By Laurel Smith The Garden Island | Tuesday, September 21, 2021, 12:05 a.m. LIHU’E — Converting a cesspool to a septic tank can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000. A new bill introduced by the Kaua’i County Council seeks to absorb those costs for homeowners.
hawaiilife.com
- How Much Does It Cost To Convert A Cesspool To A Septic System In Hawaii? Cost of converting a cesspool or connecting an old septic system varies from $8,000 to $20,000 per household, depending on the size, location, and condition of the property. What Is The Most Expensive Part Of A Septic System?
How much does it cost to convert a cesspool to a septic tank in Hawaii?
New septic systems cost between $8,000- $20,000 per household based on property size and location for cesspool conversion or connection.
How much does it cost to convert a cesspool to a septic system?
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Cesspool with a Septic Tank? Depending on the size of your home and the number of people living in it, a septic tank replacement can run you anywhere between $4,000 to $6,000 or more for a larger home.
How much does it cost to install a septic tank in Hawaii?
“The cost of a septic system in Hawaii is in the range of $20,000 to $30,000,” the letter reads. “The cost of a cesspool is in the range of $2,000-$3,000.
Are septic tanks legal in Hawaii?
In 2016, the Hawaii State Legislature approved a tax credit to retrofit cesspools to septic systems in certain critical areas. You may qualify. Since 1992, it has been illegal to construct a home in Maui using a cesspool, except in the Ulupalakua area. Septic systems were required starting in 1992.
What’s the difference between a cesspool and a septic tank?
A septic tank allows wastewater to flow into a leach field where it undergoes a filtration process. In contrast, a cesspool is a pit lined with cement or stone which lacks the ability to filter the waste, eventually contaminating the surrounding soil.
What is the cesspool tax credit in Hawaii?
What is Act 120? Act 120 provides a temporary income tax credit for the cost of upgrading or converting a qualified cesspool to a septic tank system or an aerobic treatment unit system, or connecting to a sewer system. A taxpayer may apply for a tax credit of up to $10,000 for each qualified cesspool.
How much does it cost to replace a cesspool?
On average, the cost of installing a new septic tank system is $3,900. The price ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 for a typical 1,250-gallon tank, which is an ideal size for a three- or four-bedroom home. This cost is inclusive of the tank itself, which costs $600 to $2,100 or more, depending on the type.
Are cesspool covered under homeowners insurance?
Yes, your septic tank is considered part of your home and would be covered by the dwelling coverage portion of your home insurance in the event that it is suddenly damaged.
What is the alternative to a septic tank?
Mound systems work well as alternatives to septic tanks when the soil around your home or building is too dense or too shallow or when the water table is too high. Although they are more expensive and require more maintenance than conventional systems, mound systems are a common alternative.
How much is a septic tank Oahu?
The average cost of a septic system starts at approximately $25,000. That includes percolation test, engineering, and installation.
Is a cesspool legal in Hawaii?
The Hawaii State Department of Health (HDOH) Wastewater Branch oversees and permits all onsite wastewater systems, including cesspools. HDOH regulations require that cesspools of any size be upgraded, converted, or closed by January 1, 2050.
Does cesspool have leach field?
In a septic tank, the wastewater travels to a leach field where it undergoes a filtration process. A cesspool lacks this feature, and the wastewater eventually contaminates the surrounding soil.
What can I do with an old cesspool?
The Old Tank Is Crushed and Buried or Removed If it is made of steel, it will probably be crushed in place and buried. If it is made of concrete, the bottom or sides may be broken apart so the tank can no longer hold water, and then the tank can be filled with sand, gravel, or some other type of rubble and buried.
WASTEWATER FAQS
GET IN TOUCH WITH: Lori Vetterphone: 241-3321 QUESTIONS THAT ARE REGULARLY ASKED:1. When is it necessary to update my cesspool? By the year 2050, all cesspools in the state will be required to be updated. The Department of Health and Human Services (DOH) requires upgrades from cesspools in the following situations:
- In the last 12 months, your cesspool has been pumped more than twice and/or has spilled more than once. You have submitted an application for a building alteration to allow for the addition of an enclosed space, such as a bedroom or an ADU. You are converting the use of your property, for example, from residential to commercial
- And Because your cesspool spills into groundwater, you are asking to have your structure modified (for example: adding a garage, lanai, or bathroom).
