leach fields and sumps

[you]

Plan to build a house just North of Salinas, Ca. in Monterey County. The property has all of the utilities except sewar which will have to be designed. The people designing the system are making some noise about having to put in sumps [~60' deep 4' diameter holes in lieu of a leach field]. I do not have a lot of experience in this field or in the geographical area. This seems unwise due to the fact that it would extend below the water table[below the surface of creek about 600' from the sight].

The soil appears to be a sandy loam to about four feet. Have not been any deeper than that. Does anyone have any question, thoughts or comments?

ken ballard, p.e.
you@surfbest.net

 

[snafuman]

Is your post correct? A 60 foot deep 4 foot diameter hole would cost more to build than your house. Assuming you probably meant 6' deep. Sounds like a seepage bed type of system which is rarely used anymore. You need to contact your local responsible health agency and see what is allowable in your area. You may not be able to build a leach field because of your proximity to the creek. If not, there are package aeration treatment home systems available which discharge a higher quality effluent which may be suitable for leach field discharge, or which could be used for drip irrigation.

 

[you]

Hello Snafuman,

You question on the correctness of my last post prompted me to call the designers. My memory sometimes is off, but I am quite confident that the figures I quoted are correct because of my surprise when they were stated. The quote on this call was different than the orginal quote: Two holes (pits) at 65' with 36" diameter or three holes at 45' with 36" diameter.

This septic design company is a former employee (who departed on good terms) of "the local responible health agency" I was told that all the houses in that addition had similar systems. The proximity to the creek was never mentioned.

Was a little surprised at the aproximate cost I was quoted. It was less than the cost of a home sewar treatment plant which has been required in some cases.

The cost for drilling the holes is not that great since it is done quite often, at least that is what I was told. I have met the septic system designer a couple of time and a positive feeling was developed.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do !at least in this case!. Appreciated you thoughts and comments.