The state of Alaska is undeniably nestled among breathtaking landscapes and pristine wilderness and offers a unique lifestyle truly its own. However, due to the state’s unique characteristics, many areas in Alaska do not have a connected sewer infrastructure, which is especially true for rural and remote properties. This makes personal septic tanks the primary method for on-site wastewater management and disposal in Alaska, and there are regulations in place to ensure septic systems properly work for the owner and to protect the environment. This guide will look into the key Alaska septic tank requirements that Alaskan residents, contractors, and potential newcomers should know concerning new or replacement septic tank systems.
Alaska Septic Tank Regulations
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) is the primary governmental department that oversees Alaska septic tank regulations and permits. The ADEC enforces Chapter 18 AAC 72 of the Alaska Administrative Code (link to PDF on the page) which comprehensively outlines guidelines for wastewater septic systems. These regulations cover everything from system design and installation to maintenance and inspections.
Can I Install My Own Septic Tank in Alaska
Yes, you can install your own septic tank in Alaska, but there are some conditions. According to the guidelines set by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, homeowners can install their own septic systems but must comply with the Chapter 18 AAC 72 regulations and be what is known as an “approved homeowner“. An approved homeowner must:
- View a Homeowner Training lesson plan and pass a test.
- Send a copy of the Certification of Completion Letter from the test along with the required fee for the training; the training itself can cost $275.
- Evaluate on-site soil conditions within 25 feet of the intended septic installation site by hiring a professional engineer or sending soil samples to a registered engineer or soils lab for evaluation.
- Take photographs of the finished septic system installation, installed to code and compliance.
- Complete and submit a Documentation of Construction form within 90 days of project completion in order to verify ADEC compliance.
Note, this is an overview of the requirements for installing your own septic tank in Alaska and is provided for insight and reference. For the complete guidance, requirements, and to get started, see the info from the ADEC here.
Also note, often only conventional septic tank systems can be installed by the homeowner and alternative systems installed by “certified installers”. The process is a fair undertaking, therefore ensure you have a thorough understanding and confidence to meet the requirements prior to beginning.
Key Septic Tank Requirements
Permits
According to the Alaska Administrative Code, a person who intends to dispose of wastewater in the state, such as with a septic tank, must have a plan approved by and a permit obtained from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation department. This is mandatory for new installations, substantial modifications, and extensive repairs.
The permit application process can involve site and soil evaluations, system design and plans prepared by a registered engineer, and approval by the ADEC following a thorough review of all the necessary steps and requirements.
See the following for a list of permit categories for the ADEC including for on-site disposal systems, also known as septic tank systems.
Alaska Septic Tank Definitions
For the case of permits and rule documents, in the state of Alaska, septic tank systems are often referred to as an onsite disposal system, which is abbreviated OSDS. If guidance documents, rules, resources, permits, or other forms mention an OSDS, it also refers to a conventional septic tank system.
Alaska Septic Tank Fees
Several fees can be expected and will have to be paid in the process of planning, preparing, and installing a septic tank in Alaska. The primary fee is for the permit. The amount of the fee will depend on the size and type of the septic system and whether or not the plan must be reviewed by the ADEC. If you plan to install the septic system yourself as an approved homeowner, you will have to pay the fee for the installation permit as well as for the training.
At the time of this writing, the permit fee for a septic system up to 1,500 gallons per day of wastewater (0 to 10 bedroom home) with plan review costs $655. For a conventional or alternative septic system that does not require plan approval costs $115. See here for a list of ADEC wastewater permit fees.
There are several variables involved in whether a system requires plan review or not. These are outlined in 18 AAC 72.511 and 72.611 starting on page 41 of the document. The document is available on the ADEC’s website as a PDF for download. It appears a homeowner can qualify for a permit, and therefore permit fee of a plan that does not require approval if they become an approved homeowner as outlined in the five (5) steps in the section above on can I install my own septic tank in Alaska.