- Is my cesspool a source of groundwater contamination? Wailua is most likely to occur
- Kekaha is most likely to occur
- Hanaleibeyond is most likely to occur
- Kilauea is most likely to occur. Koloa is the most likely candidate. It’s possible in Lihue
- It’s unlikely in Upper Kapaa. Kapaa town is a possibility
- Kalaheo seems unlikely. Please contact the Department of Health and Human Services (DOH) with the TMK for a more precise answer on your unique property. Do not call or send an e-mail until you have it. This is a very busy workplace, and requests that are not comprehensive will be disregarded. If the TMK is not known, an address can be used instead. The advice you receive will be based on YOUR description of your project. All advise is non-binding because it is through the building permitting process that the Department of Health and Human Services will determine if an improvement is necessary. Owners may add to or amend the scope of the mentioned task as laws and regulations change on a regular basis. Is it possible to find out whether or not the Department of Health accepted my building permit? You may access it through Kauai County’s click2gov website. After you’ve entered your permit number, go to the following page: plan tracking status. If you see CMP without an application line beneath it, it means that it has been authorized by the department. If you see ZZ-Applicant Health, it signifies that you have received a letter from the Department of Health and that you must comply with the requirements outlined in the letter. You may also see DOH comments by selecting DEPT. of Health – State from the drop-down menu. Additionally, you can contact DOH at 241-3321, providing your permit number and/or TMK, and we would be happy to assist you. 3.How can I submit an application for the installation of a septic system? It will be necessary for you to engage a skilled civil engineer to create your blueprints. He or she will visit with you and conduct a percolation test on your property in order to evaluate the kind of soil and permeability present. He or she will want a copy of your plot plan as well as your planned floor layouts. When your engineer submits the plans to the Department of Health, he or she will be required to pay a $100 review fee to the state of Hawaii. Please contact the Department of Health and Human Services for a list of engineers. 4.How often should I pump the septic tank at my home or business? The Department of Health and Human Services recommends every 3-5 years. If the residence has a large number of residents or is a rental, this will occur more frequently. The Department of Health and Human Services requires that you examine your tank once a year. Please keep thorough records, since you will be required to provide them if you come in for a permitting inspection. Septic tanks must be pumped at some point in their lives. Solids exiting the tank will cause extensive damage to your system, which will be extremely expensive to fix. 5.How do I know when it’s time to pump my septic tank? When the container is completely full. Many don’t require pumping at all, but if the water level is within 2 feet of the top of the cover, it is necessary to pump. Slow-draining water in your tubs, sinks, and toilets is a sign that your cesspool is overloaded. The presence of foul aromas around the cesspool indicates that the cesspool is overflowing. Standing water anywhere near the cesspool after it has been dry for an extended period of time indicates a full cesspool. Leaving your cesspool consistently filled will cause the soil under the concrete cover to deteriorate, resulting in the lid collapsing. What is the best way to determine the location of my cesspool or septic system? Fill out the Request for Cesspool/Septic Tank Public Records – Kauaiform and send it to the Department of Health and Human Services. To scan or photograph something, use the words “scan” or “photo.” It is likely that you will receive a copy of your ‘cesspool card’ or your septic as-built drawing in the mail. Many of these have been scanned in and may be emailed to you directly from the website. If the Department of Health and Human Services does not have any records, you will need to hire a plumber to locate it. Seventh, why has my septic system not been certified for use by the Department of Health, despite the fact that I have gotten a CO (certificate of occupancy) from the County of Kauai? The Department of Health (DOH) is a state entity, and the septic system permitting procedure is distinct from the County of Kauai building inspection process. Prior to back-filling your septic system, your septic engineer must do a final examination of it and submit the necessary papers to the Department of Health and Human Services. As the property owner and the one who hired the engineer, you are responsible for the engineer’s work. 8.Why does the Department of Health and Human Services have no record of my cesspool? Property owners were obliged to contact the Department of Health and Human Services (DOH) for an inspection following the construction of the cesspool. Many people did not comply. 9.I’m in the process of selling my home. Is it necessary for me to improve my cesspool? Unfortunately, not at this time. 10.I have two residences that share a cesspool. Is it necessary for me to improve my cesspool? Yes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prohibited this technique in 2005. Your cesspool would be classified as a high capacity cesspool by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and would have been needed to be renovated in 2005 if it was not already. In the case of the cesspool, there was no ‘grandfathering’ in effect. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a government agency with its own enforcement. It is not handled by the Department of Health and Human Services. If a homeowner decides to upgrade from a cesspool, are there any tax credits or grant money available? a. Until 2020, a tax credit of up to $10,000 is provided for properties located within 500 feet of a stream or the ocean, or within 500 feet of a public well. You can submit an application through our website. b. The Department of Health and Human Services (DOH) occasionally makes grant money available to certain environmental organisations that manage them. Hanalei will receive a matching grant in 2017 through the Hanalei Watershed Hui, which is a Hawaiian tradition. For further information, please get in touch with them directly. If your environmental organization is interested in assisting Kauai with a project of this nature, please contact us at the Department of Health. 12.Under what legislation does the Wastewater Branch operate? Chapter 11-62, Hawaii Administrative Rules, was amended on March 21, 2016, and is now in effect. 13.Can you tell me where your office is located? Department of Health3040 Umi StreetLihue, HI 96766 Department of Health Environmental Health is located on the second floor! If you require it, we have an elevator available. 14.May you tell me where I can learn more about septic systems and how to examine my own system? You may learn more about septic systems by watching this excellent video. The video is available on YouTube under the categories Septics 101 and Septics 201 and demonstrates how to check it. 15.Where can I find out more about the laws governing wastewater from the Department of Health? Please visit ourHawaii Wastewater Branchwebsite for more information. Our regulations and paperwork may be downloaded by clicking on the Downloads link.
Department of Health Proposed Cesspool Rules on Kauai
On Kauai, the Department of Health (DOH) is proposing new cesspool regulations for both residences and commercial establishments. These would be the rules:
- Households and businesses on Kauai may be subject to new cesspool regulations proposed by the state Department of Health (DOH). The following are the rules:
The cost of installing a new septic system is around $15,000. The majority of purchasers do not have $15,000 to invest on a new septic system. These limitations may have a particularly negative impact on buyers who use USDA, VA, or FHA financing. Sellers who have cesspools will be impacted as well. Due to the high expense of the septic system, some buyers may pass on the property. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, there are 14,000 cesspools on Kauai. It was also reported in the Garden Island Newspaper that out of the 156 properties that sold this year for less than $500,000, 95 of those residences were equipped with a cesspool.
- In my perspective, the second regulation appears to be overly strict.
- On the Hawaiian island of Kauai, a public hearing was conducted at the Kauai District Health Office on October 6, 2014.
