Fact Sheet: Criteria For Large-Capacity On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems
Fact Sheet: Criteria For Large-Capacity On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems
Fact Sheet: Criteria For Large-Capacity On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems
FACT SHEET
WTS – 23
Criteria for Large-Capacity On-site Sewage Disposal Systems
Including Commercial and Multiple-Dwelling Structures
(Ref: NAC 278, NAC 444, NAC 445A) Rev. June 2004
Note: For plan submittals, please complete the checklist attached to this document
1. General
In Nevada, a large-capacity individual sewage disposal systems (ISDS) is defined as: 1) a system
having a capacity equal to or greater than 5,000 gallons per day (gpd), and 2) as one large tank or a
group of smaller tanks under one ownership for a single or multiple-dwelling structure(s) on a
common property. These systems are referred to as individual sewage disposal system in the
regulations as follows:
NAC 444.764 "Individual sewage disposal system" defined. (NRS 439.200, 444.650)"Individual sewage disposal system" means a
single system of sewage treatment tanks and effluent disposal facilities serving:
1. A single-family dwelling; or
2. In the case of a commercial system, one or more buildings that are not used as single-family dwellings.
Generally, for purposes of this and other documents, we will refer to these systems as large-capacity
septic systems (LCSS).
The requirements below are to be met for design and installation of LCSS, and may be more
stringent than requirements found in NAC 444. At a minimum, NAC 444 requirements must be met
unless requirements in WTS-23 are more stringent, then those requirements supersede those of NAC
444. The minimum design criteria for large-capacity septic systems are to be complied with unless
approval for revision is obtained from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP),
Bureau of Water Pollution Control (BWPC). These criteria are not meant to supersede or circumvent
any existing state or local policy, statute or regulation. The BWPC reserves the right pursuant to
regulations to require further site characterization and additional design criteria.
All plans and specifications submitted to the Division require an Engineer’s stamp, signature and
date in accordance with NAC 625.565. A letter with the engineer’s stamp, signature and date
shall be submitted to the Division to certify installation pursuant to plans and specs within ten
(10) days after installation.
All ISDSs are required to be located on the same lot as the building or structure that the system
serves. The BWPC may approve the use of a part of an abutting lot to provide additional space for
an ISDS or any part thereof, however the owner must demonstrate compliance with subsection a. and
b. of NAC 445A.792(1). And adequate reserve drain field space must be shown on plans.
For abandonment requirement of large-capacity septic systems - see Section 6 of this document.
1) Depth to bedrock, which is any rock that can not be excavated by power equipment, or is so
slowly permeable that it will not transmit effluent, or has open fractures or solution
channels.
2) Depth to estimated high groundwater level, which is the highest elevation to which soil is
saturated, as observed as a free water surface, or has been saturated as may be indicated by
mottling.
3) Depth to limiting soil layer, which is soil based on observed characteristics could have a low
percolation rate, i.e. caliche.
4) Thickness and texture of each soil layer encountered.
5) General color and color variation (i.e. mottling).
6) Other prominent features such as structure, roots, fines etc.
b. The land slope and amount of suitable area for subsurface disposal.
c. If not determined under Section b above, determine from existing well, or other means, the depth
to the seasonal high groundwater level at the proposed leach field site(s).
d. The location and distance to wells and sewage systems on the lot of interest, and surrounding
lots. If the lots are vacant, the plot plan must so indicate
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m. The location of the reserve absorption area, which must be of a size not less than the size of the
primary absorption area.
n. The location of the source of water to be used by the dwelling units, including, without
limitation, a well or other source approved by the administrative authority.
o. The location of the fence or other structures that will be used to protect the tanks, lines, and
adsorption field.
p. Estimated groundwater flow direction.
If not displayed on the map, please provide Onsite Wastewater Disposal System Notes referencing
construction and installation standards that shall be followed, such as but not limited to, the UPC and
Nevada Administrative Code Chapters 278 and 444. These standards should address the following
minimum requirements:
b. The septic tank shall be located so that it is readily accessible. The following are minimum
horizontal separation distances that must be provided between the tank and the features listed
below:
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c. The septic tank shall be constructed of sound and durable material not subject to excessive
corrosion or decay and structurally capable of supporting the loads to which it will be subjected.
