Suffolk County Homeowners: Your Complete Guide to Transitioning from Cesspools to Advanced Treatment Units in 2024

If you’re a Suffolk County homeowner still relying on an aging cesspool system, 2024 marks a critical year for understanding your wastewater treatment options. With over 380,000 cesspools and septic systems contributing to nitrogen pollution across the county, local authorities have implemented comprehensive programs to help residents transition to more environmentally friendly solutions.

Understanding the Current Regulatory Landscape

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone signed legislation banning the installation of cesspools effective July 1, 2019, which have been identified as a primary source of nitrogen pollution that has degraded water quality throughout Suffolk County. The ban advances water quality efforts and sets the stage for the use of new technologies that reduce nitrogen in residential wastewater by up to 70%.

The transition isn’t just about environmental compliance—it’s about protecting Long Island’s water resources. Nitrogen pollution from cesspools and septic systems has been identified as the largest single cause of degraded water quality contributing to beach closures, restrictions on shell fishing, toxic algae blooms, and massive fish kills.

What Are Advanced Treatment Units (ATUs)?

Advanced Treatment Units, also known as Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A OWTS), represent a significant upgrade from traditional cesspools. Unlike traditional septic systems that rely on anaerobic bacteria, ATUs use aerobic bacteria, which require oxygen to function. In an ATU system, oxygen is injected into the treatment tank to stimulate the growth of aerobic bacteria, which break down organic matter and pathogens in the wastewater more efficiently.

The benefits of ATUs include:

• Improved wastewater treatment that produces cleaner effluent, reducing the risk of contamination to groundwater and surrounding ecosystems
• Smaller drain field requirements since the treated waste is cleaner and requires less soil absorption area
• Ability to be installed in places where conventional systems couldn’t due to soil quality or site conditions, and they may extend the lifespan of the drain field while being more environmentally friendly

The 2024 Upgrade Process: Step-by-Step

1. Determine Your Requirements

As of July 1, 2021, Article 6 requires new I/A systems to be installed for all new construction. Additionally, nitrogen-reducing septic systems are required for all new home and commercial construction, and for single family home renovations that increase the number of bedrooms to more than five and increase the building’s footprint or floor area.

2. Site Assessment and Design

A licensed professional will assess your property’s soil type, slope, and water table. Local regulations and permitting requirements will also be considered. The ATU system is customized based on your household size and wastewater needs, with the design specifying the location of the aeration chamber, settling chamber, and dispersal area.

3. Permit Acquisition

You must obtain the necessary permits from local health or environmental authorities to ensure compliance with regional codes and regulations.

4. Installation Process

The installation involves excavation and placement of tanks, aerators, and pipes, with electrical components such as pumps and aerators connected and tested. A final inspection is conducted to ensure the system meets local standards, and once approved, the system is ready for use.

Financial Assistance Programs Available in 2024

Suffolk County recognizes the financial burden of system upgrades and offers substantial assistance. Under the Reclaim Our Water Septic Improvement Program, homeowners who decide to replace their cesspool or septic system with new I/A OWTS technologies will be eligible for grants of up to $30,000 from Suffolk County and New York State to offset the cost.

In addition to the grant, homeowners can qualify to finance the remaining cost of the systems via a loan, payable over 15 years at a low 3% fixed interest rate. The average total cost for nitrogen-removing I/A systems is approximately $25,000, plus the cost of attendant engineering and design services, though costs will vary on a case-by-case basis.

Ongoing Maintenance Requirements

ATUs require more maintenance than traditional systems. Regular maintenance is essential to keep an ATU functioning properly, and while ATUs offer advanced treatment, they also require more upkeep compared to traditional systems. You should schedule professional inspections at least twice a year and inspect aerators, pumps, and other mechanical components.

Why Choose Professional Installation Services

When considering this significant upgrade, working with experienced local professionals is crucial. For residents seeking reliable septic system services Suffolk County, NY, companies like AAA Dependable Cesspool offer the expertise needed for both traditional maintenance and modern system upgrades.

AAA Dependable cesspool is a local, full service, professional sewer and drain cleaning company, and the premier Suffolk County, NY cesspool service. They’re the family-owned septic company Suffolk County trusts for honest work and fair prices. With over 325 five-star reviews and 25+ years serving Suffolk County families, they’ve been proudly serving the Suffolk community for over 28 years.

They understand Long Island soil conditions and regulations better than out-of-town companies, with three generations serving Suffolk County – your satisfaction protects their local reputation. They specialize in all aspects of cesspool and septic tank maintenance and repairs, including pumping, drain cleaning, camera inspections, and water jetting, offering routine maintenance programs as well as 24/7 emergency services.

Taking Action in 2024

The transition from cesspools to Advanced Treatment Units represents more than regulatory compliance—it’s an investment in Suffolk County’s environmental future. Suffolk County has assertively set the stage for the transition to these new systems, taking important steps towards restoring and protecting its water quality for future generations.

Whether you’re facing a system failure, planning home renovations, or simply want to be proactive about environmental stewardship, understanding your options and working with qualified local professionals ensures a smooth transition to cleaner, more efficient wastewater treatment. The combination of available grants, low-interest financing, and expert installation services makes 2024 an opportune time to make this important upgrade for your property and community.