Sewage Information

We have attempted to include all phases and aspects of this, but we must include a reminder that this is not a "legal" description of requirements - only an aid for you.

Septic System Maintenance

The following links provide information compiled by Penn State University on Private Septic Systems and their maintenance, and soil and water conservation. Thanks to Ed Campbell, Township Planning Commission member for these links!

This link is a listing of all of the various documents that Penn State has published about the maintenance of soil and water conservation. This information may help people better understand the requirements for pumping.

http://server.age.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/f/index.html

This document is a good description about how to prevent Septic tank failures and this document mentions the value of pumping.

http://server.age.psu.edu/dept/extension/Factsheets/f/F162.pdf

This link describes the benefits and schedules that they recommend for pumping.

http://server.age.psu.edu/dept/extension/Factsheets/f/F161.pdf

Sewage Testing and Permitting

Application must be made to the Township for testing for on lot sewage disposal systems - this is for existing lots and for potential subdivisions. Fees are paid to the Township for the testing - arrangements for probes will be made directly between the applicant and the Township Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO). The SEO is Gilbert Picarelli who can be reached at (717) 339-0612

First a probe test is performed - the applicant securing a backhoe to dig the required hole and the Township SEO examining the soil in the hole to determine the suitability of the soil and the site.

If the probe determines that the soil is suitable for an on lot system, the Township SEO will then conduct the percolation test to further determine the suitability of the soil and site.

If the percolation test is satisfactory for an on lot system, the applicant should then make application to the Township for a sewage permit for the subject lot or parcel. After this application is made, the applicant takes the application forms to a designer of their choice. The designer then designs a system based on the testing information provided by the Township SEO. The design is then submitted by the applicant or the designer to the Township SEO for their review and approval. When the application is approved by the Township SEO, a sewage permit is issued by the Township SEO to the applicant.

A SEWAGE PERMIT MUST BE IN THE HANDS OF THE APPLICANT PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A BUILDING PERMIT BY THE TOWNSHIP.

In the case of testing for possible subdivisions, the applicant will need to do the testing on the lots to be subdivided but he may not wish to obtain the permits - the permits may be obtained by the subsequent purchaser of the lot or parcel. Permits are valid for three years from the date of issuance.