- Now, the Department of Health and Human Services is mandating cesspools to be converted to septic systems if they are located near public drinking water wells or within 750 feet of a coastline, stream, or wetland (proposed rules no timeline yet).
- The Department of Health and Human Services will provide grants to individuals who qualify to construct a septic system, as well as 2 percent interest loans for those who live in higher-income households.
- 2017 (updated on December 20th, 2017): three years on The planned guidelines from the State Department of Health, which would have made it required to convert a cesspool to a septic system 180 days after a property was sold, did not become law.
- You may see my synopsis of the most recent story on this issue that was published in the Garden Island Newspaper here.
Hawaii State Department of Health Cesspool Conversion Push
Jessica Else wrote a piece for the Garden Island Newspaper on the States Cesspool controversy, which was recently published. This problem was covered in detail in a blog post I wrote in 2014, explaining why the state is pressing for the conversion of a cesspool to either a septic system, anaerobic treatment (?) system, or the connection to a public sewage system. Please accept our thanks for keeping us up to speed on this subject, Jessicathe Garden Island! In this case, the reason for the drive is because cesspools are holes in the earth where sewage spills into the ground, polluting our drinking water as well as our seas, damaging coral reef life in areas where cesspools are close to the ocean or rivers.
In the Kapaa/Wailua area, about 2,900 cesspools need to be replaced, in Poipu/Koloa 3,600 cesspools need to be rebuilt, and in Hanalei 270 cesspools need to be replaced.
When I took a quick check at their website, it appeared to be just for those on the top of the priority list: I believe that connecting to sewer is the greatest alternative for waste disposal over cesspool and septic systems. For a variety of causes. Benefits:
- The sewage plant, which processes waste water, is the healthiest option. Due to the fact that you are linked to a sewer, you will not have to worry about how many times you may flush the toilet. Alternatively, it may be overflowing. Construction- It will not prevent you from building on your land. It is possible to develop a property to its maximum zoning potential without having to worry about being constrained by the number of septic tanks that may be installed on the land.
Disadvantages:
- There is a monthly cost for this service. When compared to needing to replace or pump their system on a whim, most consumers can afford $40 a month rather than a considerably larger monthly charge.
On Kauai, there aren’t many residential areas that are connected to the sewage system. Hanamaulu, Molokoa, Puhi, Eleele Nani, Hanapepe Heights, Kekaha, and Waimea are just a few of the neighborhoods in Lihue. The fact that the majority of Waimea to Kekaha is on sewage is surprising to me, considering that the United States Postal Service won’t even travel that far out. There are no mailboxes in any of the residences from Eleele to Kekaha; instead, if you wish to receive mail, you must use a PO Box.
- Septic tanks are being installed at the Kawaihau Sports Villasa condominium development in Kapaa, which was formerly served by cesspools.
- I am aware that they would have wanted to be linked to the sewage system rather than having to establish numerous septic systems.
- “The Legislature’s 2016 objective of removing all cesspools nationwide by 2050 is an indicator of the state’s willingness to shift toward different methods of waste treatment,” according to an article published today in Maka ala Ka aumoana.
- The cost of a septic system is around $15,000, assuming that the homeowner would not require a customized septic system owing to proximity to water, having a short lot size, or other factors.
- Although none of the town’s subdivisions are linked to sewage, the majority of Kapaa town is.
- It would cost around $4.5 million to convert all 300 homes to septic systems.
- Is it possible that the cost of connecting a sewer will exceed $4.5 million?
- These are the kinds of answers I’m interested in finding out.
- When I was in Sydney, Australia, a month ago, my friends and I went on the Sydney Harbor Bridge climb, which I strongly suggest.
- On the bridge, there are a slew of intriguing information to discover.
- Honolulu has a population of around 400,000 people at the present time.
What this has gotten me wondering about is whether we should be thinking about the next 30 years till 2050, or if we should be thinking about the next 80 years starting now! Stunningly gorgeous, indeed We went on the 5 p.m. tour and it was beautiful.
Cesspools in Hawaii
On this page you will find: Contact Region 9 Large-Capacity Cesspool CoordinatorKate Rao([email protected])(415) 972-3533EPA Region 9 WTR-4-275 Hawthorne StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105Toll-free at (800) 672-3533EPA Region 9 WTR-4-275 Hawthorne StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105EPA Region 9 WTR-4-275 Hawthorne StreetSan Francisco, CA (866) Phone: (866) 372-9378, EPA-WEST Suggestions and Complaints If you have a tip or complaint about a large-capacity cesspool, you can contact the Tip and Complaint Hotline at (415) 947-4510 or the Environmental Violations Reporting Center.
- This page contains the following information: Contact KATE RAO ([email protected])EPA Region 9 WTR-4-275 Hawthorne StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105(415) 972-3533EPA Region 9 WTR-4-275 Hawthorne StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105(415) 972-3533Toll-free at (800) 427-7272EPA Region 9 WTR-4-275 Hawthorne StreetSan Francisco, CA 94 (866) (866) 372-9378, EPA-WEST Complaints and suggestions are welcomed. Tip & Complaint Hotline at (415) 947-4510 or Report Environmental Violations are also excellent resources for reporting large-capacity cesspool-related issues.
Background
Cesspools are utilized for the disposal of untreated sanitary waste across the state of Hawaii. Using a cesspool to dispose of raw, untreated sewage has the potential to pollute oceans, streams, and groundwater by releasing bacteria that cause illness and nitrates. If pathogens detected in untreated sewage end up polluting drinking water or swimming pools, they can have a negative influence on human health. Nitrates have the potential to harm both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including coral reefs.
