1. (a) Access for inspection and cleaning shall be provided to each compartment of all new septic tanks and septic tanks that are reused, and to each baffle within the tank for inspection and repair, by means of at least one removable cover that is:

   1. (1) Directly on the septic tank or on a riser, provided that if a riser is used, a cover that is directly on the septic tank may also be used; and
   2. (2) Of a shape or otherwise of a construction that prevents the cover from falling into the septic tank or riser.

2. (b) Of the covers required by (a), above:

   1. (1) At least one cover shall be not less than 20 inches but not more than 24 inches in diameter;
   2. (2) All other covers shall be not less than 12 inches in diameter; and
   3. (3) All covers shall have a metal or plastic handle for the ease of removal, or for a cast iron cover there is a lifting notch.

3. (c) The riser and cover over a septic tank compartment shall:

   1. (1) Extend to within 4 inches of finished grade;
   2. (2) Be constructed of concrete, HDPE having a manufacturer’s certification for the use at specified depths, or cast-iron; and
   3. (3) Allow for the cover referenced in Env-Wq 1010.05(a) and (b), above, to be removed without being obstructed by the riser and cover.
4. (d) If a riser that is required to comply with (c), above, is greater than 24 inches in height, the riser and cover shall each have a diameter of not less than 24 inches.
5. (e) A cover at finished grade shall be protected against unauthorized inadvertent opening, for example by locking closed, being mechanically fastened to the septic tank or riser such as with screws, or being made of cast-iron or other material that is at least equal in weight to cast iron.
6. (f) The bottom of the septic tank shall not be more than 15 feet below the grade of the area where the septage pumping truck will park when the tank needs to be pumped out.
7. (g) Septic tanks shall be accessible by truck to within 125 feet of the nearest road or driveway.

Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter heading for Env-Wq 1000) #11184, eff 10-1-16; ss by #14486, eff 2-1-26, EXPIRES: 2-1-36