Waste Stablization Pond (Lagoon):
DOs and DON'Ts
Do...
  • learn the location of your septic tank and waste pond.  Keep a sketch of it handy with your
    maintenance record for service visits.
  • have your septic system inspected annually and pumped out regularly by a licensed
    contractor.
  • keep your septic tank cover accessible for inspections and pumpings.  Install risers if
    necessary.
  • call a professional whenever you experience problems with your system, or if there are any
    signs of system failure.
  • keep a detailed record of repairs, pumpings, inspections, permits issued, and other
    maintenance  activities.
  • conserve water to avoid overloading the system.  Be sure to repair any leaky faucets or
    toilets.
  • divert other sources of water, like roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps, away
    from the septic system.  
  • go down into a septic tank.  Toxic gases are produced by the natural treatment processes
    in septic tanks and can kill in minutes.  Extreme care should be taken when inspecting a
    septic tank, even when just looking in.

Don’t...
  • allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system.
  • plant anything over or near the drainfield except grass.  Roots from nearby trees or shrubs
    may clog and damage the drain lines.
  • go down into a septic tank.  Toxic gases are produced by the natural treatment processes
    in septic tanks and can kill in minutes.   Extreme care should be taken when inspecting a
    septic tank, even when just looking in.
  • allow tree limbs to shade the waste pond.  It is very important for sunlight to reach the
    surface of the pond.  Sunlight is what treats the waste; if there is no sunlight, then there will
    be no treatment and untreated sewage would be discharged onto the ground surface.
  • allow vegetation to grow to or above the water surface of the waste pond.
  • allow weeds and other tall vegetation to grow on the sloped areas around the pond.  This
    could prevent sunlight from reaching the water surface.  Make sure grass is planted on this
    surface and maintained.
  • make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required health
    department permit.  Use professional licensed septic contractors when needed.
  • use septic tank additives.  These products usually do not help and some may even be
    harmful to your system.
  • use your toilet as a trash can or poison your septic system by pouring harmful chemicals
    and cleansers down the drain.  
Be sure to exercise appropriate caution
when inspecting a septic tank.  
Never allow anyone to inspect a tank alone
or go down into a septic tank.  
Toxic gases are produced by the natural treatment processes
in septic tanks and can kill in minutes - even just looking in the
tank can be dangerous.
An oxidation pond or lagoon operates naturally using sunlight and wind movement to
aerobically decompose sewage. The tight clay soils which prevent seepage fields from
working properly are needed for this system to help retain the water long enough for good
treatment. These ponds also discharge to the ground surface.

Advantages:
  1. Least expensive system to install
  2. Maintenance consists of mowing inside and outside banks of the pond
Disadvantages:
  1. Much larger area needed for construction; therefore would not be used in urban area
  2. Creates an attractive nuisance for children or pets
  • coffee grinds
  • dental floss
  • disposable diapers
  • kitty litter
  • sanitary napkins
  • tampons
  • cigarette butts
  • condoms
  • fat, grease or oil
  • paper towels
Hazardous chemicals, such as:
  • paints
  • varnishes
  • thinners
  • waste oils
  • photographic solutions
  • pesticides
Do not flush the following items! These items can quickly
fill your unit with solids that cannot be treated, and will require that you contact a
licensed contractor to pump the system more frequently.
MCHD Home

Septic
Systems:
Aerobic System
Holding Tank
Sand Filters:
Buried
 Recirculating
Sub-Surface
 Seepage System
Waste Stabilation
 Pond / Lagoon

Food:
Food Safety
Hand Washing
Safe Food
Temperature

Other:
Fees
Lead Poisoning Act
Lyme Disease