Relevant to Taos Real Estate News Articles
Liquid Waste Program Frequently Asked Questions:
Q- If I have a house and septic tank on a small lot, what will
I be required to upgrade to an advanced treatment system?
A- No not unless you increase design flow, such as by adding an additional
bedroom(s) or converting an existing room into a bedroom.
Q- Can small lots, less than ¾ an acre still be developed?
A- Yes, but a non-discharging system, an advanced treatment system, or an
alternative disposal system may be required.
Q- Where can I find information on advanced treatment
systems?
A- The Liquid Waste Program website has a list of advanced treatment units
that are approved for use in New Mexico. The manufacturer or distributor
of each product can supply specific information about it. http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/fod/LiquidWaste/adv.sys.pdf
Q- Where can I find information on alternative disposal systems?
A- The Liquid Waste Program website also has a list of alternative disposal
products approved for us in New Mexico. You can view this at the following
link:
http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/fod/LiquidWaste/DrainfieldProductList.pdf
Q- What is considered an “unpermitted” septic system?
A- A system for which no permit has been issued by NMED. If no permit can
be found by NMED or the owner, it is considered unpermitted.
Q- Can I look for my own liquid waste permit?
A- Yes, There are copies of filed from the NMED permit database on the Liquid
Waste Program website. These files can be searched online, or a request
for a permit search can be made to the local NMED Field Office.
Q- Are liquid waste permits transferable to new property owners?
A- Yes, septic systems require a property transfer inspection with no further
notification, advanced treatment systems require a property transfer inspection
and notification. The property transfer inspection form can serve as notice
of transfer of ATU ownership.
Q- What if I have an unpermitted system on my property?
A- Systems installed prior to February 1, 2002 can be issued a Certificate
for Continued Operations if the system is pumped and inspected, and appears
to be functioning properly. Systems installed after February 1, 2002 will
have to be exposed and inspected, will have to comply with all rules, and
will be assessed a penalty. NMED policy states, “exposure of the drainfield
need only be sufficient to determine all relevant aspects of drainfield
construction and materials, including, but not limited to, soil formations;
pipe size, type and material; end cap and inspection port installation;
proper distribution box installation, if required; proper placement of aggregate
and cover; and proper trench size, slope, and spacing. The treatment unit
must be adequately exposed to allow full inspection.”
Q- What is the difference between a cesspool and a septic system?
A- Cesspools are simply an unlined pit that sewage is discharged into. It
may or may not be covered. A septic system usually consists of a buried
plastic or concrete tank and leachfield. The tank is designed in a way to
allow some treatment of the sewage and the leachfield is designed to prevent
sewage from coming to the surface.
Q- What if my property has a cesspool?
A- Cesspools have been illegal for decades, and must be replaced with a
permitted system.
Q- What if I need to replace a permitted or unpermitted system
on my property?
A- The system replacement will have to come up with the code for all rules
other than lot size.
Q- What needs to be done to abandon an old septic system?
A- Contact NMED before completing the abandonment, to arrange for an inspection.
Any remaining liquid in the tank must be pumped first. The bottom of the
tank must be opened or ruptured, or the entire structure collapsed, so as
to not allow retention of rainwater. The cover must be removed or collapsed.
NMED must inspect and approve of the unit before filling above the outlet
pipe with earth, sand, gravel, concrete or other approved material. The
unit can then be completely buried.
Q- Can water softeners be used with a septic system or advanced
treatment unit?
A- Water softeners can be used with conventional septic systems. If your
home is served by an advanced treatment unit, and was constructed September
1, 2005 or later, the regeneration wastewater from the softener must bypass
the advanced treatment unit. The regeneration waste can be discharged to
the drainfield, or disposed of in some acceptable manner. If a water softener
is added to an existing residential or commercial unit, the liquid waste
permit must be modified, the advanced treatment unit maintenance service
provider must be given written notice of the addition of the softener and
either a demand-initiated regeneration control device installed on the softener
or the softener waste must bypass the advanced treatment unit.
Q- Can single chamber septic tanks be used?
A- Prior to 1976, single chamber septic tanks were allowed. So if a system
was installed before the date, it is allowed for continued use, unless there
is a modification of the system requiring compliance with current regulations.
Please call the Lora Company at (575) 758-3275 if we may answer any additional questions about the New Mexico Environmental Department Regulations on Liquid Waste Systems.
