Septic Systems - Design, Construction and Maintenance - Virtual Presentation - June 23, 2020

Oct 23, 2026

Virtual presentation material on septic systems in New Jersey, with a focus on the nitrogen-sensitive NJ Pinelands. Covers key NJ Pinelands facts, governance and regulatory standards for individual subsurface sewage disposal systems (N.J.A.C. 7:9A and 7:50), and public-health priorities for pathogen treatment and isolation plus ecological protection from wastewaterborne nitrogen. Explains human pathogens in wastewater bacteria and wastewater viruses/protozoa/helminths, outlines wastewater pathogen removal methods, and describes conventional gravity-flow septic systems, tank functions, inspection requirements, and septage handling. Includes septic tank effluent filter requirements effective Feb 2012.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time1 h 6 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction to the New Jersey Pinelands

A Nitrogen Sensitive Environment

NJ Pinelands Facts

Rules Governing Septic Systems in NJ & in the Pinelands

Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems

Emphasis on Pathogens and Wastewaterborne Nitrogen

Human Pathogens in Wastewater Bacteria

Bacteria

Viruses

Protozoa and Helminths

Pathogen Removal in Wastewater Treatment

Chemical agents

Biological, physical & mechanical methods

Conventional Gravity Flow Septic System

Typical single compartment septic tank

Septic tank effluent filters

SEPTIC SYSTEMS- DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE [http://journal.goingslowly.com/2011/09/septic-systems-part-one](http://journal.goingslowly.com/2011/09/septic-systems-part-one) [http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2007/3103](http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2007/3103/)[/](http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2007/3103/) MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VIRTUAL PRESENTATION June 23, 2020 Introduction to the New Jersey Pinelands A Nitrogen Sensitive Environment NJ Pinelands Facts • Federal & State designation in 1978 & 1979 • Approximately one million acres – roughly 20% of NJ • Protected via land use controls & environmental programs. • Rare ecosystem characterized by low pH, nutrient-poor streams fed by shallow groundwater • 17.7 trillion gallon KirkwoodCohansey aquifer system • Habitat for 41 T&E animal species and 54 T&E plant species • Headwaters to Atlantic and Delaware Basin Watersheds Rules Governing Septic Systems in NJ & in the Pinelands STANDARDS FOR INDIVIDUAL SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS New Jersey Department Of Environmental Protection N.J.A.C 7:9A PINELANDS COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN New Jersey Pinelands Commission N.J.A.C 7:50 Rules Governing Septic Systems in NJ and in the Pinelands New Jersey Department Of Environmental Protection N.J.A.C 7:9A Emphasis on treatment and isolation of wastewater pathogens for public health protection New Jersey Pinelands Commission N.J.A.C 7:50 Emphasis on wastewaterborne nitrogen for ecological protection Human Pathogens in Wastewater Bacteria • Single cell organisms • Prokaryotes (No membrane-bound nucleus) • Reproduce via binary fission • May be aerobic, anaerobic or facultative • Typhoid, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio cholera Viruses • Protein outer shell (capsid) • Interior contains either DNA or RNA • Obligate intracellular parasites (need host in order to reproduce) • Hepatitis A&E, Norovirus, Meningitis Protozoa • Single cell organisms – larger than bacteria • Eukaryotes (Cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus) • Most are aerobic, a few are anaerobic • Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba histolytica Helminths • Infectious in ova stage, not as free-living nematodes • Tape, Hook and Round Worms Pathogen removal in wastewater treatment • Chemical agents • Chlorine • Bromine • Iodine • Ozone • Biological, physical & mechanical methods • Activated sludge – microbial predation • UV light • Heat • Desiccation • Filtration (membranes, sand filters and soil ) Conventional Gravity Flow Septic System Graphic source: [HOMEinsider.org](HOMEinsider.org) Typical single compartment septic tank • Provides “primary treatment” of wastewater-solid/liquid separation • Retains solids for anaerobic digestion • Discharges relatively clear effluent to the drain field • Size is based on number of bedrooms for residential systems • 1000 gal minimum volume –up to 4 bedrooms. Additional 250 gal volume for each bedroom over 4. • Should be inspected / pumped every 3 years to remove accumulated solids (sludge) • “Septage” is taken to regional sewage treatment plants for treatment/disposal Septic tank effluent filters • Effective Feb 2012-All septic tank outlets must be equipped with a solids retainer or septic effluent filter to prevent solids from clogging the drain field soils

FAQs

What makes the New Jersey Pinelands a nitrogen-sensitive environment for wastewater?

The material describes the Pinelands as an ecosystem with nutrient-poor streams fed by shallow groundwater, and emphasizes wastewaterborne nitrogen control for ecological protection. It also highlights the ecological vulnerability of the aquifer system and watersheds connected to headwaters.

Which regulations govern septic systems in New Jersey and the Pinelands?

The presentation lists New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection standards under N.J.A.C 7:9A and Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan rules under N.J.A.C 7:50. It repeats the focus of those rules on treatment and isolation of wastewater pathogens and on wastewaterborne nitrogen for ecological protection.

How are pathogens in wastewater removed in the septic-related treatment approach described?

The document lists chemical agents such as chlorine, bromine, iodine, and ozone, and also biological, physical, and mechanical methods. Examples include activated sludge microbial predation, UV light, heat, desiccation, and filtration using membranes, sand filters, and soil.

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by นรินทร์