The majority of cesspools in Hawaii serve only single-family dwellings and are not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
There is no provision in the regulations for a waiver or extension of the deadline.
Region 9 UIC Inventory Form
Cesspools with a big capacity are called Underground Injection Control (UIC) wells, and the owners and operators of cesspools with a significant capacity are required to provide inventory information to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This online form or downloadForm 7520-16: Inventory of Injection Wellsand mail it to the R9 LCC Coordinator are both acceptable options. Please do not hesitate to contact the R9 LCC Coordinator if you require assistance in submitting inventory information.
Properly Abandon and Close a Large-Capacity Cesspool
All owners and operators of large-capacity cesspools must appropriately abandon and shut these facilities (s). It is recommended that you contact the Hawaii State Department of Health (HDOH) Wastewater Branch (see’State Resources ‘, above) for information on how to replace your large-capacity cesspool with a State-approved wastewater system. You must submit a Backfilling Final Completion Report that has been completed and signed in order to confirm the correct closure of a large-capacity cesspool that receives 1,000 gallons per day (gpd) or less.
All paperwork proving the abandonment and closure of large-capacity cesspools should be provided to the EPA Region 9’s Large-Capacity Cesspool Coordinator at the same time.
Hawaii State Department of Health (HDOH) Wastewater Branch
On the island of Hawaii, there are roughly 88,000 cesspools, the most of which are small-capacity cesspools. Cesspool owners and operators are required to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. TheHDOH Wastewater Branch is responsible for overseeing and issuing licenses for all onsite wastewater systems, including cesspools and septic tanks. Cesspools of any size are required to be improved, transformed, or closed by January 1, 2050, according to HDOH rules.
Enforcement and Compliance
In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act’s UIC requirements, the Environmental Protection Agency’s enforcement actions are meant to investigate and prosecute charges against persons or facilities who are found to be in breach of the laws. If a regulated entity is determined to be in violation, it may be subject to an enforcement action as well as fines. When an owner or operator of a large-capacity cesspool fails to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to issue administrative orders requiring compliance and assessing an administrative civil penalty of up to $23,607 for each day of violation, with a maximum penalty of $295,088, against the owner or operator of the cesspool.
These enforcement measures have resulted in the imposition of fines and the closure of about 1,138 large-capacity cesspools around the state.
Under the Self-Disclosed Violations Policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, the agency is ready to defer enforcement proceedings and fines in order to encourage owners and operators to voluntarily identify, quickly disclose, and swiftly close large-capacity cesspools.
EPA orders the closure of cesspool in Kauai to protect water resources
The following date is scheduled for immediate release: December 16, 2020 Alejandro Diaz, 808-541-2711, [email protected], is the media contact for this story. The Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the closure of a cesspool on Kauai in order to safeguard water supplies. HONOLULU- An enforcement action against Smoky Mountain Helicopters, Inc. (dba Maverick Helicopter) has been filed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which seeks to shut down a large capacity cesspool (LCC) and collect a $45,000 penalties.
Environmental Protection Agency Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud stated that “island water supplies are vulnerable to contamination from big capacity cesspools.” “EPA will continue its attempts to shut the remaining similar systems on Kauai,” said the agency’s spokesperson.
- The cesspool, which was run by Smoky Mountain Helicopters and served the bathroom in the airport’s maintenance hangar, was maintained by the company.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to issue compliance orders and/or assess penalties to anyone who violate the LCC provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
- Information on how to self-disclose probable large-capacity cesspool infractions may be found at the following website:.
- They collect and release untreated raw sewage into the ground, where germs that cause illness as well as toxic chemicals can contaminate groundwater, streams, and the ocean.
- After passing Act 125 in 2017, the state of Hawaii set a goal for 2050 for the total replacement of all cesspools in the state.
- A state income tax credit is given for the conversion of qualifying cesspools to a septic system or aerobic treatment unit, as well as for the connection of qualified cesspools to a sewer system.
- For further information on the LCC prohibition and the definition of a large-capacity cesspool, please see the following links: Visit the following website for additional information on cesspools in Hawaii:.
Please see the following websites for further information about this agreement:. Learn more about the Environmental Protection Agency’s Pacific Southwest Region. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date.
ATUs
Wastewater (sewage) is produced by a variety of daily activities such as washing clothing and dishes, making meals, having a bath or shower, cleaning our hands, and going to the toilet, among other things. But where does it go after that? We seldom pause to consider where our wastewater ends up when it leaves our homes. Cesspools and septic tanks are the two most common “destinations” in Hawai’i, with Cesspools being the more common of the two. Cesspools are rotting pits of raw human excrement located beneath the earth.
This untreated sewage is released straight into the earth, polluting our oceans and streams, ruining our coral reefs, and exposing our people to disease-causing germs and nitrates as a result of the pollution.
Septic tank-soil absorption systems are the most extensively utilized type of on-site home waste disposal in the United States today.
Although they have been widely used in inappropriate conditions (areas prone to flooding and/or sea level rise), they have also showed a significant danger of pollution of ground and surface waters as a result of their extensive usage.
Q.Is there a Viable solution for Hawai’i?
A. Yes, we believe that is the case. Take a look at the Anaerobic Treatment Unit.
What is an Aerobic Treament Unit?
For growth, the ATU employs a technique known as suspended growth, which takes place in two separate compartments: When air is pumped into and mixed with wastewater, it creates an environment in which bacteria may freely move about and develop while they digest the sediments. This is the Aeration Chamber (suspended growth). The Second Chamber is where solids that the bacteria are unable to metabolize are able to settle and get trapped. Due to the fact that the two chambers are linked, any undigested solids can be returned to the aeration chamber, either by gravity or by means of a pump.
