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| Certificates of On-Site Systems Approval |
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4700 Elmore Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
(907) 343-7904
Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
The Certificate of On-Site Systems Approval is issued by the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) and serves as confirmation to a buyer and lending institution that the well and/or septic system serving a single family dwelling have been inspected/tested by a professional engineer and were found to be in compliance with the applicable standards established by the MOA.
In August of 1998 the Municipal Assembly passed an ordinance requiring that in order to transfer a title on any property that is served by a well or septic system, a Certificate of On-Site Systems Approval must be obtained. The intent of the ordinance was to help protect the public health by insuring that septic systems are functional and not creating a health hazard. In addition, it ensures that well water quality is safe to drink and in sufficient quantity to meet the basic needs of the family purchasing the house.
C.O.S.A. Guidelines
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The Certificate of On-Site Systems Approval inspection and testing process is summarized as follows:
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- Records of the well and septic system are obtained from the MOA, Development Services Department (DSD) or the internet. The objective is to verify if there is a documented and approved well & septic system on the property.
- A copy of the as-built survey is reviewed to confirm that the well and septic system are actually on the property.
- Standpipes are located. The first step of the site evaluation is to determine if the septic system shown in the MOA records matches the actual installation at the property. All of the septic system pipes shown in the MOA records will need to be present. If any of the pipes have been cut off and capped below grade. This also applies to any pipes that are buried in the snow.
- Field measurements are taken to verify that the required separation distances between all impacted wells and septic systems are in compliance with the separation distances in effect at the time the system was installed. If there are encroachments, then it will be necessary to apply for waivers. There are additional engineering services/charges and MOA fees associated with such waivers.
- Verify that there is a functional monitoring tube in the drainfield so that an adequacy test can be performed. A monitoring tube is a perforated vertical pipe that extends from above the ground surface to the bottom of the diposal field. If one is not present a contractor will have to be hired to install one.
- Verify that the well casing extends at least 12 inches above grade. Wells drilled after August of 1998 must extend at least 18 inches above grade.
- Verify that the well wires are in conduit (protective pipe) where they extend above grade.
- Verify the well has a functional and removable sanitary seal. If it does not, one will have to be installed.
- Verify from the well log and or field evaluation that the well is cased and unperforated to a minimum of 40 feet, or if shallower, seated into bedrock.
- Take water samples from the well and have them tested for nitrates, fecal coliform, bacteria and other bacteria.
- Verify that the septic tank has been pumped within the past 12 months. If not, arrange for it to be pumped.
- Perform well and septic system adequacy tests.
- Complete the standardized forms and submit them to the MOA for their review and approval.
If the well and or septic system are undocumented then additional engineering services will be required in order to document them to the satisfaction of the MOA.
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