Hmmmmmm... I'm not saying your wrong... but I would like to see the
regulation that refers to gray water as human waste in PA. It is my
understanding that it is (or was about 10 years ago) perfectly acceptable in
PA (unless superceded by local codes) to discharge gray water at least
(IIRC) 75 feet from any well and (IIRC) 25 feet from any septic tank and at
least (IIRC)100 feet from property lines when on a property exceeding 10
acres. I may not remember the distances any more, but I sure do remember
having to draw up a map showing exactly how far it was to all of these.
I might be wrong... but I don't think so as this was standard practice and
policy out here in the country. And if that were re-written... what would
they do when probably 3/4 of the farms in PA (and there are a lot) use gray
water discharge? I just read a whole bunch of stuff about the CleanWays deal
where they are going to look at us for where fertilizer and oils and such
are stored in relation to streams and run-off (and that's a *good* thing)
but I've never heard that they call gray water human waste in any regulation
here. In fact... there is so much clay here that makes perking difficult
that they almost discouraged putting the whole deal in the septic years ago,
although they now just won't issue any permits if perks aren't good.
This sounds like a local suburban/urban code as opposed to a state
regulation to me, but I certainly would be interested in seeing the actual
codes and dates enacted... and know how the hell they would go about forcing
3/4 of rural PA to change.
"The Real Tom" Tom @ www.WorkAtHomePlans.com wrote in message
news
On Sat, 26 Feb 2005 14:55:25 -0500, "orangetrader"
wrote:
While I am contemplating how to fix the drain problem with our washer, I
have connected the washer to a flex tube and discharge the laundry water
out
the garage. The water runs across the back yard's concrete paver and end
up
ponding a little in the back alley.
Apparently one of our neighbors complained to the city and they sent a
code
inspector out and told us we had to stop doing it. I said this is
temporary
I wrote my state epa asking codes that effect using washer rinse water
for watering the yard. They gave me a reply that matches what you
got, don't do it. Read as I match up what I received to your post.
and if I were to wash my car there it will have the same effect. She
No not the same, laundry water its typically contaiminated with human
fecal/body waste bacteria, unlike your car I HOPE.
couldn't quote me any specific violation but told me I have to stop
immediately.
Code violation I could have faced was discharge of untreated human
waste. The lady from the state referenced many pa waste water laws,
that referenced the safety of laundry grey water, and one researcher
commented how laundry water is always contaiminated with fecal waste
bacteria, more often than the house hold toliet.
Any there usually regulations against soapy water discharge from
properties?
No regs for just soapy water, since soapy water is a natural
insectiside and rocommended, but as posted up top, you water contains
more than soap.
I asked her if I have a big tub in my back yard and wash the clothes by
hand
and then pour the tub's water out later will it be legal then, she said
that
"might" be acceptable. I don't understand...
"might" will get you a ticket. If a cop says something might be
lawful, and you do it and get ticketed, you will have no defense
saying a cop said, "it might be lawful".
O
hth,
tom