§ 8-211. Absorption fields.

(a)

Absorption area . The absorption area shall be based upon the anticipated volume of treated sewage and upon the characteristics of the soil in which absorption fields are to be located as specified in the department's current Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems. Soil characteristics and other related data, including percolation tests, may be required by the county board of health. Absorption areas shall be classified as follows: aggregate, non-aggregate and other.

(b)

Prior approved systems . Any "prior approved system," as defined in the O.C.G.A. § 31-2-7(a)(4), is approved for installation according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

(c)

Location. No absorption field will be constructed less than 100 feet from existing or proposed wells, springs or sinkholes; less than ten feet from water supply lines and buildings with basements and less than five feet from buildings without basements, other structures, drives and property lines; less than 15 feet from an embankment, drainage ditch or trash pits; not less than 50 feet from the normal water level of any impoundment, tributary, stream, or other body of water, including ponded areas of wetlands. If the water supply line crosses or comes within ten feet of the absorption field, the water supply line shall be installed at least 12 inches above the top of the aggregate layer of the absorption line, nonaggregate absorption line or other absorption line, and shall be encased in a single length of larger diameter water pipe. No absorption field shall be installed in areas where groundwater, soil characteristics or adverse geological formation may interfere with the absorption or effective treatment of sewage effluent.

(d)

Minimum design and construction for absorption fields . Absorption lines and absorption trenches shall be designed and installed in accordance with the minimum design and installation criteria established in the department's current Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems.

(Ord. of 4-7-2011(02), title 8.5, Rule 290-5-26-.07)

Note— Authority O.C.G.A. Secs. 12-8-1, 31-2-2, 31-2-4, 31-2-7. History. Original Rule entitled "Subdivisions" was filed on December 1, 1969, as 270-5-25-.07; effective December 20, 1969. Amended: Rule renumbered as 290-5-26-.07. Filed June 10, 1980; effective June 30, 1980. Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Absorption Fields" adopted. Filed March 28, 1984; effective April 27, 1984, as specified by the Agency. Amended: ER. has been adopted. F. Jan. 2, 1998; eff. Jan. 15, 1998, as specified by the Agency, to be in effect for 120 days or until the effective date of a permanent Rule covering the same subject matter superseding this ER. Amended: ER. repealed and permanent Rule, same title adopted. F. Jan. 23, 1998; eff. Feb. 20, 1998, as specified by the Agency.