Septic Systems: Abandonment Guidelines When Property Is Connected to Public Sewer
Updated: 7.15.11
The Anne Arundel County Private Sewage Disposal Code requires property owners to abandon their septic system when a property is connected to a public sewer system. A property owner is responsible for assuring the following requirements are met once connection to a public sewer system is made.
- Pump the septic tank. The property owner must have the septic tank pumped by a licensed liquid waste hauler. See licensed liquid waste haulers, or call 410-222-7218 for a list of haulers.
- Disconnect the piping. The property owner must secure the services of a licensed disposal system contractor, utility contractor or a licensed master plumber and have the following piping disconnected:
(a) the piping between the dwelling and the septic tank; and
(b) the piping between the septic tank and the sewage disposal system, which includes the drainfield(s), drywell(s),
mound system and pressure dosed bed(s). - Fill in the septic tank and pump pit. The property owner must secure the services of a licensed disposal system contractor, utility contractor or a master plumber and have the septic tank and pump pit, where applicable, filled in with clean fill material, sand or gravel. See list of licensed disposal system contractors.
- Crush and fill metal septic tanks. Where metal septic tanks exist, the property owner must secure the services of a licensed disposal system contractor, utility contractor or a master plumber and have the metal septic tank crushed in place and filled in with clean fill material, sand or gravel.
- Restrict access for collapsed septic tanks and pump pits. Septic tanks and pump pits are classified as a confined space. Open and collapsed septic tanks and pump pits pose a significant safety hazard to adults, children and pets. The property owner is responsible for restricting access to open and collapsed septic tanks and pump pits by placing a cover material (e.g., plywood with cinder blocks) on top of the septic tank and by roping off access to the area. The septic tank and pump pit must be filled in with clean fill material, sand or gravel based on the above requirements.
Failure to Comply
If a property owner fails to comply, this constitutes a violation of the Anne Arundel County Private Sewage Disposal Code, Section 1600.1(g), and the owner is subject to civil fines of $125 for the first violation, $500 for the second violation and $1,000 for the third or any subsequent violation. Citations may be issued for each violation and for each day the violation continues to exist.
For More Information, Contact:
Sanitary Engineering Program
Anne Arundel County Department of Health
3 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
410-222-7218