Number of county septic systems out of compliance

F.A. Taylor, county septic system technician, inspects the filter field of an aerobic septic system. A recent review showed more than 300 aerobic systems in Lampasas County are in noncompliance. Lampasas County on-site septic systems inspector F.A. Taylor said there are more than 500 aerobic septic systems in the county, and a recent review indicated that maintenance contracts on over 300 of these have expired and are in non-compliance with state and county rules.

"This is due to some homeowners not knowing that maintenance is required on these systems, or they have neglected to do so thinking they can save a little money and avoid being caught," Taylor said.

"If aerobic systems are not properly maintained, the components of the system may be damaged, requiring expensive repairs.

"However, an even greater concern is that serious health hazards are created," he said, "and that is a violation of Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366."

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Lampasas County both require all aerobic septic systems be covered by a maintenance contract with a certified maintenance provider, or that the homeowner receive training in order to conduct maintenance on his own system.

Taylor said homeowners with non-compliant systems are subject to misdemeanor charges and fines for failing to maintain a maintenance contract. Also, a maximum fine of $200 per day may be assessed for each day the homeowner fails to make the proper corrections.

Lampasas County officials are urging all homeowners with aerobic septic systems to determine if they have a current contract and, if not, to purchase a contract from a licensed maintenance provider or receive training from a qualified instructor.

In the near future, notices will be mailed to homeowners who are not in compliance with the rules. If the homeowner does not respond within 30 days, the county will begin the process of filing civil charges.

Persons with questions concerning their septic systems may contact the Lampasas County judge's office at 556-8271.

Standard septic systems do not require a maintenance contract.

Taylor said aerobic systems are used in situations where standard septic systems are not a viable option. In many cases, they are used to replace a failing system.

Aerobic systems are similar to standard septic systems that use a tank with an underground filter field. But unlike standard or anaerobic systems, the aerobic system requires oxygen.

Aerobic bacteria work much faster than anaerobic bacteria, which means they process septic tank waste more quickly. Aerobic treatment units use a mechanism to inject and circulate air inside the tank to accelerate the treatment process.

Aerobic systems require electricity to operate. For this reason, they cost more to install and run, and they need more routine maintenance than standard septic systems.

When properly maintained, aerobic systems can provide a highquality wastewater treatment, Taylor said. A failing septic system, however, can be a major financial and environmental problem, he added.

Also, in most cases, persons cannot sell their homes with a failing septic system.