On Site Sewage Information

On-Site Sewage System Information for New Construction and Repair of Existing Systems in Upper Milford Township

To determine the process for installing or repairing an On-lot Sewage Disposal System on a property:

1. Contact the Upper Milford Township SEO (Sewage Enforcement Officer) at (610) 966-3223.


2. An application for an On-lot Sewage Disposal System permit shall be completed and signed by the applicant, 3800-FM-WSWM0290 Rev, the Municipalities fee structure will be explained.


3. Soil Testing may be required, an On Lot Septic Consultant or Contractor will be necessary to complete the soil testing, and the Sewage Enforcement Officer must witness the testing, The contractor MUST call PA One Call at (800) 242–1776 a minimum of three (3) days prior to doing the excavation. The serial number obtained should be given to the SEO. The SEO can refuse to schedule the probe viewing until this serial number is given, and the minimum of three (3) days notification elapsed.


• Soil Probes are excavations done to determine if a seasonal high-water table or rock is present on the property in the area designated for the septic system.
  
• Percolation Testing is then completed by the Consultant or Contractor to help determine the minimum size and type of septic system that meets the regulations. Some Septic system types will require a Soil Scientist to complete a Soil Report to determine the minimum sizing and other specifications for the septic system.
  
• The area tested is to be staked at the four (4) corners. NO FURTHER TRAFFIC SHOULD BE ALLOWED ONTO THIS AND SURROUNDING AREAS.
  
  
4. If the area is found to be acceptable for an on-site sewage system, the landowner must then contract with appropriate parties to design the sewage system. Part III of the Permit Application Instructions explain what shall be addressed in the Septic system Design. Additional items may be required in the case of Alternate Technology usage.
   
   On lot Alternate Technology Listings | Department of Environmental Protection | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania


5. The completed design is then submitted to the SEO for review along with all applicable fees assigned by the Township. Upon review, the design will be evaluated in accordance with all regulations. If corrections or changes are necessary, the designer will be asked to modify original submitted plans accordingly. FOUR (4) COPIES OF PLANS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW. If the submitted plans are in accordance with regulations and correct, along with payment of fees due, they will be approved for permit issuance.


6. The SEO will then issue a permit for the construction of the on-site sewage system on the property. The Permit is valid for a period of three (3) years from the date of issue. “A permit shall expire if construction of installation of an individual on-lot sewage system and structure for which the system is to be installed has not begun within three (3) years after permit issuance.” The permit can be picked up at the Township Office with 2 copies of the approved design; these copies will be marked with any corrections or changes to the submitted design. It is important that any changes be added to additional copies your designer may have given you; also, the contractor constructing the on-site system shall have this updated copy to construct the sewage system from.


7. When the property owner decides to begin construction on the sewage system, they are to contract the necessary parties to build the sewage system. The person(s) building the system are to contact the SEO several days prior to beginning construction on the new system so that inspection dates may be arranged to view construction progress at various times. NOTE: PLEASE SEE IMPORTANT NOTES AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.


8. When the construction has started, the SEO will make periodic inspections / tests at the site to confirm that the system is being constructed according to all regulations, and that isolation distances are being adhered to. These appointments are arranged by the contractor constructing the sewage system.


9. When the sewage system has been completed, the final inspection will be made by the SEO to ensure everything is operational. The landowner’s copy of the application, along with percolation results and other related information will be forwarded to the owner for his files. (Please advise SEO of any changes in address that may have occurred since the application was first completed.)

The Procedure is now complete.


Minimum distances from septic tank(s), dosing tanks, pump tank, filter tanks
– 10 feet from property line, easement or right-of-way
– 10 feet from occupied buildings, swimming pools, driveways
– 50 feet from wells or water supply suction line
– 10 feet from water supply line under pressure
– 25 feet from streams, lakes or other surface water
– 25 feet from a cistern used as a water supply

Minimum distances from absorption area
– 10 feet from property line, easement of right-of-way
– 10 feet from occupied buildings, swimming pools, driveways
– 100 feet from wells or water supply suction line
– 10 feet from water supply line under pressure
– 50 feet from streams, lakes or other surface water, watercourses (wetlands are not surface areas)
– 5 feet from other on-lot systems
– 10 feet from large rock formations
– 10 feet from any slope greater than 25%
– 25 feet from a cistern used as a water supply
– 10 feet from detention basins, retention basins, storm water seepage pits / areas Step

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. Under current regulations there are instances where land may not be able to support any on-site sewage system.
2. IMPORTANT! Prior to any construction of house / sewage system, the following shall be securely staked and marked.
• Four (4) corners of Absorption Area (no traffic allowed over this area)
• Any alternate septic areas (no traffic allowed over this area)
• Septic tank(s) location
• House location
• Location of well

Documents:

• Septic System Permit Checklist
• On-Site Septic Tips - LCA Community Notes