Columbus County Health Department
Policies and Procedures
Environmental Health Access Riser
Requirement for Wastewater System
Tanks Policy
Effective Date: March 6 2009
Revision Date: _____________
Policy:
To require clear and reliable access for wastewater systems and the components.
Purpose:
To provide clear access to wastewater system components requiring routine and regular
inspection, maintenance, sampling and service.
Responsible person(s):
Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Health Program Specialist,
Environmental Health Supervisor
Applicable Laws, Rules and References:
NC Laws and Rules For Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, Article 11, Chapter 130A of
NCGS 15A NCAC 18A .1900 et seq.
CCHD Policies and Procedures
Manufacturer requirements and recommendations for specialized wastewater system
installations.
Procedure:
Access risers shall be provided for all tanks on wastewater systems that utilize a pump station,
pretreatment component and or other system components that require frequent inspection,
sampling, maintenance or service. Risers shall be located on inlet and outlet of septic
tanks/grease traps and outlet of pump tanks. Other tanks and components shall be equipped
with risers and access port as needed.
Access risers may be required on other occasions as specified by NC Laws and Rules for
Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, Product approvals and by system design
requirements, etc…
Basic requirements for risers on septic tanks and pump tanks;
1.
2.
3.
4.
Provide quick / easy access to inspect / maintain / service tanks.
Provide access to check and clean filter(s).
Provide access to floats / switches / valves for inspection and service.
Prevents surface water infiltration into tanks when properly installed and sealed.
EH Access Risers Policy
Policies Folder
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2/08 (Rev. 0/00)
Risers shall be 6 inches above final grade. Landscaping around the risers may be provided as
long as the area is turtle-backed to provide surface runoff, prevents ponding near the system
and prevents infiltrate from entering the riser or tank.
If mulch (pine straw, bark, etc…) is applied over the riser area, it is recommended that a filter
fabric be placed over the riser for easy removal of the material and access to the riser lid.
Periodic removal of decayed materials is required to allow continued access to the riser lid.
Technical Requirements for Risers:
1. Risers shall be constructed to be waterproof to keep rain and groundwater out of the septic
tank.
2. Risers shall be made of Precast concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. Site Built in place risers are
not recommended.
3. Concrete riser lids / covers shall be beveled on all sides
4. Risers and covers should be strong enough to take loadings of 150 pounds per square inch.
5. Tanks with a cast in place flange for placement of the riser is recommended.
6. Riser based shall be sealed with permanent sealer such as butyl rubber, mastic, or other
approved materials approved for sealing septic tanks to keep water from leaking into the tank.
7. Septic tank risers shall be at least as large as the manhole opening to allow access for
maintenance & repairs, pumping, and inspections.
8. Pump tank risers shall be at least 24 inches in diameter or larger.
9. There shall be two risers for septic tanks (inlet and outlet), one for a pump tank (outlet).
Risers are required to extend 6 inches above finished grade.
10. When special load-bearing tanks (H-20) are used (due to depth or placement in traffic
areas), the risers used will also be required to be traffic / load-bearing rated. Riser access points
shall be 6 inches above finished grade. To allow vehicular traffic, the area around the riser may
be graded/turtle backed. No ponding or infiltrate may be allowed.
11. Risers may be any of the approved products now on the market. (concrete, plastic, and
fiberglass).
12. Lockable risers are available and are strongly recommended.
Reference:
Columbus County Health Department Environmental Health Policy Manual
EH Access Risers Policy
Policies Folder
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2/08 (Rev. 0/00)