Maine Subsurface Wastewater Unit
Maine Subsurface Wastewater Team
Maine is a predominantly rural state, and relies heavily on decentralized sewage disposal facilities for disposal of human waste, i.e., septic systems. The State of Maine has regulated septic systems since 1920, to varying degrees. Over the years, the Maine State Plumbing Code, Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules (Rules) in their various versions have been administered by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (MeCDC) and its predecessors.
The MeCDC has been and continues to be responsible for the Rules because they have historically been viewed as a public health code, rather than an environmental regulation.
The Subsurface Wastewater Team, within the MeCDC's Division of Environmental Health, Drinking Water Program promulgates and administers the Rules. Our mission is to minimize health and safety hazards associated with improperly installed subsurface waste water disposal systems.
What's New at the Subsurface Wastewater Team
On this page:
2013 Workshop Presentations
The PowerPoint presentations and video for the Beyond the Basics workshops are available for viewing and downloading on our training page.
05/17/13
Training Opportunites
The Maine Association of Professional Soil Scientists in conjunction with the Maine Association of Wetland Scientists, Maine Association of Site Evaluators and Soil Science Society of Northern New England is once again sponsoring a late summer workshop focusing on soils and natural resources. This year, the workshop will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Mt. Blue State Park in the western Maine town of Weld, from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm. For more information, contact David Rocque, State Soil Scientist (207-287-2666.
01/25/13
New HHE-240 Form
A revised, streamlined Septic System Inspection Report form (HHE-240) is now available. This form is offered as a suggested report format for use by Certified System Inspectors. The previous Excel spreadsheet report form is still available for those who prefer it.
HHE-240 Word format HHE-240 PDF format
02/07/13
Recently Approved Products
Stahlermatic/BSW
The Stahlermatic Biological Solution for Wastewater (BSW) STM 8 and AQUA percolation modules have been registered by Winkler Aqua-Service Ltd. They comprise a system with an advanced treatment unit utilizing both aerobic and anaerobic processes and a proprietary disposal area device, each rated at 72 square feet of effective disposal area and intended specifically for use with the Stahlermatic BSW STM 8. For more information view the Winkler Aqua-Service Ltd. web site.
11/27/12
Anua, Platinum Submerged Aerated Filter
The Anua Platinum Submerged Aerated Filter consists of a multiple compartment aerated treatment unit which includes media blocks to accommodate fixed film biota. The device can be configured with an integral lift station if necessary. Disposal areas may be separated vertically by 12 inches from limiting factors when the Platinum Submerged Aerated Filter is used.
09/05/12
Revised Registration, Puraflo Peat Fiber Biofilter
Puraflo Peat Fiber Biofilter systems may be installed 12 inches from the seasonal high groundwater table and bedrock, based upon NSF Standard 40 certification.
08/14/12
Update, White Knight Microbial Inoculator Generator
White Knight Microbial Inoculator Generator can now be used with systems that have experienced a hydraulic breakout, with conditions including pumping of the septic tank and disposal area and monitoring ponded conditions. The Local Plumbing Inspector may still order a system replaced if in her or his opinion the situation presents an immediate health threat.
07/10/12
Promiseland Manufacturing, LLC
The Poly Gravel Prefabricated Alternative Septic Drainfield System consists of polystyrene cubes encased in a plastic mesh cylinder. There are two variants: with and without a four inch diameter plastic perforated pipe in the center, installed in three foot wide trenches. Each trench would contain a central Poly Gravel cylinder with the integral central perforated pipe, with equally long cylinders without the integral pipe along both side of the central cylinder. The Poly Gravel system is rated at five square feet per linear foot, based upon effective side wall and bottom area.
03/15/12
