How long are soil tests (perk tests) for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) good for?

The “perk” test method for POWTS suitability has been replaced, since 1994, with a more accurate and descript means of soil and site evaluation. Today, the soil testing procedure is done by means of a morphological evaluation.

After the soil and site evaluations have been conducted by the soil tester, the results of that soil and site evaluation are to be sent to the county reviewing authority. Once reviewed by the county reviewing authority, and the soil and site evaluations are found to be acceptable for completeness, they are then filed for use with a future sanitary permit for the property tested. 

The soil and site evaluations (soil tests) are good for as long as the administrative rule that governs them remains in effect. If there is a significant rule change that affects the evaluation process or results of previously completed tests, a new test may have to be done.

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1. When do I need a sanitary permit for a POWTS?
2. How do I get a sanitary permit?
3. My septic system is not working anymore. How do I get it replaced with another septic system that works?
4. Does it matter if I do all my laundry in one day?
5. How long are soil tests (perk tests) for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) good for?
6. Why do I need a sanitary permit?
7. How long is a sanitary permit good for?
8. I have heard of County sanitary permits – When are these issued?
9. Do mound systems really work?
10. Can anybody install a Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS)?
11. Can I have a food waste grinder installed in my home even though I have a POWTS?
12. How often should I pump my treatment tank(s)?
13. Are two-chamber or multi-chamber septic tanks better for your POWTS than single chamber tanks?
14. Does having a two-chamber septic tank help to reduce the maintenance frequency of my effluent filter?
15. How often do I have to service the effluent filter in my septic tank?
16. Is there financial assistance available for property owners whose POWTS has failed and needs to be replaced?
17. I see advertisements that say “if I buy this product I can reduce the pumping cost for my septic tank.” Does this really help?
18. How are Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) sized?
19. I want to get a zoning permit for my building addition, so why can’t I use the private onsite wastewater treatment system evaluation that was done when I purchased the home?
20. I have a mound POWTS and I want to landscape it. Can I plant trees and shrubs on or around it?