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Page 10 Little Digger MPCA News Round-Up More anecdotal evidence on causes, solutions to freezing septics by Gretchen Sabel, MPCA Lots of late winter snow and warmer temperatures have helped lessen the chances of septic systems freezing; however, the potential for freezing exists throughout the winter season. Two examples prove this point, as well as the point that it can happen to anyone. The new MPCA SSTS Section Manager Jim Ziegler recently experienced his septic system backing up. Since his tank had been pumped recently, he knew the problem had to be in the pipe between the house and septic tank. He was able to clear the frozen pipe himself by opening a cleanout plug and running a hose and hot water into the pipe until it eventually cleared, a process that took about three hours. He said the area between the house and septic tank usually blows clear of snow and so he will work on keeping that area better insulated throughout the late fall and winter season. MPCA SSTS staffer Gretchen Sabel was cross-country skiing recently when she started chatting with another skier on the trail. When she told the other skier what she did for a living, he told her, “Well, you’re just the person I Minor corrections being made to SSTS Rules The MPCA is starting a “housekeeping” rulemaking to only make clarifying changes and correct errors in its rules. A number of minor errors have been identified in Minn. R. chs. 7080, 7081, 7082 and 7082 that will be fixed through this rulemaking. A Request for Comments published in the State Register on April 29th asks for help in identifying additional corrections that are needed and also encourages people interested in the rulemaking to register to receive future notices about these changes. Contact Carol Nankivel at carol.nankivel@state.mn.us to identify errors in any of the MPCA’s rules. To receive future notices about the rule, register at Govdelivery A draft of the changes is being developed and when it is available for review, notices will be sent to everyone who has registered their interest at the Govdelivery site. Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association need to talk to,” He had returned from a trip to find that his drainfield was frozen. Sabel said the family’s absence and lack of hot water going into the system contributed to the problem. In addition, there had been little snow or other insulation over the drainfield. Regular daily use of hot water during the winter (making sure to run a warm load of laundry or using the dishwasher each day) will help prevent freeze-ups, as will keeping the area over the entire septic system insulated. That can be achieved by letting the grass grow at the end of the summer or applying straw, mulch or other insulating material in the fall before temperatures start to plummet. It’s also important to avoid any type of traffic—even foot traffic—over septic pipes and the drainfield all year long. Compaction allows frost to move deeper and faster through the soil. Plugged pipes can sometimes be cleared using steam or hot water, such as Ziegler used. The only cure for frozen drainfields, however, is springtime. In such cases, the septic tank becomes a holding tank that must be pumped until the spring thaw. MPCA partners with SE MN Wastewater Initiative: nominated for award The MPCA works with local partners throughout the state to protect and restore water resources. The agency is proud to be a partner with the Southeast Minnesota Waste Water Initiative, which is a finalist for the 2013 Environmental Initiative Awards. Since 2002, the Southeast Minnesota Wastewater Initiative has worked with small communities in 13 counties to address the need for sewage treatment. Over the last ten years, with the assistance of the Wastewater Initiative, 19 small communities have upgraded their sewer systems, eliminating about 91 million gallons per year of untreated sewage from entering the rivers and streams of Southeast Minnesota, with more projects in the works. Read more about this nominee on the Environmental Initiative website at www.environmental-initiative.org. While the Initiative is a partnership of the Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board, Cannon River Watershed Partnership and MPCA, the members have found that partnering with citizens, city councils, township boards and other local entities is the key to their success.
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K April/May 2013 “Offer tendered” on septic course for real estate professionals by the MPCA University course educates realtors MISSION: Promoting professionalism in the onsite wastewater industry Page 11 Just like septic professionals, realtors and appraisers also need continuing education. The University of Minnesota has developed a 4-hour class aimed at realtors that has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. This introduction to septic systems will help real estate agents and appraisers understand the basics of onsite sewage treatment and prepare them to handle questions from home buyers and sellers. A regulatory overview identifies key statutes, administrative rules and local ordinances that govern the design, installation, maintenance, and replacement of septic systems. Participants will learn about disclosure and compliance inspections to help them better understand the requirements, costs, and consequences surrounding the inspection of septic systems. There is also time in the agenda for local updates on requirements of cities, townships and counties in the area. Location, location, location The course is being offered in Stillwater and Alexandria in early May. The training in Stillwater is titled, “Flush away your concerns! Learn all about septic systems in Washington County.” For more information on these sessions, or if you are interested in hosting this training in your area, contact Sara Heger at the University. Minnesota_1_2-Ad-black_white.pdf 1/15/2009 7:02:33 PM
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