• Once soil mantle and percolation testing is complete, how long is the testing valid?

There is not a defined expiration date for an approved sewage disposal area. The sewage disposal area must meet the code requirements in effect at the time of septic and building permit application submittal. Generally, soils testing completed prior to 1992 does not meet the current standard and a new site evaluation with new soils testing must be completed. Soils testing completed after 1992 will be reviewed by the District Specialist for adequacy.

• What are “perc and mantle” tests?

“Perc and mantle” testing is the soils testing which must be completed in order to evaluate soil for sewage disposal capability. Soil mantle or soil profile testing consists of field evaluation of a number of pits which are typically dug to a six foot depth by a backhoe. The pits are evaluated by the private sewage disposal consultant and an Environmental Health Services representative in order to determine the effective soil depth. Examples of conditions which limit effective soil depth are presence of dense clay, hard/fractured rock or indications of high seasonal groundwater. This portion of the soils testing must be completed prior to percolation testing.

Percolation testing is performed by the sewage disposal consultant and the results are used to determine the size of the disposal field. Percolation test holes are filled with water and the absorption rate is measured over time to determine the sewage application rate.

The combination of the soil mantle and percolation test results is used to determine the suitability of the proposed sewage disposal area and the type of septic system that can be approved, if any. An approved sewage disposal area is necessary in order to build on a parcel.

• What if the “perc and mantle” testing fails?

In order to be developed, the parcel must be served by an approved sewage disposal area or by connection to public sewer. If a suitable sewage disposal area cannot be defined on site, then a possible alternative could be an off-site sewage disposal easement. If a neighboring property owner is willing to grant a sewage disposal easement, then an Environmental Health Services site evaluation with complete soils testing must be performed on the parcel that is considering granting the easement. The results of this testing must define an initial and 100% replacement septic area for the  potential sewage disposal easement and adequate sewage disposal area to be retained to serve the parcel that would be granting the easement. If none of these options are feasible, then the parcel cannot be developed.

• Perc and mantle” testing was done prior to 1992. Are these results still valid?

Generally speaking, soils testing performed prior to 1992 does not meet current standards. However, soils testing on file will be reviewed by the District Specialist to determine current acceptability.

• What happens after the “perc and mantle” testing is complete?

After the District Specialist has witnessed the soil mantle testing and the sewage disposal consultant has conducted the percolation testing, the consultant will prepare a complete report which must be submitted to Environmental Health Services for review. This report must include soil mantle logs, percolation test data, a preliminary septic system design and a complete, scaled site plan. This report will be reviewed by the District Specialist and a written Environmental Health Services Site Evaluation will be issued. The Environmental Health Services Site Evaluation will specify the location and type of any sewage disposal area that was approved for the property and note septic and water supply requirements that must be met prior to issuance of a building permit.

 

SEPTIC SYSTEM

• What if I want to put my house in the approved sewage disposal area?

The approved sewage disposal area must not be encumbered by structures, driveways, parking, grading, placement of fill, etc. Prior to performing any activities on site which would damage the approved sewage disposal area, a new Environmental Health Services site evaluation must be completed  to determine if a sewage disposal area could be approved in a different location on the property. Soils testing completed by a private sewage disposal consultant and an Environmental Health Services representative, must be performed in any proposed sewage disposal area.

• I want to tear down and rebuild my residence. Can I use my existing septic system to serve my rebuilt residence?

It depends upon the age and status of the existing septic system. It is not appropriate for a new or rebuilt residence to be served by an older septic system. An older septic system has a shorter lifespan and may not meet current code requirements. This situation would need to be reviewed by the District Specialist to determine specific requirements.

• What are the setbacks for a septic system to a structure?

The setback for a septic tank to a structure is five feet. The setback for a disposal (leach) field to a structure is eight feet. Setbacks to other features may apply. Refer to Chapter 36 of the PlacerCountyOn-Site Sewage Program Manual. Additionally, it should be noted that a septic disposal field or 100% sewage disposal replacement area may not be impacted by grading, paving, parking, placement of fill, etc.

• Can I install my own septic system?

An owner-builder may install a standard septic system. All other types of septic systems must be installed by a contractor who possesses an active Class A, C-42 or C-36 contractor’s license.

• What if I do not know where my septic system is located?

A review of the Environmental Health Services Assessors Parcel Number file may provide this information. Depending upon the age of the septic system, this file might include an as-built diagram of the septic system installation. If not, hiring a licensed professional to perform a complete septic system tracing would provide this information. After tracing the septic system, the professional should mark the location of the septic system components and prepare an as-built quality diagram accurately depicting the location of the entire septic system (septic tank, leach trenches, etc.). This diagram must also include the business name, business address, date, address of the subject site, and signature of the person performing the work. Appropriate tracing equipment is needed to perform this work. 

• I want to build a secondary dwelling. What septic requirements must be met?

This question must be answered on a case by case basis. Your inquiry will be forwarded to the District Specialist who will review the Environmental Health Services file and provide you with an answer to this question.

• How do I obtain a septic construction inspection?

Call the Environmental Health Services Septic Inspection Recorder at 530 745-2360prior to 7amon the inspection date. Please provide the assessor’s parcel number, septic installer’s name and contact phone number, site address, date, time and type of inspection requested, and owner’s name. Inspections will be performed each business day provided that a valid septic construction permit has been issued and the inspection request is received prior to 7amon the inspection date. A copy of the septic construction permit and approved septic design must be on site at the time of inspection.

 

• When will I know that my septic permit has been issued?

The septic permit will be mailed to you once it has been issued.

 

PRIVATE WATER WELL    

• What is a four hour well yield test and when is it needed?

The four hour well yield test is used to determine the production or yield of the well in gallons per minute. When required by Environmental Health Services, this test must be performed by a licensed well driller or licensed pump contractor. A current four hour well yield report can be required for a number of reasons. Depending upon the circumstance, it might be needed prior to building permit issuance or prior to issuance of an Environmental Health Services Final which is needed for a Certificate of Occupancy or as a requirement for a land division.  Longer and more detailed testing may be required when there is concern of low well yields.

• Why do I have to submit a current bacteriological analysis of my well water to Environmental Health Services? I drink it every day and I am not sick.

When a building permit involves plumbing, it is necessary to demonstrate that the water supply meets potable requirements. A water well might become contaminated with bacteria and be unsafe for use. One individual might be less sensitive than others who might use the water.

• Can I apply for my own well permit?

Only a well driller with a C-57 license can apply for and obtain a well permit.

• Where can I obtain a bacteriological analysis of my well water?

The bacteriological analysis must be performed by a California State Certified Laboratory .The Placer County Public Health Laboratory, which is located in the DewittCenterat 11475 C Avenue, Auburn, can provide this service for a fee. However, any California State Certified laboratory which performs this test is acceptable. Environmental Health Services can provide a list of other local laboratories that provide this service. It should be noted that this list is not a recommendation. All bacteriological analysis results must be accompanied by a chlorine residual test result. The water sample must be collected in a sterilized sample container provided by the laboratory.

 

BUILDING PERMIT

• What happens after Environmental Health Services approves my building permit application?

Once Environmental Health Services approves the building permit application, a copy will be sent to the Building Department with approved site plans signed by Planning and Environmental Health Services. The Building Department will then continue processing your building permit application and is responsible for actual issuance of the building permit.