MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Land Use & Environmental Services Agency
Groundwater & Wastewater Services
SEPTIC CONTRACTOR INFORMATION PACKAGE
FOR
INSTALLING SEPTIC SYSTEMS
IN
MECKLENBURG COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
For additional information please contact:
Trevor Thomason, RS
Sr. Environmental Specialist
(704) 336-5568
Revised: June 8, 2007
MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Land Use & Environmental Services Agency
Groundwater & Wastewater Services
Staff Directory
Lisa Corbitt, Program Director
704-336-5500
Kelly Randall, Supervisor
704-336-5575
Jack Stutts, Supervisor
704-336-5438
Septic Territories:
Bill Marlin, Soil Scientist
704-336-5574
Jeremy Michelone, ES (Territory #1 & 6)
704-336-5572
David Cornelius, ES (Territory #2)
704-336-5571
Jeremy Michael, ES (Territory #3)
704-432-4258
Philo Walker, Sr. ES (Territory #4)
704-336-5570
Chris Sherrill, ES (Territory #5)
704-353-0139
Well Territories:
Kim Garrett, ES (Territory #1 & 2)
704-432-4259
Debra Howell, ES (Territory #3 & 4)
704-336-5440
Joshua Sellers, Sr. ES (Territory #5 & 6)
704-336-5569
Dennis Tyndall, Hydrogeologist
704-336-5454
Shawna Caldwell, Hydrogeologist
704-432-4232
Trevor Thomason, Sr. ES
704-336-5568
Gwen Craig, Office Assistant
704-336-5103
Jemima “J” Aidoo, Office Assistant
704-336-5103
Main Office Number
704-336-5103
Office Fax Number
704-336-6894
ES = Environmental Specialist
Page 2 of 14
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Suite 211• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • (704) 336-5103 • Fax (704) 336-6894
http://groundwater.charmeck.org
Page 3 of 14
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Suite 211• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • (704) 336-5103 • Fax (704) 336-6894
http://groundwater.charmeck.org
This registration is for the purpose of
conducting a business to construct, install, or
repair Sewage Treatment & Disposal
Systems in Mecklenburg County, NC. (All
county records must be provided upon
request to the public. Please do not list any
information you wish to remain private.)
Contractor Number: __________
This Box for Office Use Only
MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Land Use & Environmental Services Agency
Groundwater & Wastewater Services
Septic Contractor Registration Form
Company Name: ______________________________________________
Contact Person: ______________________________________________
Address:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Work #: ______________________________
Mobile #: ______________________________
Fax #: ______________________________
Home #:
______________________________
E-mail: ______________________________
Please indicate other counties in North Carolina where you are registered as a contractor to install septic systems:
________________________
________________________
________________________
I. Check any of the following services that your company provides:
Backhoe pits for soil investigations
Conventional septic system installation
Innovative septic system installation (Manufacturer’s Certification Required)
Modified septic system installation (Shallow systems, Large Diameter Pipe Systems, PPBPS
Systems, and Saprolite Systems)
Alternative septic system installation (Low Pressure Pipe systems, Individual Aerobic Sewage
Treatment Unit Systems, Fill Systems, and Subsurface Drip systems)
Septic systems with effluent pumps (installation & repair)
Septic System Repairs
Septic system planning and design services
Pressure manifold design and installation
Licensed septage hauler in North Carolina
Licensed Certified Operator in North Carolina (sub-surface system license required)
II. Please indicate the geographic areas where you are willing to perform work.
All of Mecklenburg County
North Mecklenburg
West Mecklenburg
East Mecklenburg
_____________________________________
South Mecklenburg
_______________________
Signature
Date
(Submitted in compliance with section .1937(l) of the North Carolina Administrative Code)
Page 4 of 14
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Suite 211• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • (704) 336-5103 • Fax (704) 336-6894
http://groundwater.charmeck.org
Septic Contractor Information
1. Call to schedule appointments between 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Note: Environmental Health Specialists (EHS) have individual phone lines with voice
mail. You can leave a detailed message with your request. Be sure to leave all telephone
numbers where you may be reached.
