Danger Down Below - Forgotten Septic Tanks

Old and abandoned septic tanks, holding tanks or cesspools may be a hidden hazard lurking on your property. Over time, these cement structures erode and can collapse, creating sink holes. In some cases the collapse may not occur until someone or something walks or moves over the old tank. When someone falls into an abandoned septic tank, they can be seriously injured or even killed. In Allentown, New Jersey a 2-year old boy fell into an abandoned cesspool on his family's property. Luckily, his mother saw him fall and was able to pull him to safety. Check out the full story here.

It's important to property decommission any old septic tanks, holding tanks or cesspools. Decommissioning a septic tank involves pumping out the septic tank and then filling it with appropriate material, typically pea-gravel or sand (depending on local regulations). Around the septic tank, the soil is backfilled to a level slightly higher than the ground to allow for settling.

For more information on septic system decommissioning, please refer to the Grey Bruce Health Unit's website.