1. (1) The pump specified for an OSS/EDS shall:

   1. (a) Be capable of passing minimum one-half (%) inch spherical solids, in the event of filter failure. However, if an engineer, for design considerations, specifies a pump that will not pass one-half (½) inch solids, adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent one-half (½) inch or larger solids from entering the pump. In this case, at a minimum, the pump system shall not be placed in the primary septic tank but shall be placed in a secondary pump chamber or in a filtered pump vault.
   2. (b) Be capable of being submerged.
   3. (c) Produce sufficient capacity at the calculated total dynamic head (TOH).
   4. (d) Have a variable level on-off pump activation device that is adjustable to meet specific application requirements.
   5. (e) Be rated for effluent service by the manufacturer.
   6. (f) Provisions shall be made for easy removal of the pump.
   7. (g) Have a full flow shut-off valve installed.
   8. (h) Have a check valve to prevent reverse drainage back into the pump chamber.

2. (2) The discharge pipe shall comply with the following requirements:

   1. (a) The discharge pipe shall be the same size as or larger than the pump outlet to ensure sufficient fluid velocity to carry solids (generally accepted to be 2 feet per second).
   2. (b) Pipe materials shall be Schedule 40 PVC.

3. (3) The material and construction specifications for a dosing tank or pumping chamber shall:

   1. (a) Be corrosion resistant.
   2. (b) Be able to withstand anticipated internal and external loads.
   3. (c) Have provisions for anti-buoyancy by design.
   4. (d) Not allow infiltration or exfiltration.
   5. (e) Be accessible from the surface to allow for installation and removal of the equipment, and to maintain the system.
   6. (f) Have access covers which are lockable and heavy enough to prevent easy access or shall be equipped with tamper-proof retainers.
   7. (g) Have adequate reserve capacity.

4. (4) The pumping system shall have a high water alarm which shall:

   1. (a) Be installed on a separate electrical circuit from the pump.
   2. (b) Be rated for the installation location.
   3. (c) Have the ability to be tested for proper operation.

Author: Thad Pittman, Matthew Conner, Ken Stephens

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§22-2-2(4); 22-2-2(6); 22-10-1, et seq.; 22-26-1, et seq.

Editor’s Note: Previous Rule .42 was renumbered .27 per certification published December 30, 2022; effective February 13, 2023.

History: New Rule: Filed October 20, 2005; effective November 24, 2005; operative March 19, 2006. Repealed and New Rule: Filed January 19, 2017; effective March 5, 2017. Repealed and New Rule: Published December 30, 2022; effective February 13, 2023.