Septic Tank Separation

[INBCPE]

Client wants to install octagonal seat wall with 36 inch footings. Issue is proximity of wall footing to septic tank. One of the corners of the tank nearest the house is exposed in the trench for the footings. (Long story, but client got permit for simple seat wall, then the design grew into an octagon, and the town stopped work on the permit when they saw the octagon.)

In our state, we need 10 ft separation for occupied structures, but you can get 5 feet of relief for some cases (deck piers, etc).

Anyone in their life hear that you can pour concrete up against a septic tank? Client is adamant that her architect said it was ok. I spoke to architect, and told him well why don't you submit the drawing and leave me out of it. Archy said town wants an engineer to design the footing.

Something stinks, and it's not the stuff inside the tank.

 

[gerhardl]

In my opinion (mind you- I am no expert on this):

1. You have local construction rules, theese will be broken by the construction.

2. Technically the construction might well be proven OK, but you will probably have a difficult time getting the official approval for it, and it would anyway cost money to prove the solidity technically. Too easy to find arguments against this solution.

Who is going to pay for the time and effort for an unsure result?

Advice for client: reconstruct within exisiting rules.

 

[civilperson]

Separation rules for structures and septic tanks are published by the health department and have nothing to do with structural concerns. Waivers for the rule must come from the department that licenses or approves septic systems.