The tank shall be watertight.
d. NAC Chapter 444 should be reviewed for the specific requirements for septic system
construction specifications not found in this document.
e. The size of a large-capacity septic tank shall be determined by the requirements found in
NAC 444.8308, NAC 444.832, and NAC 444.8312; whichever is appropriate for the
type of facility. The size of the tank(s) shall be determined by the largest calculated flow based
on either occupancy flow (section f below) or fixture unit count.
f. The following sewage flow rates should be used when existing or closely related data is not
available.
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5. Disposal Design
A. Absorption Trench
1) The absorption trench gives additional treatment to the sewage from the septic tank. Disposal
trenches shall treat only domestic sewage.
2) NAC Chapter 444 should be reviewed for the specific requirements for septic system
construction specifications not found in this document.
3) The following are minimum horizontal separation distances that must be provided between the
trench and the features listed below:
5
Q=
t
where Q = rate of sewage application (gallons per sq. ft. per day) and t = percolation
rate (minutes per inch).
a) Septic tank capacity divided by Q (application rate) equals the area in square feet
of absorption area required.
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b) The maximum useable sidewall is three (3) feet. Thus the maximum absorption
area allowed per linear foot of trench is six square feet.
5) For domestic sewage from commercial or industrial sewage disposal systems, or systems
servicing more than one residential dwelling, the minimum or “fastest” acceptable percolation
rate is 10 minutes per inch. The Division may approve faster rates depending on site conditions
and characteristics. The Maximum percolation rate is 60 min/inch. Soils with fast perc rates
may require special trench design if a shallow water table is present.
6) Each absorption trench system shall have a minimum of two (2) trenches.
8) The bottom of the absorption trenches shall be at least eighteen (18) inches and no more than
sixty (60) inches below the finished grade.
9) Plans must show a reserve absorption area equal in size to the primary absorption area.
10) Leach field inspection pipes are required for all newly constructed large-capacity septic systems
(with tank sizes 4,000 gallons and above). For those existing systems that do not have
inspection pipes, inspection pipes may be required if signs of failure develop.
B. Absorption Bed
1) The information described under items 5a.1, 5a.2 and 5a.3 apply.
5
2) The disposal bed shall be designed in accordance with: Q=
t
Where Q = rate of sewage application (gallons per sq. ft. per day) and t = percolation rate
(minutes per inch).
a. Septic tank capacity divided by Q (application rate) equals the area in square feet of
absorption area required.
b. The absorption area required must equal the area of the bottom of the disposal bed.
3) For commercial or industrial domestic sewage disposal systems, or systems servicing more than
one dwelling, the minimum or “fastest” acceptable percolation rate is 10 minutes per inch.
Maximum is 60 minutes per inch.
6) Distribution lines within an absorption bed shall be uniformly spaced no more than six (6) feet
nor less than four (4) feet apart.
7) Distribution lines within an absorption bed shall be placed no more than three (3) feet, nor less
than one and one-half (1 ½) feet, from the sidewall of the bed.
8) The bottom of the absorption bed shall be at least eighteen inches and no more than sixty inches
below the finished grade.
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C. Dosing Tanks.
1) Construction and materials shall conform to the provisions of NAC 444.800 to 444.812,
inclusive.
2) Dosing tanks shall be provided where there are over 500 lineal feet of distribution lines in the
absorption system (trench or bed).
3) Dosing tanks shall have sufficient capacity to distribute sewage equally to all parts of the
absorption system at 3 to 4 hour intervals. Sufficient capacity is equivalent to 60 to 75 percent
of the interior volume of the tile in the system.
4) Siphons shall be automatic and must be of an alternating type when the length of the distribution
lines is over 1,000 feet. Alternating siphons must discharge to separate disposal areas.
5) Dosing tanks shall be constructed in a manner that will permit venting the absorption system.
6) Each dosing tank or compartment shall be provided with an access opening located to facilitate
repair or adjustment of the siphon. The openings shall be over the siphon or siphons and
conform to the provisions of subsection 6 of NAC 444.800.
