On-Site Septic

In our ongoing mission to improve the Waters of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, protect natural resources, and the public's health and safety, Maxatawny Township in accordance with guidelines developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) has instituted an On-Lot Disposal System management program.

Residents are required to have their septic systems pumped every three years. Septic Pumping Cycles are listed below:

Your Pumping Cycle is based on the last digit in your street address.

• ending in 0, 1 and 2 is Pumping Cycle 1
  due last in 2022, next in 2025, 2028, 2031
  
  
• ending in 3, 4 and 5 is Pumping Cycle 2
  due last in 2023, next in 2026, 2029, 2032
  
  
• ending in 6, 7, 8 and 9 is Pumping Cycle 3
  due last in 2021, next in 2024, 2027, 2030
  
  

Pumping cycles run July 1 to June 30 each year. So, for instance, the current Pumping Cycle 2 will be considered compliant for any system pumped (by a hauler registered with the Township) between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I pump my septic tank out of cycle, and then do not pump in the required cycle because it has been less than 3 years since the out of cycle pump, am in exempt from pumping?

No. You must pump in cycle with a registered hauler. (However, you may apply for a tank and system inspection. The application is available on our Forms & Documents section or at the Township office, the fee is $45 per.)

Can the Township inspect my septic system instead of pumping?

Yes. The cost is $45 and there is a one page Septic Inspection Form. The system will be visually inspected, by Township SEO, for damage and / or signs of malfunction, and the sludge in the septic tank will be measured. If there is less than 30% solids in the septic tank, you may be exempt from pumping for a time to be determined upon the tank measurement – often this will mean exemption until the next cycle – but not always. If there are more than 30% solids, you will need to have the tank pumped by a Township registered hauler within a set time frame, typically up to 30 days.

Must septic pumpers / haulers be registered with Maxatawny Township?

Yes. Pumping reports from non-registered haulers are not accepted for compliance with pumping cycle requirements.