Risk = Hazard x
Exposure
The public health risk from undocumented OWS
arises from a number of key risk factors. Adequate treatment of
wastewater is dependent on the soil, type of treatment system,
and characteristics of the wastewater.
The key risk factors identified by BCPH were:
1. Density: High density (greater than 1 dwelling per
acre) of systems increases concentrations of pollutants in a
given area.
2. Age:
The ability of a system to effectively treat effluent
decreases over time.
3. Undocumented Systems:
It is probable that undocumented systems do not
meet current regulations and are likely impacting water
quality in Boulder County.
4. Distance to Groundwater:
The greater the distance between groundwater
and a septic system, the less chance of groundwater contamination.
5. Private Drinking Water Systems:
Private drinking water sources can be
negatively impacted by a septic system.
6. Soil:
Inadequate soils do not provide
effective treatment of effluent.
7.
Slope: The steeper the slope, the greater the risk
of system failure. If the ground slope is in excess of 30% the
system must be designed by a registered professional engineer (RPE).
Having engineering oversight does not guarantee longevity or
adequacy of a system on steep slopes.
8. Distance to Surface Water:
The greater the distance between surface
water and septic system, the less chance of surface water
contamination.
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