Any pumps/manhole covers/frames shall be removed and sewer lines disconnected and plugged
or capped;
If a diversion box and/or dosing tank exist, they shall be filled with dirt or sand and the sewer
lines disconnected and plugged or capped;
Sewer lines and distribution lines from a distribution box shall be disconnected and plugged or
capped, and the boxes filled with sand;
Outlets, including monitoring ports to the leach field shall be plugged or capped;
All monitoring wells shall be abandoned in conformance with the requirements of the Nevada
Division of Water Resources;
If applicable, any addition tanks, i.e. grease, etc., shall be filled or removed and lines plugged or
capped; and
The holder of the permit shall submit to the Bureau of Water Pollution Control photo
documentation and a certification that the facilities were abandoned according to the above
noted requirements.
Alternative absorption system: The term includes, without limitation, 1) capping fill trench,
2) stepped network of trenches utilizing relief lines, 3) leaching bed, 4) sand filter and 5)
elevated mound system
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual - EPA/625/R-00/008
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APPENDIX
The key responsibilities of the Permittee/user in ensuring the best operation of an existing or new septic
tank/SWIS system include the following:
• Using household cleansers in moderation. Excessive use of household cleansers, disinfectants, and other common
products can kill bacteria residing in the septic tank and the soil adsorption field. Used in moderate amounts and
according to label directions, however, cleaners and disinfectants can be flushed into the wastewater system with no
significant impacts. The wastewater stream dilutes the product, and organic material adsorbs it. Slug loading
(excessive, instantaneous loadings) of household cleaners can be lethal to septic system bacteria, but normal follow-up
usage usually reestablishes the tank's bacterial population within a few hours.
• Avoiding disposal of toxic and hazardous materials in the wastewater stream. Many common household products have
toxic properties and should never be poured down the drain. The list includes drugs and antibiotics, solvents, paints,
varnishes, photography chemicals, weed killers, and insecticides. All of these products have the potential to wipe out
septic system bacteria and percolate into ground water supplies.
• Curbing the use of drain cleaners and openers. Products aimed at unclogging indoor wastewater pipes contain strong
acids or alkalis as the active ingredient. Used according to the label directions, they can be effective in removing clogs
of organic matter in indoor drainpipes. Most product labels warn, however, that the product is caustic or corrosive to
pipes and can be hazardous to the user if applied improperly. A controlled study concluded that as little as 1.3 ounces
of a name brand drain cleaner could destroy the bacteria population in a 1,000-gallon septic tank. This amount is within
the general range of normal usage for some people. Bacteria populations in the tank will recover in a few days if the
system inputs return to normal levels.
• Disposing of solids appropriately. Items such as cigarette butts, condoms, sanitary napkins, paper towels, and kitty litter
should never be flushed or washed down the toilet or sink. Septic tanks are not designed as a disposal receptacle for
these wastes. They can clog drainpipes and cause excessive and rapid sludge buildup in the tank.
• Keeping fats, oils, and grease out of kitchen drains. Fats, oils, and grease are natural by-products of cooking meats and
other foods. Grease washed down the drain can stick, accumulate, and in some cases block wastewater drain pipes and
the inlet and outlet structures in septic tanks. Food wastes should be scraped from plates and utensils and discarded as
solid waste.
• Avoiding the use of a garbage disposal unless the treatment system is designed for one. Homes with garbage disposals
generally have 20 to 28 percent higher biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and 25 to 40 percent higher suspended solid
loadings to septic tanks than homes without disposals. These significant contributions of organic matter require special
consideration when sizing and installing a septic tank or soil absorption system.
• Conserving water. To function at peak efficiency, the septic tank needs to provide a quiescent environment and
adequate detention time (i.e., more than 24 hours) for the solids and floatable matter to separate from the wastewater.
Limiting water flows and timely repair of leaking fixtures help maintain these conditions and prevent overloading of
the soil adsorption field.
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Contact:
Phone:
Lot Size:
Please circle one answer for each question below. All questions must be answered. If N/A, please explain.
