Outhouse Pump Out

[ApS]

Originally Posted by hemlockpoint

"...In reality a modern septic system is much more environmentally unsound than a properly constructed privy..."

I agree. I have river-front friends in a Maine neighborhood who just move their outhouses on occasion.
One of our Lakes Region's biggest lakes has outhouses everywhere on the islands, but remains a "Class A" lake—as opposed to Lake Winnipesaukee, which lost it's "Class A" rating in the 70's.

(I think, due to dishwashers, a rarity on many islands. Dishwasher detergents got a "pass" over clothes washing detergent for excess phosphates.)

When you add phosphorus-laden dishwasher detergent to the leaching field, it's down into the lake waters eventually to feed algae and milfoil. Last I read up on this subject, a recommendation was made to build the leaching fields with calcium carbonate-based rock and not the igneous rock used in New Hampshire—and, likely, in Massachusetts. (Calcium carbonate chemically binds-up the phosphates.)

Even where calcium carbonate leaching fields are common (like Florida), I receive a notice every year at my Florida lakefront property to voluntarily pump-out every three years). My Florida oceanfront property faces some really strict measures—so strict, I probably shouldn't have bought there until resolved by the local government. (Vertical, $20,000, above-ground aerobic septics, requiring monthly inspections and continuous pumped-in air )

Originally Posted by Pricestavern

"...We purchased our place on Rattlesnake last year and the outhouse in the back is, er.....full, if ya know what I mean. Can I get the "filling" removed, or must I dig another...?

Rattlesnake Island's not Parker Island. ('Hope that's sufficient encouragement ).

Even if the sellers didn't disclose the problem, digging's still a better solution than bringing a lawsuit against the sellers, IMHO.

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

"...You can't dig another without breaking the law..."

Digging another hole is illegal, but this lot slated for development on Rattlesnake Island is legal?