CRISIS in mid-summer with the Septic System

Septic systems are most likely to fail when stressed.  Having the cottage host a large number of guests is only one aspect of the recent septic tank problems.  Years of neglect would be the other aspect.

Camp's septic system was, in some ways, more dynamic than expected.  After installation in 1961 (per Beth's memory), it well exceeded the typical 25-year life expectancy for a metal tank.  The current tank is a five foot diameter, more than four feet deep and holds 600-700 gallons.  Location on the west wall of camp is twenty feet from exterior wall.  The drainage pipe / leach field is 75 feet long, which Papa described as longer than the typical lengths for the era at installation.This schematic is a fairly accurate representation of the camp's system, with the key exception being the presence of inspection access ports at top.  Camp had none.
The schematic shows sludge, liquid sewage and scum on top.
Opening the tank became a complex endeavor.  The routine process of episodic pumping through the years was discouraged by the requirement to excavate a two foot by five foot diameter section of the driveway area. 

Baffles

This is the more accurate diagram of our tank.
Baffles are routinely located at the entry and exit from the tank.  Baffles are important for tank function.   On the entry side, the baffle forces paper and solids downward;  on the effluent side, toward the leach field, the baffle prevents floating paper and oily scum from clogging the drainage pipes.We had two aspects to our pumping project:

Steve Cosselman's Septic Pumping was recommended by our plumber in Caroga;  the Canada Lake Store folks were able to help with an initial telephone connection.  His initial working efforts at our camp were abandoned on 7/21, since finding our tank location was too mysterious.  But he owns the specific equipment to actually pump out the tank.

Harold Anderson (standing here between father and son Cosselman) brought a small hydraulic excavator.  Excavator bucket is holding the tank cover in the picture.  Mr. Anderson took a series of tape measures, probes with metal spike, and the first gentle efforts with the excavator, then hand digging.  This gave us access to the tank cover (Yee ha!)

'Expert' consensus

This image shows the excavator bucket at left holding up the (rusty & perforated with corrosion) five-foot diameter tank lid.The consensus of our three septic experts at this moment was that the tank was compromised too, too much and not functional.   Holding tank  was recommended.  Replacing a portion of our septic system would require permitting from the Town of Caroga.  Replacing the entire system would not be permitted by the Adirondack Park Agency, under any circumstances or price.  Shoreline restrictions for new land use or expansion require septic systems to have 100' setbacks from the mean high water mark.  Camp's back line IS the high water mark.

APA septic projects are described here, and with more codified APA information here.

The Klingbeil sisters need a bit of time to discuss the merits of using a composting toilet.  Our septic experts were quizzical, and those three didn't see it as an advantage. 

Disagreement between the two contractors occurred however, regarding reconnecting a new holding tank to the existing leach field.  Cosselman didn't think it would work;  Anderson said if connected, but didn't work, it would not be any problem.  If connected and did work, it would be a benefit for the camp.

Holding tank cost is approximately $3,200 for installation by Anderson.  Details are not yet available with his estimate (nor his excavation bill).  Inspection by the code enforcement officer would of course occur. Anderson did not speak whether architectural drawings would be required.  

Caroga Town Directory addresses some of the septic concerns, such as requiring holding tanks be emptied by June first annually.

Closing

September would be a proposed time to more definitively address this project. A second estimate probably would be obtained from Adirondack Septic in Amsterdam.

Temporarily, the tank was covered with plastic and planks to protect against a cave-in.  The driveway now looks "normal".

Stairs, plus

Safety and comfort were important aspects of this staircase project on the lakeside.  Other efforts in 2011 helped make the cottage more functional.  One aspect was initiated from making interior window trimwork to fit our new windows.  Another involved trim for the old doors.  Kitchen cabinets were restored to look like Uncle Herman's installation from the 1950's.  Bathroom flooring and trim received a mini upgrade.  Another involved storage solutions for books, puzzles and games.