Subsurface Wastewater Disposal System Inspections

 

Outside the Shoreland Zone

Inspection required: The Local Plumbing Inspector (LPI) must make 2 inspections as follows:

• An inspection must be made after site preparation to ascertain that the vegetation has been cut and removed in the disposal field area, the area under the disposal field and backfill extensions has been roughened, a transitional horizon has been established, and the erosion and sedimentation control measures are in place, and
• An inspection must be made after installation of the system components, including stone, pipes or proprietary devices, tanks, hay, filter fabric, and fill beneath and beside of the disposal area but before backfill is placed above the disposal system components.  This inspection must include any curtain drains, diversion ditches, berms or other measures outlined on the design to improve the function of the system.

The installer must notify the LPI at least 24 hours in advance for the inspections. This does not mean the LPI must perform the insections within 24 hours.

When a system is ready for inspection, the installer must make such arrangements as will enable the LPI to inspect all parts of the system. The installer must have present the proper apparatus and equipment for conducting the inspection and shall furnish such assistance as may be necessary in making a proper inspection.

No part of a system may be backfilled until it has been inspected and approved. If any part is covered before being inspected and approved, it must be uncovered at the discretion of LPI and at the expense and risk of the owner.

The LPI may allow a Certified Septic System Installer to sign form HHE-238-B, an affidavit (DOC) to cover the first system inspection of the Rules. This is entireley at the discretion of the LPI.

Inside the Shoreland Zone

Under Maine law, 30-A MRS §4216, any person transferring property within a coastal shoreland area on which a subsurface wastewater disposal system is installed shall have the system inspected prior to purchase, by a person certified by the Department of Health and Human Services, except that if it is impossible due to weather conditions to perform an inspection of the system prior to the purchase, the inspection must be performed within nine months after transfer of the property.

If the inspection finds that the system is malfunctioning, the system must be repaired or replaced within one year after transfer of the property. A subsurface wastewater disposal system that has been installed pursuant to the Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules within three years prior to the closing date of the transfer of property is not subject to these inspection requirements.

If the seller of the shoreland property has a written inspection report for an inspection of the subsurface waste water disposal system that was performed within three years prior to the date of the transfer of property by a person certified by the Department of Health and Human Services, then the seller shall provide the inspection results to the purchaser, and the purchaser is not required to have the system inspected.

The inspection is not required if the purchaser certifies to the local plumbing inspector that the purchaser will replace the subsurface waste water disposal system within one year of the transfer of property.