Section ATCP 79.15 - Sewage and wastewater treatment and handling(1) POWTS. (a)POWTS as an alternative to public sewer. If a public sewer is not available to the campground, the operator may use a POWTS to handle sewage and domestic wastewater for the campground. The location, design, construction, and operation of a POWTS shall comply with chs. SPS 382 to 385. Note: See s. 145.195, Stats., for information regarding building on unsewered property.
Note: The department of safety and professional services or its designated agent under s. SPS 383.22 requires plan review and approval for installation, construction, replacement or addition to a POWTS before installation, construction or modification occurs. Local jurisdictions may require additional approvals.
(b)POWTS failure. Any structure, campsite, or fixture served by a failed POWTS may not be used until any one of the following conditions is met: 1. The operator provides documentation to the department or its agent that the POWTS is in compliance with chs. SPS 382 to 385.2. The operator has received approval of a plan for repair, remediation, or replacement of the POWTS from the department of safety and professional services or its designated agent and approval of a plan for wastewater removal and management if the operator intends to operate the POWTS until the POWTS has been fully repaired, remediated, or replaced with a POWT that is in compliance with chs. SPS 382 to 385. Note: Pursuant to s. 145.245(4), Stats., a failing private on-site wastewater treatment system is one which causes or results in any of the following conditions:
(a) The discharge of sewage into surface water or groundwater. (b) The introduction of sewage into zones of saturation which adversely affects the operation of a private on-site wastewater treatment system. (c) The discharge of sewage to a drain tile or into zones of bedrock. (d) The discharge of sewage to the surface of the ground. (e) The failure to accept sewage discharges and back up of sewage into the structure served by the private on-site wastewater treatment system.(c)POWTS access covers. The operator shall ensure that access opening covers to a POWTS are locked or secured, except for inspection, evaluation, maintenance or servicing purposes.(2) SANITARY DUMP STATION. (a)Number required. The operator shall provide a sanitary dump station in the ratio of 1 for every 300 independent campsites or fraction thereof that are not connected to a POWTS or municipal sewer system. The department may approve an alternate method of disposal under s. ATCP 79.02(2) if all of the following conditions apply: 1. There are 20 or fewer campsites designated for independent camping units.2. The distance to the nearest sanitary dump station is 25 or fewer miles from the campground and is available during that campground season.3. The operator has a written agreement that allows campers who stay at the campground to dispose of wastewater at the sanitary dump station identified in subd. 2., and provides a copy of the written agreement to the department or its agent. Note: To obtain a copy of the approved comparable compliance application form, e-mail datcpdfrsrec@wisconsin.gov or contact the Bureau of Food and Recreational Businesses at (608) 224-4702 or PO Box 8911, Madison, Wisconsin 53708-8911.
(b)Design standards. Sanitary dump stations shall conform to the requirements in s. SPS 382.37(2).(c)Location. A sanitary dump station may not be located within 50 feet of a permanent body of surface water nor within 15 feet of a designated campsite unless an alternative is approved by the department under s. ATCP 79.02(2).(d)Flushing and cleaning. A supply of water shall be provided to wash down the drain receptor and pad. The water supply shall be marked: "THIS IS WATER FOR FLUSHING AND CLEANING NOT FOR DRINKING OR DOMESTIC PURPOSES."(e)Dump station apron buffer. A distance of 5 feet or more shall be provided around the sanitary dump station apron to prevent contamination from splash to areas used by the general public.(3) WASTE FROM RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. (a) If approved by the department of safety and professional services, transfer tanks may be used to receive the discharge from the toilet, shower, laundry, bath, or sink facility of a recreational vehicle.(b) The operator shall ensure that sewage and domestic wastewater from a holding tank or transfer tank of a privately owned or operator-provided recreational vehicle is emptied as often as necessary so as not to create a nuisance. The operator shall ensure that sewage and domestic wastewater is disposed of in accordance with ch. NR 113 or into a sanitary dump station.(c) Transfer tanks and holding tanks shall be maintained in good condition and be leakproof.Wis. Admin. Code Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection ATCP 79.15
Renumbered from DHS 178.15 Register June 2016 No. 726; correction in (2) (a) (intro.), (c) made under s. 13.92(4) (b) 7, Stats., Register June 2016 No. 726; correction in (3) (c) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register June 2016 No. 726, eff. 7/1/2016The department of safety and professional services plumbing product approvals for RV transfer containers often require that transfer tank remain unburied. Consult with the department of safety and professional services concerning specific product approvals.