Benefits from using ATU’s
For growth, the ATU employs a procedure known as suspended growth, which is divided into two sections: When air is pumped into and mixed with wastewater, it creates an environment in which bacteria may freely move about and develop as they digest the sediments. The Aeration Chamber is where this happens (suspended growth). The Second Chamber is where substances that are indigestible by the bacteria are accumulated.
Because the two chambers are linked, any undigested solids can be returned to the aeration chamber, either by gravity or by a pump, depending on the situation. In order for the system to function properly, this process of return and mixing must occur.
Cesspool Upgrade Income Tax Credit
Act 120, affectionately known as theCesspool Tax Credit, was passed by the state legislature of Hawaii in June of 2015. According to Act 120, taxpayers can claim a temporary income tax credit for the cost of upgrading or converting an eligible cesspool to a septic tank or an aerobic treatment unit system, as well as the cost of connecting the cesspool to an existing sewage system. According to the State’s Wastewater Branch, a taxpayer may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $10,000 for each qualifying cesspool that they own or operate.
ATUINSTALLATION
If you are ready to make the switch to a more effective, environmentally friendly alternative to a conventional septic system, PAL can assist you in getting started.
Cesspool conversion to Septic (Hilo, Pahoa: credit, how much, house) – Big Island – Hawaii (HI) -The Island of Hawaii
Please registerto participate in our discussions with 2 million other members – it’s free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After youcreate your account, you’ll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.| Location: hi-low31 posts, read78,197timesReputation: 17 |
| Has anyone converted their cesspool into a septic system? If so how much did it cost and who do you even call to get this done?I’m buying a family house that has a cesspool.Since House Bill 1244 was passed by the legislature (not sure if the Governor signed off on it?) stating that all private home cesspool systems must be converted to septic by 2050, I was wondering if anyone has already done this?What kind of cost am I looking at here? Were there any kinds of complications that arose?We were planning on possibly building a small unit on the property, but in order to get it permitted we would have to convert. |
| Location: Kahala11,456 posts, read15,326,823timesReputation: 5710 |
| I don’t know what it costs, but you might be able to get a $10,000 tax credit to convert it.Tax breaks coming for cesspool conversion | Hawaii Tribune-HeraldThis story suggests $10,000 to installBill spells end to cesspools: Upgrade, conversion required by 2050 | Hawaii Tribune-Herald“It’s a lot more expensive work than a cesspool,” said Jay Walker, owner of J Walker Excavating, serving Pahoa and Hilo. A cesspool costs about $5,000-$7,000 to install, he said, whereas a septic system runs $8,000-$10,000, plus the cost of pumping the septic system out every so often. |
| Location: hi-low31 posts, read78,197timesReputation: 17 |
| Quote:Originally Posted bywhtviper1I don’t know what it costs, but you might be able to get a $10,000 tax credit to convert it.Tax breaks coming for cesspool conversion | Hawaii Tribune-HeraldThis story suggests $10,000 to installBill spells end to cesspools: Upgrade, conversion required by 2050 | Hawaii Tribune-Herald“It’s a lot more expensive work than a cesspool,” said Jay Walker, owner of J Walker Excavating, serving Pahoa and Hilo. A cesspool costs about $5,000-$7,000 to install, he said, whereas a septic system runs $8,000-$10,000, plus the cost of pumping the septic system out every so often.Thanks! Sorry, I should’ve mentioned that I read that same article in the Tribune Herald, but I wanted to see if anyone actually did it and what kinds of costs they came upon.I feel like the contractor in that second article is talking about installing a septic system for new construction.My situation would be for a conversion.
Last edited by Tamianles808; 07-10-2017 at01:39 PM. |
| Location: Na’alehu Hawaii/Buena Vista Colorado5,407 posts, read11,318,432timesReputation: 5886 |
| As far as I can tell, this Bill was sent to the Governor on May 3, 2017 but hasn’t been signed into law yet.I’m just curious as to why you’d want to do this conversion now when it (apparently) won’t be required to be done for another 33 years. |
| Location: Kahala11,456 posts, read15,326,823timesReputation: 5710 |
| Quote:Originally Posted byDreaming of HawaiiI’m just curious as to why you’d want to do this conversion now when it (apparently) won’t be required to be done for another 33 years.Check the last sentence of her original post.I’ve also got to think it helps with resale value. |
| Location: Moku Nui, Hawaii10,910 posts, read21,780,521timesReputation: 10599 |
| Yup, when building new, it has to be a septic system now.Frequently, any major additions require that the structure be brought up to current code.There’s also restrictions as to how many bedrooms per septic system (they don’t count bathrooms, just bedrooms) (and I think it’s five per the larger sized system) and how many septic systems can be installed in each lot depending on lot size. |
| Location: Austin, TX / Pahoa, HI97 posts, read116,470timesReputation: 184 |
| Hi tam,I am in the process of doing this right now (currently waiting on final permits but have all bids and vendors lined up). The cost varies by type of system and location but can be anywhere from 10-20K.Process I have gone through so far:1. Engaged engineer to have the plans drawn up and submit for the permits (depending on the specifics of your site, you may be required to get an aerobic system which is more costly) – we worked with Paul Nash @ Atlas Engineering – he’s great!2. Provide plans to vendors to get bids for installation (make sure when you get your bids and permits that you take into consideration any additional electrical and plumbing needs as well) – The county actually has a list of licensed septic installation vendors they can provide – they don’t review or make recommendations but do have a list.3. Get bids, make vendor selection4. Wait for permits (again, depending on your site, the permitting process may have additional requirements – I am in a special management area and had