Alert Issued for Polluted Water

Eagle Times Staff
As a result of the widespread flooding across Vermont, many municipal wastewater treatment plants and private septic systems have become inundated with high flows of water and wastewater resulting in partially treated or untreated discharges of sewage into the environment.

As a result, rivers and flood waters could contain pathogens such as viruses and bacteria that may cause illness, warns the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. Though these areas may not be posted with notices to avoid contact, recreation, wading, boating, swimming, or fishing should be avoided for several days until flows return to normal levels.

Once flows return to normal levels and many treatment plants are able to resume full treatment, the standard procedure for public notice and posting temporary signage downstream of public access points will resume for those areas requiring longer term repairs.

For more information on flood recovery resources from the Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Department, or the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, visit https://ANR.Vermont.gov/Flood. This page will include boil water notices, park closure information, road and river restoration guidelines, well and septic system information, and more.

Guidance for Flooded Septic Systems

High water levels can flood septic systems on waterfront properties, resulting in sewage seepage into homes or water bodies, advises the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

If your tank and leach field is flooded:

• Stop using the system immediately.

• Leave the structure vacant if it is not a primary residence

• Use the sanitary facilities at another location

• Rent a port-a-potty until waters recede

If the leach field is flooded but not the tank:

• You can plug the outlet and continue to use the septic tank as a holding tank but must hire a septic hauler to pump out tank regularly to prevent discharges to the leach field. Depending on the size of the home and number of occupants, pump-outs may have to occur anywhere from once daily to once weekly.

• Contact a licensed septic system designer to develop a replacement plan for the damaged system. Flood insurance or homeowner insurance may pay for repairs to damaged systems.

Once flood waters recede:

• Avoid using the system util it drys out. State-approved systems should dry out in about two weeks.

• Have the system evaluated by a licensed designer if it is not state-approved, old or grandfathered.