Failure to Maintain Septic System Results in Wastewater Surfacing
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain its septic system drain field in working order and did not increase the frequency of septic tank pumping to prevent liquid wastewater from running into the parking lot. Observations revealed water bubbling out from a manhole cover in the lower parking lot, creating a stream of water with a strong sewage odor. Interviews with consultants confirmed that the water was effluent that should have been leaching into the ground, but was instead surfacing due to the drain field not functioning properly. The last recorded septic tank pumping was in March, and no additional pumping had occurred since then, despite ongoing issues, especially during periods of heavy rain. Staff interviews indicated a lack of awareness and communication regarding the septic system's condition and maintenance schedule. The Maintenance Director had only recently started and was unaware of the full history, while the Regional Maintenance Director and Administrator could not provide a timeline of when the problem began or what mitigation steps had been taken. The facility did not provide the requested documentation or a mitigation plan during the survey, and the issue of wastewater surfacing in the parking lot remained unresolved at the time of the survey exit.