N/A Yes No Are all the system parts on one property/lot? If no, explain and provide legal documents.
N/A Yes No Is a community/public sewer system greater than 400’ to the nearest property line?
N/A Yes No Is the site located outside the 50-year or 100-year Flood Zone?
Will all of the wastewater treatment system be located in or under areas NOT subjected to vehicular
N/A Yes No
traffic?
N/A Yes No Do local ordinances or zoning require special design of septic systems? (i.e. nitrate removal)
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Percolation Information
N/A Yes No Are the soils classified from surface to 10 feet in depth?
N/A Yes No Did the percolation test procedure follow NAC 444.796?
N/A Fast Slow Was a Fast or Slow (presoaking) Percolation Test used as required by NAC 444.7962?
If percolation rate < 10 min/inch, was 10 min/inch used as percolation rate to determine rate
N/A Yes No
of application?
N/A Yes No Are locations identified on enclosed map?
N/A Yes No Is there a minimum of two test holes for each proposed disposal area?
N/A Yes No Are the holes dug to the proposed bottom of the disposal field?
Are the test results indicative of the driest/wettest time of year?
N/A Yes No
i.e. perhaps Summer/Fall or Winter/Spring? Identify
Building Plans (only for commercial and non-dwelling units)
N/A Yes No Submitted plans showing plumbing fixtures connecting to septic system(s)?
N/A Yes No Does the plan show sewer lines, cleanouts, septic tank, disposal field etc.?
N/A Yes No Is there a note stating the potable water supply source (well or agency)?
N/A Yes No If the potable water source is a well, submit the well log(s)
N/A Yes No Within ¼ mile radius of septic system, have all water wells been located?
N/A Yes No For dwelling occupancies, is the volume sized per UPC Table K-2?
For non-dwelling occupancies, is the volume sized per UPC Table K-3 or UPC Table K-2
N/A Yes No
whichever is greater?
N/A Yes No Is the clearance to water supply lines greater than 10 feet?
N/A Yes No Is the distance to the nearest public well greater than 200 feet?
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N/A Yes No Is the distance to the nearest surface water greater than 100 feet?
N/A Yes No Is the distance to the nearest building greater than 8 feet?
N/A Yes No Is the distance to the nearest property line greater than 10 feet?
Is it noted that the septic tank shall be designed and constructed in conformance with NAC
N/A Yes No
Chapter 444 and UPC?
N/A Yes No Do plans state risers will be installed around each tank access hole?
d) Is there greater than 500 lineal feet of distribution lines in the SOA?
N/A Yes No Do plans state that D-Box will be level, and will be tested after installation?
N/A Yes No Is the D-Box a type that can short circuit (straight flow through) Does it require a baffle?
N/A Yes No Statement in letter fill around D-Box must be hand-packed – no heavy equipment use!!
N/A Yes No Is the distance to the nearest surface water greater than 100 feet?
N/A Yes No Is the distance to the nearest public well greater than 200 feet?
Is the distance to nearest water supply well that has no sanitary seal the first 50’ greater than
N/A Yes No
150’?
N/A Yes No Is the distance to any building is greater than 8 feet?
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N/A Yes No Is the distance to any property line greater than 10 feet?
N/A Yes No Is the distance to any water supply line greater than 25 feet?
Is the depth from the bottom of the disposal field to the maximum seasonal high groundwater
N/A Yes No
greater than 4 feet? If no, indicate alternative method on plans.
N/A Yes No Is it located in an unshaded, unobstructed area?
N/A Yes No Is it noted that no pavement or evaporation inhibiting material shall be atop the field?
N/A Yes No Is only the sidewall height used for calculating the available absorption area?
N/A Yes No Is the maximum sidewall height used in determining the absorption area 3 feet?
N/A Yes No Is the distribution line spacing greater than 4 feet and less than or equal to 6 feet?
N/A Yes No Submitted a calculation to determine the number of chamber sections required?
N/A Yes No Is it noted the bottom of the disposal field shall be level?
N/A Yes No Is it noted all bends in pipe fitting will be 45 deg? (No 90 deg bends.)
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