System Design
The parameters of the septic system design must meet set requirements based on factors like soil type, permafrost conditions, household size, and associated wastewater flow. Local soil conditions are the leading reason why an alternative septic system may be needed, otherwise a conventional septic tank system is recommended, is the most common system type, and is suitable in most cases.
Conventional septic systems typically consist of the septic tank and its parts, the drainage field and its parts, and the plumbing that connects the building to the septic system. For more on septic tank components and system types, see our post on 5 Types of Septic Tank Systems.
As far as septic tank types, we recommend polyethylene septic tanks as they are lighter in weight, easier to move, easier to install, harder to break, have no corrosion concerns, and often cheaper compared to concrete septic tanks.
The ADEC regulations may detail minimum tank capacities, drain field sizing and types (conventional, alternative), and the required setback distances from wells, structures, and property lines. This information is often specific to the property and system. The ADEC recommends hiring a professional engineer to oversee septic system design and construction to ensure compliance and functionality.
Installation
Only ADEC-certified installers can perform the physical construction and installation of the septic tank system. This does include an approved homeowner who has gone through all the necessary requirements. Certified installers will include professional building contractors in the state. All installers must adhere to the approved design plans, follow best practices for construction and system materials, and also consider permafrost conditions and potential earthquake risks.
In general, installation will involve:
- Marking out the dig and installation site for the septic tank, leach field, and plumbing.
- Digging to the proper depth with machinery.
- Preparing the dig spots: sand, gravel, etc.
- Placing and installing the tank and leach field components.
- Connecting plumbing.
- Burial of the septic system.
For more on septic tank systems, their components, and installation, see this resource from the Ohio State Department of Health.
Maintenance and Inspections
Periodic inspections by ADEC personnel may be conducted to ensure the septic system is still compliant with regulations. Homeowners may also hire licensed professionals to perform a septic inspection to check the health of the system and identify any potential issues.
Septic tank maintenance typically involves having the tank pumped to remove sludge and scum levels built up in the tank over time. Septic pumping is recommended every 3 to 5 years and will depend on how effective the system is, the amount of use, and the type of system.
If an effluent filter is being used, it should be checked and cleaned, perhaps annually, to remove anything blocking it that may keep the system from working optimally.
Alternative Systems
In areas with significant permafrost, a conventional septic system may not be suitable. The ADEC approves alternative wastewater systems such as mound systems, evapotranspiration systems, and composting toilets for specific situations.
Financial Assistance
The state of Alaska is one of the thirteen service states for the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC). The RCAC provides grants and low-interest loans to qualifying residents to assist in the purchase and installation of a new well or septic tank system.
Penalties and Violations
Installing a septic system that is non-compliant with ADEC regulations can result in penalties associated with an inspection and the need to perform any repairs if necessary.
Takeaway
In Alaska State, both residential and commercial property owners are responsible for the operation and maintenance of their septic systems. This includes regular pumping, ensuring proper operation, any cleaning, and not disposing of unapproved materials into the system. For installation, septic tanks can be DIY self-installed by an approved homeowner, but professional installation is recommended.
Managing wastewater correctly is not just a matter of compliance but a commitment to health and the environment. While ADEC rules and regulations may seem daunting at first, with some patience and commitment, they become fairly straightforward.
If you need more information or assistance with the overall permit application and installation process, do not hesitate to contact the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
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Additional Resources
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
- ADEC Permit Fees
- ADEC Wastewater Discharge Permits
- ADEC Septic Tank Technical Guidance (PDF)
- RCAC Financial Assistance Programs
Disclaimer: This guide is intended to provide general information and expectations around the installation and requirements of a septic tank and system in the state of Alaska and is not intended to substitute for professional advice or consultation from state departments or licensed professionals. The information provided is current and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of this writing. For specific advice on your individual situation, please consult with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Water Division or a licensed septic tank professional.