to request a variance from the wastewater dept, do a public notice, etc.)Still to be done:5. Once permits are final, schedule the actual install including plumbing and electrical connection 6. Engineer and county perform final inspectionsDue to site complications, mine is ending up on the very high-end – luckily, I do qualify for the tax credit!I believe the tax credit is only available through 2020 and applies if you are (1) Located within two hundred feet of a shoreline, perennial stream, or wetland;source water assessment program area (two year time of travel) from a cesspool to a public drinking water source); or (2) A residential large capacity cesspool.There is a process to confirm if you qualify that we just did as well. It was pretty easy so if anyone has questions about that, I can share some additional info.We started the process in January and our current ETA is end of September for completion. If we hadn’t needed the variance, it would have been done by now.Feel free to reply or DM me if you have any more specific questions.T |
| Location: Middle of the Pacific468 posts, read517,709timesReputation: 459 |
| I did a conversion 14 years ago on Kauai, cost close to $15k for design and engineering, installation.I highly recommend going with a concrete septic tank, or heavy duty fiberglass tank. Stay away from the polyethylene plastic tanks, they’re junk imo. |
| Location: Pahoa Hawaii2,082 posts, read5,198,903timesReputation: 2813 |
| Get the biggest, (5 bedroom) tank you can get, they are not much more than a 2 bedroom model and give you much more options to add more bedrooms or a possible Ohana or second unit. |
| Location: Puna, Hawaii3,226 posts, read3,281,015timesReputation: 5498 |
| This hasn’t come out in the wash yet, so I wouldn’t place wagers yet. |
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What is a Cesspool vs a Septic System in Hawaii?
Numerous clients, both buyers and sellers, have approached me for assistance in explaining the distinctions between two of the most popular waste management systems in Hawaii, namely cesspools and septic systems. I am happy to oblige. Just to put it bluntly, I loathe cessespools and they have cost me a lot of money throughout the course of my real estate profession and as the owner of numerous Hawaii homes over the previous three decades.
The Benefits of a Septic System
Numerous clients, both buyers and sellers, have approached me for assistance in understanding the distinctions between two of the most popular waste management systems in Hawaii, namely cesspools and septic systems. I am happy to oblige. Just to put it bluntly, I loathe cessespools and they have cost me a lot of money throughout the course of my real estate profession and as the owner of numerous Hawaii homes over the previous thirty years.
How to Find a Cesspool in Your Yard
A cesspool is just a large pit from 12 to 20 feet deep, usually without any liner, with a concrete cover on top and a pumping port on the side of the hole. By its very nature, the system is anaerobic, and garbage decomposes at a glacial pace. Here are some fundamentals: 1.First and foremost, ensure that the house was constructed prior to 1993. If it is, it is most likely equipped with a cesspool rather than a septic system. 2.Identify which side of the house it is located on. Cesspools are required to be positioned at least 10 feet away from the exterior wall of the home, according to the regulation.
- The cesspool is located on the other side of the home from the kitchen.
- Check the outside of the house for a clean out that a plumber may use to clear out a clogged drain pipe.
- 3.Finally, inquire with the current owner or tenant about if they have ever noticed a brown circle in the yard when it has not been raining heavily.
- If they have a general notion of where the cesspool is, take a hollow tile block (preferably a large, hefty one) and raise it far above the ground before dropping it.
If you are walking over dirt, it will just “thud.” The pumping port, or “cork,” as I like to call it, is often located in the center of the concrete. It might be difficult to locate a cesspool, but there are certain indications to look for to help you.
Still Can’t Find It?
In most cases, plumbers can locate cesspools like these, or cesspool pumping businesses can perform the necessary work. When I accept listings for the rural homes that I sell, I find myself doing this very frequently. When I am unable to locate the cesspool or pumping port, I request that the property owner pay for a camera examination by a plumber. Their procedure involves running a camera down the clean out with a radio locater that indicates where the camera is located. At the very least, you’ll know where to start digging when they locate the cesspool.
DiagnosingTroubleshooting Cesspools
As soon as you have located the cesspool, look for the cork in the cap and pull it open to examine how high the water is rising. The difficulty occurs if it is within 4 feet of the top of the structure. You may treat a high cesspool with Sodium Hydroxide, which can be purchased in barrels from Brewer Environmental in Wailuku or at various fertilizer stores across Hawaii, and the water level will normally decrease; nevertheless, you must be vigilant in keeping them under control. Please keep in mind that if you have a house and a cottage that are connected to a single cesspool, the owner is in breach of Federal “big capacity cesspool” regulations.
When you have to pump a cesspool more than twice a year, the State Department of Health in Hawaii considers the system to be a failed cesspool, and they will require you to replace the system with a modern septic system.
Read on to learn about a few cesspool problems that may occur in the worst-case situation.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are considering acquiring a property in Hawaii that was built prior to 1993 and does not have a sewer bill, you should proceed with caution. If your cesspool fails within two weeks of closing, you might be looking at a $15,000 charge to replace it with a whole new septic system. I’m aware of the situation. I’ve been there myself. Tracy Stice, R(B)[email protected], the man who has seen it all in the world of Hawaii real estate, wishes you a warm welcome. 808.281.5411 To get email updates from Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers » Tracy Stice, enter your your address in the box below.
