Replacement Of A Failed Subsurface Disposal System

What is a Failed Subsurface Disposal System?
New Hampshire RSA 485-A:2 defines failure as “the condition produced when a subsurface sewage or waste disposal system does not properly contain or treat sewage or causes or threatens to cause the discharge of sewage on the ground surface or into adjacent surface or groundwater.”

Special Requirements for Replacing a Failed Subsurface Disposal System.
To ensure prompt and effective replacement of a failed subsurface system, the following steps must be taken.

1. The town health officer, or other local official responsible for health code enforcement, must prepare a written statement verifying that the existing system is in failure. This statement must be submitted to DES with the application to replace the existing system.
2. If construction approval is granted, the construction must be completed within 90 days. Failure to complete construction and obtain operational approval of the system within the 90-day period will result in invalidation of DES approval.
3. In the event that your construction approval becomes invalid as a result of exceeding the 90-day construction period, a request for extension must be submitted to the Department of Environmental Services, Subsurface Systems Bureau. DES shall grant one 90-day extension. The request for extension must include all the information required by New Hampshire Administrative Rule Env-Wq 1004.11 (b).

This fact sheet is intended as a basic source of information concerning the replacement of a failed subsurface disposal system; it is not intended to replace the administrative rules contained in Env-Wq 1000. It is also important to remember that some municipalities have additional requirements, and you should check with your local officials before beginning any project.

For Further Information
If you have any questions concerning septic systems, contact DES Subsurface at (603) 271-3501, or PO Box 95 - 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03302-0095; (603) 271-3711; Fax: (603) 271-6683; www.des.nh.gov/ssb/.