Septic Tank Pumping in Martin, GA

Official Notice to Property Owners in Martin, GA Regarding On-Site Sewage Management Systems

This document serves as official guidance for all property owners within the City of Martin, Georgia, concerning the maintenance and compliance of on-site sewage management systems, commonly known as septic systems. Proper system function is not merely a matter of household convenience; it is a legal requirement enforced by the Stephens Board of Health to protect public health and the environmental quality of our community.

Our region's humid subtropical climate, characterized by significant seasonal rainfall, places unique stresses on septic systems. The prevalent soils in and around the 30557 area, often a dense clay loam, have slow percolation rates. When these soils become saturated, improperly maintained systems are prone to failure, resulting in public health hazards and environmental contamination.

Common Violations and Regulatory Response

A septic system is in violation when it ceases to contain effluent within its designed components. The most common indicators of failure include:

• Surfacing Effluent: The presence of wastewater, or unusually wet or spongy ground, appearing on the surface over the tank or drain field.
• Foul Odors: Persistent sewage or "rotten egg" smells near the tank or in the yard.
• Plumbing Backups: Slow drains or sewage backing up into the home's plumbing fixtures, especially after heavy water use or rainfall.

Upon verification of a failing system, our office will issue a formal Notice of Violation. This notice is not a citation. It is a legal notification that initiates a required cure period, providing the property owner a specific timeframe to take corrective action. This period is your opportunity to bring your property back into compliance without immediate penalty.

Paths to Compliance

Achieving compliance typically follows a clear path. The first and most critical step is to have the septic tank pumped and professionally inspected by a state-certified pumper. This action often resolves minor issues and provides a clear diagnosis of the system's condition. If the inspection reveals significant damage to the tank, baffles, or drain field, repairs will be necessary.

Be advised: Any repair beyond simple pumping, including line replacement or drain field work, requires a permit from the Stephens Board of Health. Attempting such work without a permit is a separate violation. Once all corrective actions are completed and verified, the case is closed, and the property is considered to be in compliance. In some cases, a formal compliance certificate may be issued.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to correct a violation within the specified cure period will result in the issuance of a citation. This is a legal summons and carries a significant monetary penalty. Each day the violation persists may be considered a new offense.

Continued neglect may compel the county to seek a court-ordered abatement. This means the county will hire a contractor to perform the necessary repairs to eliminate the public health nuisance. The full cost of this abatement, including administrative fees, will then be placed as a lien on the property. We expect and encourage voluntary compliance. Our goal is correction, not punishment, but we will use all available enforcement tools to protect the health of our community and its water resources.