Section ENV.06.14 — Maintenance And Use Of Private Sewage Systems

(a) Private sewage systems shall be used in a way that ensures their proper operation and minimizes impacts on groundwater.

(1) The system shall be sized to adequately dispose of all wastewater generated in the structure or facility that is served.

(2) The system shall not be used to dispose of toxic and hazardous materials, including household chemicals. The amount of bleach, disinfectants and drain and toilet bowl cleaners in the system shall be limited.

(3) The system shall not be used to dispose of non-degradable materials.

(4) The system should not be parked on or driven over to prevent soil compaction or damage to the drain lines. Tree and shrub growth around system should be controlled since roots can clog and damage drain lines.

(b) Every private sewage system shall be adequately maintained.

(1) Septic tanks shall be pumped out at least once every two (2) years, as appropriate, or when the sludge level reaches one-quarter (1/4) of the liquid capacity of the tank.

(2) Commercial septic tank additives shall not be used as an alternative to sludge pumping or as septic tank cleaners since such additives can exterminate useful microbes, resulting in an increased discharge of pollutants, and can contaminate groundwater.

(3) Sludge, scum or sewage pumped from a septic tank shall be disposed of by authorized persons and in accordance with tribal procedures and any necessary permits.

(4) Holding tanks shall be pumped out as necessary and, if pumping is not done, the Tribe will have the tank pumped at the owner's expense.

(5) Periodic inspections of the system shall be done to ensure that systems are used and maintained properly.