The National Asociation of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT) seminar track at Education Day included a session on certifying onsite system inspections -- attended by a full room of nearly 400 people. Presenter Jim Anderson of the University of Minnesota onsite program said a proper inspection takes several steps, none of which should be skipped but may be skipped by those who do inspections on the cheap. He listed these steps:
* Locate the tank
* Uncover the lid
* Observe the tank water level
* Check tank integrity
* Locate and uncover parts of the drainfield; observe and determine the type and amount of disposal area.
* Make observations at all available inspection points.
He said an inspection that follows all these steps will take 6-8 hours. Digging in the yard requires permission from the property owner and a release of liability. The bottom line: If you're going to offer an inspection service, be thorough.
