We are considering a property that is decidedly off-grid and a little difficult to reach with equipment (not high elevation!) for installing a septic system. Anyone have knowledge about systems that the state of Vermont would approve that might work for this application? We are looking at between a 12x12 and 12x16 footprint for the building. Wood stove, no electric service. Could install solar if needed (but batteries in this situation would be iffy, I think).
Hoping to use up to around 180 days in the year across all 4 seasons. We'd really love to have this place be offered through Vermont Huts Association when we aren't there, so I'd like to make sure we have appropriate on-site septic. This property is in a town with no local zoning ordinances (and all water/sewer is relegated to the state anyway).
Thanks so much for your post. Actually there is a ton of code for potable and wastewater in Vermont (all from the state), but we were just curious what others have used in their own applications given these constraints. We will definitely be contacting local installers once we have some sense of what might be possible in this application.
Funny enough, we've gone the route of calling local installers first for advice on non-standard projects. An example, to get advice on a more atypical foundation--we were interested in using a non-traditional foundation on a build in central Vermont (totally off-grid "hunting camp"; no water or septic). If you drive around, you see many different foundation types that have been used successfully on old and brand new builds (literally a non-homestead/seasonal neighbor down the road just build a new single family home with screw piles). We called several different local companies that install foundations and all of them stated that our couple of options we were eyeing (post and pier foundation; helical screw piles) were impossible, impractical...some even suggesting it would be detrimental to the build (which isn't true--there are companies in other parts of the state that specialize in these methods). It's not that it is impossible...it's just impossible to people who use extremely traditional means to install components for homes.
I was researching the variety septic systems for when I build my house in a rural area.
I did a basic search and Vermont requires a site evaluation by a licensed septic designer to assess the soil, topography, and groundwater before you can go ahead with any system, so that's going to be your best place to start and get your questions officially answered. They might recommend other septic solutions for you since you're in a hard to reach area. Given the size of your building, some options are:
1. Mound System - These are usually used where there's poor soil conditions. It's a septic system above the natural grade of the land.
2. Composting Toilets - Vermont codes allows them for smaller buildings. You can even use them in conjunction with a grey water system, but you'll need a way to manage the grey water. This would eliminate the need for a traditional septic system.
3. Biofilters or Constructed Wasteland - This might be an option depending on your soil and the surrounding area. The area you'd need is smaller than a traditional leach field, but some of the designs are adaptable to hard to reach areas. But, as I was reading about them, they do have more specific maintenance needs than a traditional septic system, so you'd have to keep that in mind. Still, it's an option.
4. Recirculating Sand Filter - This is where wastewater is filtered through sand, then recirculated before being discharged into a final disposal system similar to leach field, but smaller. It's an option in areas where space is tight or where the soil doesn’t allow for a traditional leach field. Vermont might require specific design features to approve it, but this system can be installed with smaller equipment which would help in a hard to reach area.
Screw piles are a great concept, if you design things to suit.
I take it access is difficult for bigger trucks, a screw piler needs a smaller excavator style of machine.
I would make attachments from steel to fit the pile tops to which you add any timber bearers too for the floor.
Count your blessings, if Vermont allows composting toilet systems for smaller dwellings, go for it. Being there off grid half of the year makes it quite easy for you to maintain.
I am curious though. If you use the cabin in all four seasons, how can hikers and skiers use it as part of the hut system?
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