2. Please provide the file number and address of the property when you call or leave a
message on voice mail. This information is available from paperwork the property owner
or builder has been given.
3. You must have an Installation Approval before beginning construction to install a septic
system. The installation approval is required for both new installations and repairs to
existing septic systems. Call the EHS to schedule an appointment to meet on site to
receive this approval.
*Note: In some instances building construction plans are changed and our office has not
been notified. Many times these changes directly impact plans for the septic tank system.
Changes may result in additional components being required for the installation, i.e. lift
pump stations or even a different type of system than was originally approved. The
meeting on site with the EHS will resolve any issues about the system requirements prior
to any part of the system being installed. All installation requirements will be indicated
on the Installation Approval.
4. If you experience problems or have questions during installation call the EHS before
making any changes to the Installation Approval design.
5. If you experience equipment breakdowns or delays in receiving materials for your job
that delay completion of your installation in time for the final inspection you have
requested, you should notify our office immediately by calling 704-336-5103. Our office
assistants will notify the EHS of the situation.
NOTICE: If your job is incomplete when the EHS arrives at the scheduled time to
conduct the final inspection and he/she has to make a return visit to complete the
Final Inspection a return trip fee of $100.00 will be charged.
Page 5 of 14
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Suite 211• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • (704) 336-5103 • Fax (704) 336-6894
http://groundwater.charmeck.org
Page 6 of 14
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Suite 211• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • (704) 336-5103 • Fax (704) 336-6894
http://groundwater.charmeck.org
Page 7 of 14
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Suite 211• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • (704) 336-5103 • Fax (704) 336-6894
http://groundwater.charmeck.org
Page 8 of 14
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Suite 211• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • (704) 336-5103 • Fax (704) 336-6894
http://groundwater.charmeck.org
Page 9 of 14
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Suite 211• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • (704) 336-5103 • Fax (704) 336-6894
http://groundwater.charmeck.org
Typical Pump Tank Detail
1. The pump tank shall have a watertight access manhole (minimum diameter of 24 inches) with a
removable lid located over the pump. The manhole access shall extend a minimum of 6 inches above
finished grade.
2. Pump and control circuits shall be provided with manual circuit disconnects within a watertight,
corrosion-resistant, outside enclosure (NEMA 4X or equivalent) adjacent to the pump tank, securely
mounted at least 12 inches above finished grade. The pump(s) shall be manually operable without
requiring the use of special tools or entrance into the tank for testing purposes. Conductors shall be
conveyed to the disconnect enclosure through waterproof, gasproof, and corrosion-resistant conduits,
with no splices or junction boxes provided inside the tank. Wire grips, duct seal, or other suitable
material shall be used to seal around wire and wire conduit openings inside the pump tank and
disconnect enclosure.
3. The pump tank shall have a properly functioning high-water alarm. The alarm circuit shall be
supplied ahead of any pump overload and short circuit protective devices. The alarm shall be audible
and visible by system users and included in the pump and control enclosure (Simplex or Duplex
Control Panel).
4. A float tree shall be used for all systems requiring an effluent pump.
5. Float switches shall be secured to the float tree with stainless steel hose clamps. One clamp is
required for each float installed. Plastic zip-ties and electrical tape will not be permitted for use.
6. The float switch for the high water alarm shall be set to activate within 6 inches of the pump-on level.
7. The pump-off level shall be set to keep the pump submerged at all times or in accordance with the
manufacturer’s specifications. A minimum of 12 inches of effluent shall be maintained in the bottom
of the pump tank at all times.
8. The installer shall leave enough wiring inside the pump tank to allow for complete removal of the
float tree without having to disconnect any electrical connections for the system.
9. The effluent pump shall be set on a concrete block placed in the bottom of the pump tank. The
concrete block shall raise the bottom of the pump a minimum of 6” off of the bottom of the pump
tank.
10. Pump discharge piping shall be of Schedule 40 PVC or stronger material and adequately secured.
11. The pump discharge piping shall have a properly installed check valve.
12. If required a 3/16” anti-siphon hole shall be drilled in the discharge piping between the pump and the
check valve.
