HomeMy WebLinkAboutGarbage Disposal Letter - Correspondence - 503 BOSTON STREET 10/18/2022 North Andover Health Department
(ommunity and Economic Development Division
October 18, 2022
Address: 503 Boston Street
All North Andover Residents with Septic Systems and Garbage Disposals
Please note that due to a recent review of a Title 5 Report, your property has been identified as
maintaining a working garbage disposal that is being used in conjunction with a septic system.
The Health Department is concerned for the longevity of your septic system.
Garbage disposals are never recommended where septic systems are used, but if they are
installed,the system must be specifically designed to handle the waste from them; your system
may not be able to handle the waste as designed. Please note that continued use of this disposal
could quickly cause a pre-mature failure of your septic system,resulting in a large expenditure to
replace it. The North Andover Health Department recommends that the disposal be remove from
your home as soon as possible.
Some information regarding regular maintenance of your septic system is included. Please call
the Health Department at 978.688.9540 if you have any questions, or e-mail your questions to
healthdept@northandoverma.go .
Thank you for taking the time to consider the impact that your current setup has on your septic
system and the environment.
Sinc /aGr/asseIXHT
Ban
Director of Public Health
120 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts 01845
Phone 978.688.9540 Fax 978.688.9542 Web http://www.northandoverma.gov
Caring for your Septic System: A Reference
Guide for Homeowners
Caring for Your Septic System
Septic Systems Explained
Septic systems are individual wastewater treatment systems (conventional septic systems,
innovative/alternative(I/A)systems, or cesspools)that use the soil and bacteria to treat small wastewater
flows, usually from individual homes. They are typically used in rural or large lot settings where
centralized wastewater treatment(sewer system to a treatment plant) is impractical and unavailable.
There are many types of septic systems in use today. While all systems are individually designed for each
site, most systems are based on the same principles.
A Conventional Septic System
A conventional septic system consists of a septic tank, a distribution box and a leach field.
Your septic system treats your household wastewater by temporarily holding it in the septic tank where
heavy solids and lighter debris are allowed to separate from the wastewater and bacteria begin to break
everything down.The solids sink to the bottom and are called the sludge layer;the lighter debris such as
hair, oils and grease float to the top and are called a scum layer; and the wastewater or effluent is left in
the middle. This separation process with the initial decomposition is known as primary treatment.
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After the partially treated wastewater(effluent)leaves the tank it flows into a distribution box. The
distribution box separates this effluent evenly into a network of pipes called septic lines within the leach
field. Small holes throughout the bottom of each septic line allow the effluent to slowly drain into gravel
and sand layers where bacteria further treat and purify the effluent. This is known as secondary
treatment. A properly functioning septic system purifies the effluent through primary and secondary
treatment and does not pollute the groundwater.
Caring for Your Septic System
Tips to Avoid Trouble
DO have your tank pumped out and system inspected every 2 years by a licensed septic
contractor, If the tank fills up with an excess of solids, the wastewater will not have enough time to settle
in the tank. These excess solids will then pass on to the leach field, where they will clog the drain lines
and soil. More information on pumping.
DO keep a record of pumping, inspections, and other maintenance. Use the back page of this brochure to
record maintenance dates.
DO practice water conservation. Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets, run washing machines and
dishwashers only when full, avoid long showers, and use water-saving features in faucets, shower heads
and toilets.
DO learn the location of your septic system and leach field. Keep a sketch of it handy for service visits. If
your system has a flow diversion valve, learn its location, and turn it once a year. Flow diverters can add
many years to the life of your system.
DO divert roof drains and surface water from driveways and hillsides away from the septic system. Keep
sump pumps and house footing drains away from the septic system as well.
DO grow grass or small plants (not trees or shrubs)above the septic system to hold the drain field in
place. Water conservation through creative landscaping is a great way to control excess runoff.
DO use only additives that have been allowed for usage in Massachusetts by MassDEP.Additives that
are allowed for use in Massachusetts have been determined not to produce a harmful effect to the
individual system or its components or to the environment at large.
DO take leftover hazardous household chemicals to your approved hazardous waste collection center for
disposal. Use bleach, disinfectants, and drain and toilet bowl cleaners sparingly and in accordance with
product labels.
DON'T allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system. The area over the leach field should be
left undisturbed with only a mowed grass cover. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage
your septic lines.
DON'T plant trees within 30 feet of your system or park/drive over any part of the system. Tree roots will
clog your pipes, and heavy vehicles may cause your septic lines to collapse.
DON'T make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required health department
permit. Use professional licensed contractors when needed.
DON'T use commercial septic tank additives other than those allowed for use in Massachusetts by
MassDEP.These products usually do not help and some may hurt your system in the long run.
DON'T use chemical solvents to clean the plumbing or septic system. "Miracle"chemicals will kill
microorganisms that consume harmful wastes.These products can also cause groundwater
contamination.
DON'T perform excessive laundry loads with your washing machine. Doing load after load does not allow
your septic tank time to adequately treat wastes and overwhelms the entire system with excess