THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 5, 1996 TAG: 9608050038
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 67 lines
Local health departments across North Carolina have something to say to people who use a septic system: Keep a lid on it.
State and local officials are warning people of the dangers - and deaths - that can result from faulty, broken or missing septic tank lids.
Several North Carolinians - mostly children - have died or been seriously injured after falling into septic tanks.
The most recent was a young child two weeks ago who fell into an ``old, old, old tank'' in the Kinston area and drowned, said Steve Steinbeck of the state's Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources.
``Every year, it seems like there's one or two like this,'' said Steinbeck, who heads the department's on-site wastewater services branch.
The Albemarle area has been fortunate that no one has been reported as being seriously injured from falling through broken or exposed septic tanks in recent years.
But the area is particularly vulnerable because of the number of older homes, abandoned properties and influx of new residents in rural areas, where tragic accidents frequently occur.
Generally, older homes are more likely to have septic system problems and deteriorating tank lids. ``Those built before the mid-70s would be of the highest risk,'' Steinbeck said.
That's because the state's on-site wastewater program was limited in its enforcement before then, he explained.
The caustic environment of these sewage storage tanks can cause concrete to deteriorate and peel, a process called ``concrete spalling.''
Eventually, lids give way, often aided by the structural stress of foot and auto traffic.
Another common problem comes from tanks under repair. People will sometimes cover holes with a sheet of plywood or wooden boards until a new lid is found.
``Of course, wood has no chance in the presence of sewage,'' Steinbeck said. ``Even treated wood will quickly deteriorate.''
Currituck County receives about 25 to 30 calls each year from people with malfunctioning septic systems, including about a half-dozen with broken lids or old, exposed privys.
``Normally, with an old septic tank, we suggest replacing the whole system,'' said John Baum, the environmental health program coordinator at the Currituck County Health Department.
``Boards or plywood covering the opening just won't work,'' Baum said.
Unless effluent starts bubbling to the surface, residents are typically unaware of a problem.
Some defects are discovered while mowing grass, when an old tank lid will start giving way. Or a truck or car will accidentally run over the lid and crack it.
Still other mishaps are caused by lids not being properly replaced after they've been pumped, Baum said.
Baum and other health department officials offer these suggestions for a safer septic area:
Anyone finding a septic or pump tank with a broken or missing lid should call the local health department immediately.
Take measures to ensure that children stay away from the site until it is repaired or replaced.
Do not enter a septic tank; dangerous gases - such as methane - may be present.
If abandoning a tank, be sure contents are pumped out by a authorized hauler.
Once the tank is pumped out, either remove it and fill the hole with compacted soil or collapse the top of the tank and fill with gravel or sand. by CNB