Non-waterborne systems are allowed where a dwelling is not served with water under pressure, thus not allowing for a standard septic system. In these cases, non-waterborne systems are required for excreting disposal but are highly regulated due to the potential risk to public health.

Photo by M.P. Hayes

Examples of Systems Under the Non-waterborne System Classification: Pit toilet (or privy), Vault, Pail, Chemical toilet, Incinerator toilet, Composting toilet

Pit Privy Requirement and Location

These non-waterborne systems should be in compliance with all minimum distance requirement from water sources including: 50 feet from any private water wells, 100 feet from public water supply wells and 25 feet from potable water (pressure) lines. These systems should be located on the downgrade from water wells, supply lines and water courses. The system must be housed in a separate unit away from other permanent structures. It is also required to be 4 feet from any fence and 10 feet from the property line. Any installation must be done in soil types, topography or geological formations where sources of water supplies will not be polluted.

Pit Privy Safety Precautions and Maintenance

There are many signs of defect in need of maintenance for pit privy systems. For true pit privy or outhouse systems, there should be no evidence of caving around the pit. Stand-alone units should only allow light to enter the pit, vault or pail when the seat is raised, and seat covers should always remain in place. All broken, perforated or unscreened vent pipes must be fixed to ensure proper ventilation of pit privy systems. Additionally, signs of overflow and general uncleanliness in toilet building should be addressed to prevent public health hazard.

Limited-Use Systems

The systems are seen on houseboats or fish camps where water is not served under pressure and is occupied less than four days in a week. This system should be fiberglass tanks that are adequately coated to prevent deterioration from ultraviolet light and must be watertight. Metal tanks are prohibited from limited-use systems. These septic systems will be comprised of three cells with the first having a liquid capacity of 500 gallons and the second and third with a capacity of 250 gallons. One access opening of a 6-inch minimum diameter is needed per cell for multiple-compartment, single-tank systems. The three-chamber septic system will flow into the chlorine contact chamber. The chlorination system shall be provided with a minimum capacity of 100 gallons and shall be equipped with an automatic cutoff to prevent flow from the third septic tank/chamber if the chlorine supply is exhausted. Septic tank systems shall be set below the normal high-water level and anchored/secured to prevent any movement. If a vessel is permanently moored, it should be connected to an approved sewerage system.

Approved Vendors by Louisiana Department of Health

Prior to the existence of a formal approval process for limited-use systems, sewage treatment systems that met dimensional requirements in the Public Health – Sanitary Code could be used. Manufacturers of these three-cell “old’ camp units are listed below and at https://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Center-EH/sanitarian/onsitewastewater/LimitedUseSystemsList09-15-2015Final.pdf.

• Advanced Fiberglass Products, P.O. Box 969, Gray, LA 70359, 985-447-1624
• Delta Environmental Products, 8263 Florida Blvd., Denham Springs, LA 70726, 225-665-6162
• Lacey’s Digging and Fiberglass Works, 2400 Highway 471, Brandon, MS, 39042, 601-939-6511 or 601-829-2886
• Mo-Dad Companies LLC, 9000 Cook Road, Denham Springs, LA 70726, 225-665-2949
• Murphy Cormier General Contractor Inc., 2885 Highway 14 East, Lake Charles, LA 70607, 337-474-2804
• Rogers Ready Mix LLC, 45232 Rogers Road, Hammond, LA 70401, 985-345-4096
• Southern Manufacturing Company, P.O. Box 790, Groves, TX 77619, 409-962-4501
• Wastewater Treatment of Louisiana, 17188 Airline Highway, Suite M-157, Prairieville, LA 70769, 225-673-3156

Authors

M.P. Hayes, Assistant Professor in the School of Plant,

Environmental and Soil Science and Louisiana Sea Grant

Richard Grabert, Sanitarian Program Specialist for the Louisiana Department of Health

Paula Guient, Assistant Program Administrator, Onsite Wastewater and Compliance

for the Louisiana Department of Health