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Alternative Uses for Septic

 
Posts: 52
Location: PNWish
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Hello Permies!

We are in escrow on 15 acres!  There is a septic, but we don't intend to use it.  We plan to remove the current old mobile home and convert the pole barn into a home for us with a composting toilet and grey water system.  

The home site is downhill from the current septic.  We are already planning to remove the current sump as it is in a prime garden location.  

There is a foundation with basement already in place uphill from the septic.  We plan to turn this into a greenhouse as it's location is perfect for that.

What should we do with the current septic...besides turning it into a Concrete Dungeon for trespassers?  
 
pollinator
Posts: 5520
Location: Canadian Prairies - Zone 3b
1522
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After cleaning, it could be used for storage of non-potable rainwater. Or used as a root cellar. Or a source of cooling water for DIY air conditioning.

I suggest consulting carefully (in writing?) with the local municipality before making significant modifications or removing it. Many places have ordinances requiring septic in place, even if you're not using it.
 
pollinator
Posts: 4151
Location: Kansas Zone 6a
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+1 on NOT removing it.  Big pita.

Put raised beds on top of it and leave it be.  
 
steward
Posts: 17832
Location: USDA Zone 8a
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I don't know the rules in Nevada so I can only speak for Texas.

I would want to leave it and make it look like it is functioning.  Here, I am required to have a maintenance contract and have mine inspected several times a year to make sure it is functioning properly.

Before knowing this we had a building built on the property.  Luckily the building was inches away from the septic system and so it was okay.

Does your state require the compost toilet to be approved?
 
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