In Missouri, HOLDING TANKS are only used when the soil and site conditions do not permit the installation of ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS and a public sewer is not available. HOLDING TANKS are only allowed in two types of situations: 1) when the use of a HOLDING TANK will be temporary, usually less than a year, until connection to a sewer collection system is possible or until construction of an ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM can be completed, or 2) where no other wastewater treatment option is available to prevent a health hazard, nuisance or contamination of groundwater or surface waters. In these situations, HOLDING TANKS may only be used when a MANAGEMENT program is in place and specific approval has been given.

The use of HOLDING TANKS is generally discouraged because there is no WASTEWATER treatment and hauling WASTEWATER becomes costly. Illegal discharges may occur due to neglect or intentionally when pumping costs add up.

How a Holding Tank Works

It is important to know that a HOLDING TANK is not a wastewater treatment system. HOLDING TANKS are large watertight containers that receive and temporarily store limited quantities of domestic WASTEWATER. The tanks are similar to septic tanks in construction; however, they have no outlet piping and there is no soil dispersal and treatment component. When a HOLDING TANK is nearly full, the OWNER must use the services of a REGISTERED WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM PROFESSIONAL or other qualified SERVICE PROVIDER to remove and transport the tank’s contents off site to a wastewater treatment facility.

HOLDING TANKS can collect the entire WASTEWATER flow from a residence or establishment. Or, depending on the conditions on a site, a tank may collect just the BLACKWATER and a reduced size ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM could safely treat and disperse the GRAYWATER, or a tank may collect just the GRAYWATER if a compost toilet is used for toilet wastes.

Since WASTEWATER must be removed regularly, a pump truck must have easy access to the HOLDING TANK in all weather conditions. Other considerations include the potential for accidental spills and the need for cleanup, regular heavy truck traffic on roads and driveways, and even the capacity of wastewater treatment facilities in the area to handle HOLDING TANK WASTEWATER. The cost of pumping and transporting HOLDING TANK waste can be high and will only increase as the costs of fuel and offloading at a treatment facility go up.

When a HOLDING TANK is allowed, instead of an operating permit, a signed agreement may be required regarding the use of a HOLDING TANK and the length of time it can be used. OWNERS must contract with a REGISTERED WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM PROFESSIONAL or other qualified SERVICE PROVIDER for removing and transporting the WASTEWATER from the HOLDING TANK to a permitted wastewater treatment facility.

HOLDING TANK systems are limited to temporary use or situations where the soils and space limitations will not allow WASTEWATER treatment on the site. The US Environmental Protection Agency has established five management models with progressively increasing management controls as sensitivity of the environment and/or treatment system complexity increases. MANAGEMENT MODEL II and III specify program elements and activities where contracts with qualified SERVICE PROVIDERS are needed to ensure proper and timely service and where operating permits are used to ensure the performance of a system.

The objectives of these models are to ensure that-

• Systems are designed and installed in accordance with appropriate state and local regulations;
• Homeowners are knowledgeable of their particular system and maintain a contractual agreement with a qualified SERVICE PROVIDER to provide routine MAINTENANCE (INSPECTIONS and pumping) necessary for the system to operate properly;
• Renewable operating permits are issued and may be revoked and regular monitoring reports track compliance; and
• If needed, homeowners ensure a MALFUNCTIONING system is repaired in accordance with Missouri law.

MODELS II and III are generally appropriate for HOLDING TANKS. However, in some sensitive environments or in developments where several HOLDING TANKS are used, MANAGEMENT MODEL IV may be recommended.

Design and Construction

HOLDING TANKs are typically made of concrete; the tank must be capable of withstanding frequent filling and emptying cycles;

The tank must be protected against flotation where there could be even brief periods with shallow groundwater. Protection can be provided by the weight of the tank, anchors, or shallow bury installation;

A positive high wastewater level warning system is recommended for residences and required for other establishments;

HOLDING TANKs must be located:

• On firm, bedding material capable of bearing the weight of the tank and its contents;
• In an area easily accessible for the removal of liquids and accumulated solids; and
• To meet the set back distances specified in 19 CSR 20-3.060 Minimum Construction Standards for Onsite Systems.

The size or liquid capacity of a HOLDING TANK is important for wastewater storage and for more cost effective removal of WASTEWATER. For a single-family house, the minimum liquid capacity is based on 400 gallons per bedroom with a minimum capacity of 1,000 gallons.

Maintenance

Management of a HOLDING TANK system is the responsibility of the OWNER or user and includes routine INSPECTIONS and a contract with a REGISTERED ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM PROFESSIONAL or other qualified SERVICE PROVIDER for the timely removal of the tank contents when needed. The tank size and water use determine the frequency at which a HOLDING TANK must be pumped. Every gallon of water used, is stored and must be removed and transported off site for treatment. Water conservation measures such as installing low flow fixtures, using water efficient appliances, and fixing any water leaks can mean big savings in the cost of operating a HOLDING TANK system.

