Septic Tanks and Leach Fields
Iowa Waste Reduction Center / University of Northern Iowa
319-273-8905 or 1-800-422-3109
IAC 567 - Chapter 69 December 3, 2002
If you facility discharges wastewater other than domestic sewage to a septic system, these rules apply.
General Requirements
Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations applicable to septic systems (i.e., septic tanks/leach fields) are summarized below:
Septic systems that receive wastewater other than domestic sewage.
· Regulations contained in Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) 567- Chapter 69 Subpart 5d state ASeptic tanks shall not be used for the disposal of chemical wastes or grease in quantities which might be detrimental to the bacterial action in the tank or for the disposal of drainage from roof drains, foundation drains, or area drains.@ The DNR currently interprets this to mean disposal of wastewater other than domestic sewage in a septic system is prohibited. Therefore wastewater generated from industrial processes, parts washing, vehicle/equipment washing, etc. may not be discharged to a septic system. Additionally, EPA has a similar prohibition on the disposal of these types of waste into on-site disposal systems.
· Alternatives include:
o Connection and discharge to a municipal sanitary sewer system
o Total recycling and reuse
o Storage and transport to a municipal sanitary sewer system
o Storage and transport to a commercial waste management company
o On-site evaporation
· Each of these alternatives entails other regulatory requirements that should be fully understood and considered prior to implementation. The IWRC can provide a detailed discussion of these requirements upon request.
Septic systems that receive only domestic sewage at a design rate of less than 1,500 gallons per day (i.e., a building with 15 occupants or less).
· Operation of these types of systems is allowed, provided a construction/modification permit is obtained from the applicable county sanitarian in accordance with county rules and DNR regulations contained in IAC 567 - Chapter 69. Contact the county sanitarian or health department for specific permitting procedures and requirements.
Septic systems that receive only domestic sewage at a design rate of more than 1,500 gallons per day (i.e., a building with more than 15 occupants).
· Operation of these types of systems is allowed, provided a construction/modification permit is obtained from the DNR in accordance with regulations contained in IAC 567 - Chapter 64. Application for this permit requires submittal of a Wastewater Construction Permit Application, adequate engineering plans and specifications to allow thorough DNR review, and a site survey by DNR field office staff.
Septic systems that have the capacity to receive only domestic wastewater from 20 or more occupants.
· In addition to the requirements listed above, these systems must be registered with the EPA as a Class V injection well. Registration is accomplished by completing and submitting the >EPA-Region 7 Shallow Injection Well Information Verification Record= form; copies of which are available through the IWRC.
For more information contact Jim Olson - Iowa Waste Reduction Center at 800/422-3109 or , Steve Williams - DNR at 515/281-8884 and/or Kurt Hildebrandt - Region 7 EPA at 913/551-7413 or .