What are Septic Systems?
A septic system typically consists of a holding tank and a leach field for disposing of human waste and drain water. The holding tank is where all drain pipes lead and materials settle and separate into liquids and solids. Liquids are then pumped up to a leach field, where the soil will filter out the harmful bacteria and reintroduce the liquid back to the water table.
Why is understanding your Septic System important?
According to the Maine DEP, properly functioning septic systems are not likely to contribute large amounts of phosphorus to Georges Pond. However, as few as 1 or 2 failing septic systems can have an outsized, adverse effect on our water quality.
There may be some cases where a pre-1974 property has a cesspool or an undersized drain field, and is located very close to the lake. Cesspools and undersized drain fields lack the ability to filter waste, and the sewage can contaminate the surrounding soil and seep into the lake.
There are some additional cases when you will want to pay careful attention to how your septic system functions:
Systems in the shoreland zone that are sited over fractured bedrock with only minimal depth of soil between the bottom of the system and the bedrock
Systems that are sited close to the lake on coarse sand and gravel
Systems that are sited close to the lake and were installed before 1974 (not designed by a site evaluator).
More Information & Resources
Learn about your septic system and update it, if needed. The most common questions we are asked about septic systems are "Who can I contact for inspections?" and "Who can I get to design and install a system?" This document lists site evaluators who have provided inspection and design/installation services in the Town of Franklin. This list is informational only, and is not an endorsement from the Town of Franklin or its Code Enforcement Officer, Millard Billings.
This document lists best practices for those who have a septic system, and was written by a septic system expert (David Rocque).
Voluntary Septic Inspection Program
The GPA will help schedule and coordinate septic inspections with a licensed professional inspector. Priority will be given to older and high-use systems (year-round and rental properties). The GPA will pay 100% of the inspection costs for systems installed before 1974 and 50% of the costs for systems installed between 1974 and 1995.