted material may be disposed of as follows:

A.

At an approved solid waste disposal facility capable of accepting human waste.

B.

By an approved licensed septic tank pumper.

C.

On the property containing the waterless toilet. Said disposal shall be performed in a manner which prevents contamination of humans, animals, surface waters or groundwaters. The process of removing the waste material shall be done with care for personal safety, with protective non-permeable gloves worn. Disposal methods permitted are:

Direct burial under a minimum of 12 inches (12") of compacted soil.

Shallow subsurface tilling or a similar technique approved by the Environmental Health Department. Sites proposed for shallow subsurface disposal shall have access restricted to the operator of the waterless toilet system, excluding children, pets, and persons not associated with the compost disposal, by fencing or other method approved by the Environmental Health Department. Surface distribution of end product prior to tilling shall be a maximum thickness of one-half inch (½"). Tilling shall be carried out immediately after surface distribution is completed. Surface distribution shall be timed to avoid sheet flows of water caused by rainfall.

D.

Disposal of the waste on the property shall not be carried out by methods designated in subsection (5)C above whenever an individual with a communicable disease transmittable by black water is utilizing the system.

(6)

Incinerating Toilet Waste Disposal Methods: Disposal of the material from an incinerating toilet shall be permitted by any of the methods listed above for the composting toilet, but shall also include disposal directly on the ground surface, so long as the waste has been completely reduced to an ash, and no odor is present.

(7)

Maintenance of Toilet: The waterless toilet shall be maintained and operated in a sanitary condition. Screening, mechanical parts and structural soundness shall be kept in working order.

(8)

Prohibited Waste: The following waste disposal methods for composting toilets are prohibited:

A.

Shallow subsurface disposal in present or planned food crop growing areas or dairy pasture.

B.

Any disposal in areas subject to seasonal water runoff or areas seasonally inundated by water, or any other application which could permit the discharge to come to flow into surface or subsurface water.

C.

Application by any method within the setback distances applicable to sewage as referenced in the rules and regulations for private sewage systems pursuant to Section 5-2.24.

D.

Application which would lead to runoff from the composed material or ash flowing onto an adjacent property.

E.

Any other manner which would otherwise result in a potential public health hazard or nuisance as determined by the Environmental Health Department.

(d)

Alternative Disposal of Waterless Toilet Waste: The plumbing of the structure serving the waterless toilet shall be such that the waterless toilet can be discontinued from use and the structure converted to a conventional flush toilet, or other methods of disposal approved by the Environmental Health Director. Disposal of the wastes from a waterless toilet shall be prohibited under the following circumstances:

(1)

During periods of ground saturation.

(2)

When the waterless toilet is inoperative or malfunctioning.

(3)

Upon revocation of the operating permit for the waterless toilet.

Waterless toilet waste shall be disposed of pursuant to subsections (c)(5) A and B under these circumstances.

(e)

Sewage Disposal System Sizing: The calculation of the sewage disposal system sizing, including a 100- percent leach field replacement, shall not be reduced or downsized as a result of the use of a waterless toilet. The waterless toilet shall be sized for the maximum potential occupancy of the structure to be served.

(f)

Revocation of Waterless Toilet Permit: A permit to utilize a waterless toilet in Siskiyou County may be revoked by the Environmental Health Department for any of the following reasons:

(1)

Noncompliance by the permit holder with the standards of this section.

(2)

Evidence documented by the Environmental Health Department of the failure of the waterless toilet to meet design or operating specifications.

(3)

Determination by the Environmental Health Department that waterless toilets of the type permitted have begun to show evidence of failure, or have been shown to pose public health risk where permitted and/or installed.

(4)

Determination by the Environmental Health Department that continued functioning of the waterless toilet poses an imminent health hazard.

(5)

Excessive odors generated by either the waterless toilet or the application of the by-product.

(g)

Permit Fees: The issuance of a waterless toilet permit(s) is/are included within the permitting fee for a conventional on-site wastewater treatment system.

(Ord. No. 22-05, § III, 2-15-2022)

Considerations for requests for variances, where applicable, shall be entertained by the Health Officer. Such requests and reasons for the requests shall be submitted in writing to the Health Officer. The Health Officer shall answer all requests in writing within seven (7) days after receipt of requests for variances.

(§ 1, Ord. 425, eff. March 10, 1966)