Suffolk County’s Enhanced Septic Replacement Standards Are Transforming Long Island’s Water Quality Protection

Suffolk County has implemented significant changes to its septic replacement standards, creating new requirements that homeowners must understand when considering system upgrades. These enhanced standards require homeowners who choose to replace existing cesspools and septic systems to meet the same minimum standards that have been required for entirely new systems since 1973, with all property owners replacing a cesspool now required to add a septic tank at minimum.

Understanding the New Tank Capacity Requirements

Septic tank minimum capacity must be provided in accordance with Table 2A, with the maximum liquid depth permitted in the septic tank specified in Table 2B. The Standards for Approval of Plans and Construction for Sewage Disposal Systems for Single-Family Residences set forth by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services outline sewage disposal system component sizing in terms of the number of bedrooms, with septic system parameters including septic tank capacity, I/A OWTS capacity and leaching field requirements.

The bedroom count methodology is crucial for determining proper tank sizing. In certain cases, the incremental cost of adding a bedroom or two may not be substantial, however there are certain points on the bedroom count spectrum where large price jumps may occur, with jumps from 10 to 11 bedrooms and again from 13 to 14 bedrooms being quite significant.

Installation Guidelines and Permit Requirements

Homeowners are now required to obtain a permit from Suffolk County prior to replacing or retrofitting a cesspool, though the cost for the permit has not yet been determined. Property owners who decide to voluntarily upgrade their existing system must install a septic tank prior to the leaching structure in accordance with current standards.

The installation of a sewage disposal system is prohibited by the Suffolk County Sanitary Code unless a permit to construct has been issued by the Commissioner. This represents a significant change from previous regulations where replacements could occur without formal approval.

Why These Changes Matter

Suffolk County has put these new regulations in place to address the problem of nitrogen entering ground and surface water, as high nitrogen levels cause harmful algae blooms that impact water quality, create water dead zones, increase the treatment cost of drinking water, and stifle some ecosystems.

These outdated systems have contributed to the degradation of Long Island’s waters in that they failed to properly separate and contain nitrogen, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and other pollutants, with these pollutants infiltrating the waters and contributing to harmful algae bloom, and destruction to sea and shelfish fisheries.

I/A OWTS Requirements for New Construction

As of July 1, 2021, Article 6 requires new systems to be installed for all new construction. The changes are effective July 1, 2021 and require I/A OWTS to be installed under a number of circumstances, with nitrogen-reducing systems required for major reconstruction projects.

Reconstruction projects are considered “major,” when the costs of reconstruction are 50% or more than the market value of the structure – for example, if a structure’s value is $100,000 and it costs $60,000 to reconstruct or repair, this would fall under the “major reconstruction” classification.

Financial Assistance Available

Suffolk County launched its Septic Improvement Program in 2017 to help cover the expense of upgrading local systems, with grants already awarded to over 1,000 applicants to cover some or all of the cost of their new I/A OWTS systems.

Professional Installation and Compliance

When considering Septic Tank Replacement Suffolk County, NY, working with experienced professionals becomes essential. Antorino and Sons has been keeping septic systems flowing smoothly for more than 60 years, establishing themselves as one of the most reputable septic service providers in the Suffolk County area.

Unlike other Suffolk County septic service companies, they take the time to get to know each customer, treating both the client and property with utmost respect and integrity from initial contact until service completion. Based in Medford, NY, their longstanding presence in the septic industry has granted them an unrivaled edge, from understanding diverse soil compositions to adapting to the specific wastewater needs of Suffolk County.

What Homeowners Need to Know

Homeowners are not required to replace their current systems, but if they decide to do so, the new systems must meet the same standards as those established in 1973. However, understanding these requirements is crucial for planning purposes.

The new law requires those in the wastewater industry to report to the Department of Health Services all system replacement and retrofitting, as well as pumping activities pertaining to septic tanks, cesspools, grease traps, and leaching structures.

Suffolk County’s enhanced septic replacement standards represent a comprehensive approach to water quality protection. This legislation is expected to be the first of a series of changes to the Sanitary Code intended to improve Suffolk County’s water quality. For homeowners considering system replacement, understanding these requirements and working with experienced professionals ensures compliance while protecting Long Island’s precious water resources for future generations.