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Sibley County Commissioners, last week, were informed about state rule changes for septic systems.

Dave Nelson of Metro West, who is contracted as the county septic system inspector, made a presentation to commissioners March 11.

One rule change begins this year, while others don’t take effect until 2010 and 2011.

The immediate change, Nelson said, is that two independent parties must verify results of soil borings.

Counties are given until Feb. 4, 2010 to amend their ordinances to adopt the new state regulations. Cities and townships have a year after the county.

Another change that takes effect in 2010 is that all treatment and distribution products, including those used in past years, must be registered with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency before being used.

New tank requirements must take effect no later than Feb. 4, 2011.

The new regulations require septic tank size to be increased by the number of bedrooms. Three or less – 1,000 gallon, four or five – 1,500, six or seven – 2,000, eight or nine – 2,500. Plans are to propose a minimum of 1,500 gallon tank for up to five bedrooms, with the additional requirement of a two compartment tank or multiple tanks.

In addition, septic tank size must be increased if using a garbage disposal, dishwasher, or sewage ejector/grinder pump. In addition, an effluent filter with alarm must be used.

The maximum depth to bury a septic tank is four feet for new construction. Tanks must be tested for water tightness once per year for each model. Every holding tank must be tested.

Tanks must be insulated to an R10 rating if there is less than two feet of cover and a minimum of six inches of cover is needed over insulation. There is a minimum of two manholes per tank. All manhole covers must be insulated to an R10.

Cleanouts are mandatory on all pressurized laterals and must be accessible from final grade. A minimum of one four inch inspection pipe is required to be installed and secured in absorption area.

The new state rules also provide for changes to definitions. SSTS (subsurface sewage treatment system) will replace ISTS (individual sewage treatment system). Certification will replace the term registration.

Changes were also made to licensing categories. A designated certified individual (DCI) will replace designated registered professional. Basic designer and basic inspector will replace Designer I. They can design and inspect systems to 2,500 gallons.

Advanced designed and advanced inspector is an additional certification. This will allow individuals to design and inspect systems to 10,000 gallons.

Maintainer will replace pumper.

Service provider is a new category that allows for the measurement of sum and sludge depths, observations and assessments of components, and the adjustment, repair or replacement of components to bring the system into proper operational compliance. They may also take, store, ship samples for analysis, and then interpret the results and report the results to the system owner and the local unit of government.