On July 30, 2014, in Hawaii, Big Island,Buyers,Education,First Time Buyers,Hawaii,Kauai,Lanai,Lifestyle,Maui,Molokai,Oahu,Tips,Waikiki,Waikiki Beach,Waikiki Beach,Waikiki Beach,Waikiki Beach,Waikiki Beach,Waikiki Beach,Waikiki Beach,Waikiki Beach
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In order to assist households in replacing cesspools and septic systems, the Septic System Replacement Fund Program provides financial assistance to local governments. According to the information provided below, participating counties will award grants to property owners to pay them for up to 50% of the expenses (up to a maximum of $10,000) of their qualified septic system projects.
In order to select priority geographic regions in which property owners are eligible to participate, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health considered the following factors:
- The presence of a single-source aquifer that provides drinking water
- And Water quality impairments associated with failed septic systems that have been documented, and/or the ability of septic system modifications to reduce water quality problems
In future financing rounds, the DEC and the Department of Health and Human Services will re-evaluate priority waterbodies.
Eligibility
In accordance with program requirements, participating counties are responsible for assessing and analyzing the applications and determining whether or not to offer financial assistance. In making this determination, the following factors are taken into account: the position of the property in respect to a waterbody, the influence on groundwater that is utilized for drinking water, and the state of the property owner’s present septic system Following the evaluation of the applications and the determination of funding decisions, the participating counties notify the property owners of their grant awards by mailing them grant award letters.
Eligible Projects
- Installation, replacement, or upgrading of a septic system or septic system components
- Or, replacement of a cesspool with a septic system
- Or Installation of modern treatment technologies, including a nitrogen removal system, to improve water quality.
Eligible Costs
- A septic system may be installed in place of a cesspool
- Or a septic system or components of a septic system may be installed, replaced or upgraded. Installation of modern treatment technology, such as a nitrogen removal system, to improve water quality.
Ineligible Costs
- Maintenance on a regular basis, such as pumping out a septic tank
- Expenditures that have not been properly reported
- Fees charged by the government
- Interest and late fees
- Fines and penalties are levied. Payment of sales tax
- Site beautifying or internal plumbing changes that aren’t absolutely necessary
- The engineer is in charge of the administrative tasks. if the engineer, or a business owned, managed, or employed by the engineer, is also responsible for the repair or replacement, the engineer will observe the construction process
Participating Counties
Maintenance on a regular basis, such as pumping out a septic tank. expenditures that have not been properly documented Interest and late fines, as well as the cost of the government permission. In addition to fines and penalties Payment of the sales tax owed Beautification of the site or internal plumbing modifications that are not required; The engineer is in charge of administrative tasks. if the engineer, or a business owned, managed, or employed by the engineer, is also responsible for the repair or replacement, the engineer will observe the construction process.
| Participating County | Eligible Waterbodies | Local Program Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Allegany | *Canacadea Creek, Upper, and minor tribs (0503-0005) | Tyler J. Shaw585-268-9254 |
| Broome | Park Creek and tribs (0601-0031)*Whitney Point Lake/Reservoir (0602-0004)*Fly Pond, Deer Lake, *Sky Lake (1404-0038) | Creig Hebdon607-778-2863 |
| Cayuga | Owasco Lake (0706-0009)Lake Como (0705-0029)Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-South (0705-0050)Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-North (0705-0025)Cayuga Lake, Northern End (0705-0030)Skaneateles Lake (0707-0004) | Eileen O’Connor315-253-1244 |
| Chautauqua | *Findley Lake (0202-0004)Chautauqua Lake, North (0202-0072) | William T. Boria, P.G.P: 716.753.4772F: 716.753.4344 |
| Chenango | *Chenango Lake (0601-0013)*Guilford Lake (0601-0012) | Isaiah SuttonP: 607-337-1673 F: 607-337-1720 |
| Clinton | *Upper Chateauguay Lake (0902-0034)Isle LaMotte (1000-0001) | Ryan Davies518-565-4870 |
| Columbia | Robinson Pond (1308-0003)Copake Lake (1310-0014) | Edward Coons |
| Cortland | Skaneateles Lake (0707-0004) | Michael J. Ryan |
| Delaware | Susquehanna River, Main Stem (0601-0020) | Nick Carbone607-832-5434 |
| Dutchess | Hillside Lake (1304-0001)Sylvan Lake (1304-0029) | Marie-Pierre Brule845-486-3464 |
| Essex | Willsboro Bay (1001-0015)Lake George (1006-0016) | Hannah Neilly518-873-3686xcountyny.gov |
| Genesee | Tonawanda Creek, Middle, Main Stem (0102-0002)Bowen Brook and tribs (0102-0036)Bigelow Creek and tribs (0402-0016)Oatka Creek, Middle and minor tribs (0402-0031) | Thomas Sacco585-344-2580 Ext. 5496 |
| Hamilton | Lake Eaton (0903-0056) | Erica Mahoney |
| Herkimer | North Winfield Creek and Tribs (0601-0035) | Jim Wallace |
| Jefferson | Moon Lake (0905-0093)Guffin Bay (0303-0025)Saint Lawrence River, Main Stem (0901-0004)*Red Lake (0906-0039)*Indian River, Lower, and minor tribs (0906-0021)*Indian River, Middle, and minor tribs (0906-0005)*Indian River, Middle, and minor tribs (0906-0030)*Indian River, Middle, and minor tribs (0906-0031)*Indian River, Middle, and minor tribs (0906-0032) | Sara Freda315-785-3144 |
