Suffolk County Septic Systems: Critical Considerations for Demolition Projects Involving Private Waste Systems
When planning a demolition project in Suffolk County, New York, properties with private septic systems require careful consideration and specialized expertise. The unique regulatory landscape, environmental concerns, and technical requirements make proper planning essential for homeowners and contractors alike.
Understanding Suffolk County’s Septic System Regulations
The installation of a sewage disposal system(s) is prohibited by the Suffolk County Sanitary Code unless a permit to construct has been issued by the Commissioner. This fundamental requirement extends to demolition projects that impact existing septic systems. The Suffolk County Wastewater Plan, adopted in July 2020, estimated that there are 365,000 residential onsite sewage disposal systems installed in Suffolk County, of which 252,530 are estimated to consist of cesspools only.
Recent regulatory changes have significantly impacted how properties with septic systems must be handled during demolition and reconstruction. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has signed legislation banning the installation of cesspools, effective July 1, 2019, which have been identified as a primary source of nitrogen pollution that has degraded water quality throughout Suffolk County in Long Island, NY. The legislation also requires the wastewater industry to provide data regarding system replacement and pumping activities to the Department of Health Services and requires permits for replacement of existing systems.
Pre-Demolition Assessment Requirements
Before beginning any demolition work on a property with a private septic system, several critical assessments must be completed. In the case of unacceptable soil and/or groundwater conditions, inspection of the excavation by a representative of the Department is required prior to the installation of the leaching structure. This requirement often applies to demolition projects where existing systems need evaluation.
Property owners must understand that if a property owner desires a formal Department approval stating number of bedrooms in a dwelling, uses of a site, or design sewage flow of a site or Department staff, in their sole discretion, determines that a Permit to Construct is required under the Suffolk County Sanitary Code Article 6 then a formal application must be submitted to and approved by the Department before proceeding with modifications to existing sewage disposal systems.
New Construction and Major Reconstruction Requirements
The regulatory landscape has become increasingly stringent for properties undergoing significant changes. The changes are effective July 1, 2021 and require I/A OWTS to be installed under a number of circumstances. Nitrogen-reducing systems are required for the following projects: Reconstruction projects are considered “major,” when the costs of reconstruction are 50% or more than the market value of the structure.
This means that many demolition and reconstruction projects will trigger requirements for advanced septic systems. Suffolk County Sanitary Code specifies when an innovative and alternative onsite wastewater treatment system (I/A OWTS) is required to be installed for residential properties as means of sewage disposal. These new systems are designed to reduce wastewater nitrogen pollution from reaching groundwater.
Environmental Considerations
Suffolk County’s unique hydrogeological conditions make proper septic system handling during demolition particularly important. The population of the County is served with potable drinking water obtained solely from groundwater sources. Since the groundwaters of Suffolk County are unique, they have received one of the few designations in the country as sole-source aquifers, highlighting the need that particular care must be exercised to maintain the quality of both present and future needs.
The environmental impact of existing systems cannot be understated. A conventional onsite septic system was never designed to remove nitrogen. The average residential septic system discharges approximately 40 pounds of nitrogen per year. This pollution contributes to the degradation of local water bodies and groundwater quality.
Working with Professional Demolition Services
Given the complexity of Suffolk County’s septic regulations and environmental requirements, working with experienced professionals is crucial. Companies like Green Island Group Corp. understand these unique challenges. Green Island Group provides environmental, remediation, and demolition services to residential, commercial, and public customers in New York State. We follow NYS, NYC, and USEPA regulations to ensure proper removal and protection of workers and occupants.
Our mission is to help as many homeowners return to a safe, secure environment as possible. Our team of knowledgeable professionals has years of experience as a first responder contractor, restoring properties with damages from floods, fires, and other major environmental events. When considering House Demolition Suffolk County NY, partnering with a company that understands both demolition requirements and septic system regulations ensures compliance and environmental protection.
Financial Assistance and Planning
Property owners facing demolition projects that require septic system upgrades should be aware of available financial assistance. Suffolk County launched its Septic Improvement Program in 2017 to help cover the expense of upgrading local systems. Grants have already been awarded to over 1,000 applicants to cover some or all of the cost of their new I/A OWTS systems.
The costs associated with advanced septic systems can be significant, with the new Innovative/Alternative (I/A) septic systems that can cost upwards of $30,000 — and even considerably more. However, various grant programs and rebates are available to help offset these expenses.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Successfully navigating a demolition project involving septic systems in Suffolk County requires understanding the regulatory requirements, environmental considerations, and available resources. The key is early planning, proper permitting, and working with experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges of Suffolk County’s regulatory environment.
As water quality concerns continue to drive regulatory changes, property owners must stay informed about evolving requirements. The investment in proper septic system planning during demolition projects not only ensures regulatory compliance but also contributes to the long-term environmental health of Suffolk County’s precious groundwater resources.