De-Centralized (Cluster) Systems

[Toxic Avenger]

In my county, cluster systems are defined as follows:
An on-site septic system shared by two or more residences with a combined Daily Design Flow of  greater than 750 gallons; two or more commercial facilities; or any combination thereof.  A CLUSTER SYSTEM is an on-site commercial system.

Cluster systems, even when only serving residential properties, are considered by ISDH as commercial.  Hence, before one is approved and installed in any county, the design must first be approved by ISDH. 

One tricky situation in determining what is a cluster system or not, however, is when you have a single parcel/lot that contains several buildings/establishments with only a single "property manager" (i.e. a commercial strip mall with a gas station, pizza place, and couple retail outlets).  Each establishment is individually managed within, and usually the space is leased out by the property manager.  All the establishments are connected to the same on-site wastewater system, and the responsibility of monitoring and maintaining falls in the lap of the property manager.  But is it considered a true decentralized (cluster) system if it all contained on a single parcel/lot?  At this time in my county, we are debating that very question. 

Any other input/opinions would be welcome.

[Stuart Meade]

Toxic,

Conflicts regarding maintenance costs, system abuse and assigning responsibility  for repair costs are expected when varying owners (and types of facilities) are all on one system.  This is why a utility is required when multiple property owners are involved.
When there is a single property owner, these problems do not exits.  There is one party responsible for all costs, so that person has an incentive to keep the system well maintained so it will live a long and healthy life.

Your question shouldn't be "how do we handle multiple properties with one owner?", your question should instead be "how do we know when the owner begins selling off the individual properties?"

I think your best method is to send the owner a letter stating that he MUST notify your office and set up a utility to for the septic system IF individual properties are sold off.  You could also consider mention of this requirement on the deed for this property.

However, as long as there is one owner, there is no problem.

[Toxic Avenger]

We require Operating Permits be filed for ALL cluster systems, with detailed requirements for maintenance, monitoring and reporting.  The owner, or property manager, must enter a contractual agreement with a licensed installer who must perform regular monitoring and maintenance on the system.  The contractor is required to submit quarterly reports to the Health Department as well.  Failure to perform any of these requirements may result in penalties and/or legal action against the property owner/manager.