Inspections

HOLDING TANKS must be inspected at least once per year or more frequently as needed to assure:

• There are no signs of water intrusion into the tank;
• There are no signs of overflow or leakage of WASTEWATER from the tank;
• The HOLDING TANK, service access, access ports, risers, lids, and covers are watertight;
• The lids and covers are locked or otherwise secured to prevent accidental entry; and
• The warning system, alarms and/or floats function properly.

Pumping

In addition to regular INSPECTIONS, the OWNER or user of the system must monitor the system frequently to prevent accidental overflow or SEWAGE backup into the building. When the tank is three-quarters (3/4) full, the contract SERVICE PROVIDER must be called for the removal and sanitary disposal of WASTEWATER from the HOLDING TANK. The SERVICE PROVIDER is responsible for the proper disposal of all hauled SEPTAGE by transporting to a municipal sewage treatment plant capable of receiving the SEWAGE or sludge handling facility which possesses a current and valid permit issued for such activity.

10 Ways to Conserve Water in Your Home

1. Check toilets for leaks. Drop food coloring or a leak-detection tablet in the toilet bowl tank. If color appears in the bowl, there is a leak that requires immediate attention.
2. Flush toilet only when necessary. Every time you flush you use about six gallons of water. Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket.
3. Reduce the water level per flush by installing a water displacement device in the toilet tank. A plastic bottle, weighted with water or sand, works well. Never use a brick.
4. Run your washer and dishwasher only when they are full.
5. Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.
6. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Instead, compost vegetable food waste and save gallons every time.
7. Install water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
8. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save up to 4 gallons a minute. That’s up to 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
9. One drip every second adds up to five gallons per day! Check your faucets and showerheads for leaks.
10. Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors, which are available at local hardware stores and other retail outlets.

Final Treatment

A HOLDING TANK does not provide treatment. WASTEWATER must be transported and treated at a municipal sewage treatment facility or other wastewater facility permitted by the Department of Natural Resources.

Warning Signs

While proper INSPECTIONS and monitoring should prevent most HOLDING TANK problems, it is still important to be aware of changes in your system and to act quickly if you suspect the system is causing problems. The most obvious system failures are easy to spot.

• Plumbing backups;
• Slow draining fixtures;
• Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system;
• SEWAGE odors in the house or yard;
• Surfacing SEWAGE or pooling water around your HOLDING TANK or in your basement; and/or
• Tests show the presence of bacteria in well water.

Onsite systems fail when partially treated WASTEWATER comes into contact with groundwater. This type of failure is not easy to detect, but can result in the pollution of wells, nearby streams, or other bodies of water.

If you notice any of these signs, or you suspect your HOLDING TANK may be leaking, contact a qualified SERVICE PROVIDER or the local onsite WASTEWATER ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY for assistance.

Holding Tank Do’s and Don’ts

Proper OPERATION and MAINTENANCE of an onsite system can prevent costly repairs or replacement and can protect your property value. Observing the following recommendations will help to keep your system operating properly.

Do’s

• Obtain the necessary permits from the appropriate ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY before making any repairs.
• Use REGISTERED ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM PROFESSIONALS and qualified SERVICE PROVIDERS.
• Conserve water to reduce pump-out costs, use high-efficiency fixtures and promptly repair any leaky faucets or toilets.
• Have your HOLDING TANK pumped as needed when it reaches three-quarters (3/4) full.
• Contact a qualified SERVICE PROVIDER if you experience problems with your system, such as surfacing WASTEWATER in your yard or other warning signs the system may be MALFUNCTIONING.
• Keep detailed records regarding the system, its location, pumping service contract, service visits, and HOLDING TANK agreement.
• Keep your HOLDING TANK accessible for INSPECTIONs and pumping; yet locked or otherwise secured to prevent accidental entry.
• Have your private water well tested periodically or if you experience any warning signs of the system MALFUNCTIONING (contact your local public health agency).

Don’ts

• Don’t enter a HOLDING TANK. Poisonous gasses or a lack of oxygen can be fatal.
• Your septic tank system is not a trash can. Don’t put dental floss, feminine hygiene products, flushable wipes, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, paint, pesticides, or other hazardous chemicals into your system.
• Don’t use caustic drain openers for a clogged drain. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake to open clogs.
• Don’t drive or park vehicles on your HOLDING TANK system. Doing so can damage the pipes, tank, or other onsite system components.
• Don’t build over your HOLDING TANK. This includes patios, carports, and other structures.
• Don’t attempt to pump your own HOLDING TANK; use the services of a qualified SERVICE PROVIDER.