| Lewis | Beaver River, Lower, and tribs (0801-0187) | Casandra Buell |
| Livingston | Conesus Lake (0402-0004) | Mr. Mark Grove585-243-7280 |
| Monroe | Irondequoit Bay (0302-0001)Mill Creek and tribs (0302-0025)Shipbuilders Creek and tribs (0302-0026)Minor Tribs to Irondequoit Bay (0302-0038)Hundred Acre Pond (0302-0034) | Gerry Rightmyer585-753-5471 |
| Nassau | County Wide | Brian Schneider516-571-6725 |
| Onondaga | Skaneateles Lake (0707-0004)Seneca River, Lower, Main Stem (0701-0008) | Jeffrey Till315-435-6623 Ext. 4503 |
| Ontario | Honeoye Lake (0402-0032)*Canadice Lake (0402-0002)*Canandaigua Lake (0704-0001)*Hemlock Lake (0402-0011)*Seneca Lake, Main Lake, North (0705-0026)*Seneca Lake, Main Lake, Middle (0705-0021) | Megan Webster585-396-1450 |
| Oswego | *Lake Ontario Shoreline, Eastern (0303-0030)*Lake Ontario Shoreline, Eastern (0303-0031)*Lake Ontario Shoreline, Eastern (0303-0017)*Lake Ontario Shoreline, Oswego (0302-0040)*Lake Ontario Shoreline, Central (0302-0041) | Donna Scanlon315-349-8292 |
| Otsego | Goodyear Lake (0601-0015)Susquehanna River, Main Stem (0601-0020) | Tammy Harris607-547-4228 |
| Putnam | Oscawana Lake (1301-0035)East Branch Croton, Middle, and tribs (1302-0055)Palmer Lake (1302-0103) | Joseph Paravati845-808-1390 Ext. 43157 |
| Rensselaer | Nassau Lake (1310-0001) | Richard Elder |
| Saint Lawrence | Saint Lawrence River, Main Stem (0901-0004)Raquette River, Lower, and minor tribs (0903-0059)Little River and tribs (0905-0090) | Jason Pfotenhauer315-379-2292 |
| Saratoga | Dwaas Kill and tribs (1101-0007) | Dustin Lewis518-885-6900 |
| Schoharie | Summit Lake (1202-0014) | Shane Nickle518-295-8770.us |
| Schuyler | Waneta Lake (0502-0002)Lamoka Lake and Mill Pond (0502-0001) | Darrel Sturges607-535-6868 |
| Seneca | Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-North (0705-0025)Cayuga Lake, Northern End (0705-0030)Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-South (0705-0050) | Tom Scoles315-539-1947 |
| Steuben | Smith Pond (0502-0012)*Almond Lake (0503-0003)Waneta Lake (0502-0002)*Lamoka Lake and Mill Pond (0502-0001)*Keuka Lake (0705-0003) | Matthew Sousa607-664-2268 |
| Suffolk | County Wide | Joan Crawford631-852-5811 |
| Tompkins | Cayuga Lake, Southern End (0705-0040)Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-South (0705-0050) | Liz Cameron607-274-6688 |
| Warren | Lake George (1006-0016) | Claudia Braymer |
| Washington | Cossayuna Lake (1103-0002)Lake George (1006-0016) | Corrina Aldrich |
| Wayne | Blind Sodus Bay (0302-0021)Lake Ontario Shoreline, Central (0302-0044) | Lindsey Gusterslagn315-946-7200 |
| Westchester | Lake Meahagh (1301-0053)Truesdale Lake (1302-0054) | Heather McVeigh |
| Wyoming | Java Lake (0104-0004)Silver Lake (0403-0002)Oatka Creek, Middle, and minor tribs (0402-0031) | Stephen Perkins585-786-8857 ext. 5163 |
* Only eligible for funding in Round 1 of the competition.
Program SummaryOutline
Last updated on October 19, 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is handled by participating counties, and each county has a Local Program Contact who can assist in determining eligibility and the following stages in the program’s administration and implementation. Please refer to the Participating Counties section of this website to identify your county’s Local Program Contact and make contact with them directly.
My county is not listed on the eligible county list, am I eligible?
You are not eligible for the program if your county is not mentioned in the Participating Counties section of the website. However, you may wish to contact your local County Health or Planning Department to see if there are any additional services available to you that the county may be able to provide.
I do not see my waterbody listed as one of the Eligible Waterbodies, can it be added to the program?
The finalized list of qualifying waterbodies for Round 2 has been released. The law that established the program was aimed at improving water quality in waterbodies that had recorded deficiencies due to septic system contamination at the time of its inception. In order to comply with the legislative intent of the program, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation developed screening criteria for Round 2 that were focused on documented water quality impairments and the potential for septic replacement to improve water quality to improve water quality.
How do I provide NYSDEC water quality data that my local group collects?
Please keep in mind that the links in this response will take you away from the EFC website. During the data solicitation period, all information should be sent to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The data solicitation period for the 2020/2022 Integrated Report/(303(d) List) is now ongoing. Making Waves, a monthly e-newsletter from the DEC Division of Waters, published an announcement in the Environmental Notice Bulletin on May 19th and the Environmental Notice Bulletin on May 21st.
After then, the data collection period will come to an end on September 27, 2021. Making Waves will be delivered to your inbox on a regular basis.
I live in one of the five NYC Boroughs, is my property eligible for the program?
Because New York City is still in the process of expanding its sewage infrastructure, none of the five boroughs (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island) are eligible for the State Septic Replacement Program at this time. Sewerage is the most effective method of improving water quality. People who have septic systems on their properties or who are considering installing septic systems are invited to contact the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to learn about their alternatives.
SEWER CERTIFICATION AND CONNECTION PERMITS FROM THE NYCDEP (EXternal Link)