Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Manual
Albert Frick and David Rocque, March 1997

Life Expectancy Of Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Systems in Maine
Don Hoxie and Albert Frick

Storage Capacity Of Stone Bed Septic Systems Related To Diameter Of Stone And Uniformity
Albert Frick and Fred Kinney

Albert Frick was principal author for both 1979, 1983, and 1995 editions of the Site Evaluation for Subsurface Wastewater Disposal in Maine. This is used by the Division of Health Engineering as a training manual for Site Evaluators, Local Plumbing Inspectors, and Contractors..

Mr. Frick was a contributing author of the Soils Section of the Environmental Planning Guide (1990) which provides guidance in mitigating potential adverse environmental impacts from development.

Mr. Frick was contracted to provide technical editing to TREAT IT RIGHT Alternative Wastewater Systems That Protect Water Quality (1993).

Albert Frick also co-authored Soil Potential Rating-for Land Use Planning at a Local Level in Maine (1977)

All publications are in .pdf format. Click to open in a new window or right click to download. Adobe Acrobat Reader required.

What is entailed in the septic design process?

A Site Evaluator would visit your property and identify an acceptable location for a septic system.  This is done by digging test pits (mostly hand-dug) to determine soil suitability. During the design process the Site Evaluator is considering several factors such as cost, assuring proper state and local rule compliance, and siting the proposed system in a location that is aesthetically pleasing. Once a location is found, the septic site is located on the property. Then back at the office, the septic design or HHE-200 application is prepared from the field information. Once completed, the design is sent to the applicant so a permit can be obtained from the Town. The design is also needed to get accurate estimates on installation costs from local contractors.

Do I have to have a “mound” system?

That depends on existing soil & drainage conditions. High watertables and shallow to bedrock soil conditions can result in above-grade, or “mounded” systems.

I don’t want a pump. Do I need one?

A pump would be necessary if the existing on-site drainage conditions will not allow the disposal field to be low enough in elevation to provide pitch from the septic tank and/or building drain. Pumps are often used on "mounded" systems, unless the mounded system is located sufficiently downslope of a dwelling.

How often should I pump my septic tank?

Every 2-4 years depending on use.

Should I add Rid-X or another additive to my tank?

No. The State of Maine studied the effects of additives used in septic systems. They concluded that there were no proven benefit in using the additives. Waste from residential dwellings contain sufficient micro-organisms that naturally break down the solids in the septic tank without the use of additives. Products such as Rid-X do break down solids in the tank. However, after the solids break down, they move from the tank to the leach field where they may end up clogging the disposal field.

Can I have a garbage disposal?

Yes, however precautions must be taken in the design to compensate for additional organic load. These precautions include items such as outlet filters that are located inside the septic tank or an extra septic tank.

Can I put laundry drain into a drywell?

The laundry drain can be separated into its own disposal field, but must meet the same criteria of a conventional system. A “drywell” is not a State approved alternative.

Can we add an extra bathroom to our dwelling?

Yes with proper permitting. The size of the system is based on the number of bedrooms, not bathrooms. So adding a bathroom does not require a septic design.

How long will it take the contractor to install the system?

Generally 2 to 5 days, depending on weather conditions, scheduled delivery of system components and Code Enforcement Officer’s Inspections.

Residential
30,000+ individual residential systems

Commercial
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Inn By The Sea, Backyard Farms, Central Maine Power, Sugarloaf/USA, Florida Light & Power, Point Sebago, Tom’s of Maine, Funtown USA, Maine Wild Blueberry Company, Endless Energy, P & K Excavating, Maine Yankee, First Wind, Liberty Group, Hannaford, Pineland, MBNA, Cook's Lobster House, Bentley's Saloon & Campground, Bayley's Camping Resort, VIP Autoparts, Dunkin Donuts, Rite Aid, Portland International Jetport

Municipal
Town of Falmouth, Town of Brownfield, Town of Harpswell, Town of Fryeburg, Town of Long Island, Town of Lubec, City of Eastport, City of Portland, Town of Tisbury, Massachusetts, Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe, Town of Lovell, Town of Cornish, Town of Bridgton, Town of Wells, Town of Windham, Town of West Bath, Town of Yarmouth, Town of Rangeley, Town of Cape Elizabeth, Town of Kennebunk

State
Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, State Planning Office, Maine Department of Environmental Health

Federal
United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, President George H.W. Bush, Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Service

Colleges & Schools
Bowdoin College, Colby College, Gorham High School, Saint Joseph's College, Noble High School, Cornell University, Elan School, Vasselboro Elementary School

Miscellaneous
Appalachian Mountain Club, Kennebago Camps, Gorham Trails, Pilgrim Lodge, Ram Island Farm, Habitat for Humanity, French's Camps, New England Music Camp, Sebago Homeowner's Association, Maine Audubon Society, Animal Welfare Society

Charities
Berry Memorial Library, Damariscotta River Association, Engineers Without Borders, Gorham Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, Maine Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy, Opportunity Alliance (n/f PROP), Portland Evergreen Cemetery, Save Sebago Cove, Rachel Carson, Camp Sunshine

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