13. A threaded union shall be installed on the discharge piping inside the pump tank.
14. A ball or gate valve shall be installed on the discharge piping inside the pump tank. The valve shall
be installed after the check valve and union.
15. All submersible pumps shall be provided with a corrosion-resistant rope or chain attached to each
pump enabling pump removal from the ground surface without requiring dewatering or entrance into
the pump tank.
16. A leak detection test to ensure that the pump tank is watertight may be required on two piece pump
tanks.
*See drawing on next page for reference.
Page 10 of 14
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Suite 211• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • (704) 336-5103 • Fax (704) 336-6894
http://groundwater.charmeck.org
Page 11 of 14
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Suite 211• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • (704) 336-5103 • Fax (704) 336-6894
http://groundwater.charmeck.org
PRESSURE MANIFOLD DESIGNS
Drawings Not To Scale
Page 12 of 14
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Suite 211• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • (704) 336-5103 • Fax (704) 336-6894
http://groundwater.charmeck.org
MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Land Use & Environmental Services Agency
Groundwater & Wastewater Services
I. Application
A.
Complete application for registration
B.
Present contractor with a copy of "Laws and Rules for Sewage Treatment, and Disposal",
15A, NCAC 18A .1900.
C.
Schedule appointment with Environmental Health Specialist or appropriate Section Head
II. Registration Discussion
A.
Applicable regulations contractor should be familiar with
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
12.
G.S. 130A-333 Purpose
130A-335 Wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal; rules.
(a) (b) (f) (ft) (g) (h)
130A-335.1 Effluent filters and access devices for certain septic tank systems. (a) (b)
130A-336. Improvement permit and authorization for wastewater system construction
required. (b)
130A-337. Inspection; operation permit required. (a) (b)
130A-338. Authorization for wastewater system construction required before other
permits to be issued.
.1937 Permits (b) (e) (f) (g)(i) (L)
.1938 Responsibilities (a) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (1)
.1950 Location of Sanitary Sewage Systems
.1952 Septic Tank, Effluent Filter, Dosing Tank and Lift Station Design 11.
.1954 Minimum Standards for Precast Reinforced Concrete Tanks Size
requirement for Mecklenburg County
1500 gallon residential (minimum)
1000 gallon commercial (minimum)
.1955 Design and Installation Criteria For Conventional Sewage Systems 13.
.1961 Maintenance of Sewage Systems
Page 13 of 14
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Suite 211• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • (704) 336-5103 • Fax (704) 336-6894
http://groundwater.charmeck.org
B.
C.
Discuss Department policy for obtaining Installation Layouts/Construction
Authorization
1.
Call for appointments between 8:00-9:00 a.m.
2.
Have the file number and property location when calling for appointment.
The homeowner or builder will have this information.
3.
Call the Environmental Health Specialist for approval before changing anything on the
installation layout.
4.
Call homeowner or builder to obtain their copies of soil reports, plots, applications,
etc. when designing septic systems.
Discuss Department policy regarding the following:
1.
Use of distribution boxes, use of solid wall pipe or Schedule 40, speed levelers,
pressure manifolds, pump alarm control panels, gate valve on the pump supply line,
washer boxes required for a separate washing machine systems.
2.
Requirement for installation layout on site prior to installation of system.
3.
Requirement for levels to be set up on site to check jobs.
4.
Tanks uncovered, open for viewing (unless they have received prior approval) due to
weather conditions.
5.
Distribution box will be water tested.
6.
Some systems may be required to be water tested. The Environmental Health
Specialist will advise when applicable.
7.
Familiarize the contractor with our forms that he may/will come into contact with. A
copy of these forms should be provided to the contractor.
8.
Advise them regarding meetings, notifications of rule changes, important current
mailing address and phone number are provided to the Health Department.
III. Department Procedure
A.
Submit completed registration application form to office assistant with payment of
registration fee.
B.
The applicant will be added to the Registered Septic Contractor List
Page 14 of 14
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Suite 211• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • (704) 336-5103 • Fax (704) 336-6894
http://groundwater.charmeck.org