Permit update – load changes

Overview: New Hampshire septic system construction approvals and constructed systems are based on predicted load from buildings as designed/built. If use of building is changing, building is being expanded, there is another building to connect, then appropriate changes are made to the septic systems following a New Hampshire construction approval  to reflect the updated load.  If there was no operational approval before, an operational approval will be written following a State inspection of the construction required by the update. This is process is required by New Hampshire law before adding load.  

Load change increases:

  • Adding a bedroom, or bedrooms

  • Adding a business in an existing residential house

  • Dividing a house into multiple separate living spaces – ie apartment conversion of a single family dwelling

  • Conversion of a part time seasonal dwelling to a full time year round dwelling.

  • Connecting a new outbuilding to an existing system.

Compliance with rules:

When load increase due to one of the above reasons occurs, State rules require existing septic systems be brought into compliance with current New Hampshire septic rules, but not necessarily replaced completely. There are variances granted in some, but not all, situations for permit updates. 

Connecticut River Valley Design can discuss changes to your existing building or property. We can advise you on how to permit or modify your existing permit, provide septic design and determine what is necessary.

Failed system consulting — Waste water disposal system

Overview:

On site waste water systems have been built in New Hampshire for centuries, and therefore exist at all different ages. Due to bacteriological action in the leach field, the systems eventually become plugged and will no longer pass water into the earth and you have a failed waste water system. A number of other problems can render a system inoperative, some are minor and do not require a new design and permit be issued. Once a system fails, the New Hampshire rules require that a licensed designer be involved. Replacing a failed system may be done by replace-in-kind if certain critieria are met, or by submitting a new design to the State of New Hampshire. A construction approval is then issued in preparation for repairing/replacing the failed system.

Failure definition:

Sewage is backing up into the building making it impossible to run the usual quantity of waste water down the drain.

Sewage is breaking out on the surface of the ground in the area of the disposal system, outdoors. There may be lush green grass or plant growth and/or a foul oder.

Failure mechanism:

All components of a system are subject to failure.
Piping, before or after the septic tank
Septic tank can back up if not pumped regularly, although this is not common
Pump station, if used, can fail
Disposal area may have become plugged with biomat, over time and need replacement.
Assessment contacts:
Septic evaluator
Septic designer - waste water consultant
Septic tank pumper
Excavating contractor

Connecticut River Valley Design will respond to failed system calls and provide timely advise and service. We can provide an assessment of failure and what needs to be done to correct the situation. An excavator may also be required in some situations.