Incorrect septic systems in Oklahoma lead to revoked license

Improperly installed sewer systems in some Oklahoma counties have resulted in a license being revoked. Up to 70 households could have sewage in their yards in Payne and Noble counties with still water. They said 70 systems had been illegally installed and now homeowners are seeing problems. “What that means is that they didn’t treat that wastewater and so raw wastewater went back into the yards and into these homes,” said Erin Hatfield, communications director at DEQ. Aerobic septic systems are built to treat wastewater and then turn it into things like reuse sprinkler systems. However, they can cause problems if installed incorrectly. “You’re exposed to untreated wastewater, there’s bacteria in it and things that can cause disease,” Hatfield said. He installed the systems incorrectly. KOCO 5 contacted his company but received no reply. “Certainly Mr. Shann is no longer a certified installer, his certification was revoked by DEQ, there are about $31,000 in fines to date,” Hatfield said. DEQ said they are reaching out to those affected in Payne and Noble counties. They said these systems can cost around $7,000, and now homeowners have to pay more money to fix the problem. “Many Oklahomans have on-site sewage systems,” Hatfield said of an emergency order because they pose a public health hazard. KOCO 5 attempted to locate some of these homeowners in Stillwater on Tuesday. Investigations are ongoing, but they said if you have an aerobic clarification system, or are planning to have one installed, remember the following: “By all means choose a certified installer, make sure your system is installed correctly, that it is correct allowed, those are all really important things to know,” Hatfield said. To make sure your system is installed correctly and you have a certified installer, you can check the DEQ website.

Improperly installed sewage systems in some Oklahoma counties have resulted in license revocation.

Up to 70 homes in Payne and Noble counties could have sewage in their yards.

The Department of Environmental Quality said it was an ongoing investigation by a local Stillwater-based sewage treatment plant contractor. They said 70 systems had been installed illegally and now homeowners are seeing problems.

“What this means is that these effluents were untreated and therefore untreated sewage was flowing back into the yards and into these homes,” said Erin Hatfield, communications director at DEQ.

Aerobic wastewater treatment plants are built to treat wastewater and then reuse it in things like sprinkler systems. However, they can cause problems if installed incorrectly.

“You’re exposed to raw sewage, there’s bacteria in it and things that can cause disease,” Hatfield said.

DEQ suspended Stillwater-based Garrison Shann’s license because they said he installed the systems incorrectly. KOCO 5 contacted his company but received no reply.

“Certainly Mr. Shann is no longer a certified installer, his certification was revoked by DEQ, there are about $31,000 in fines so far,” Hatfield said.

The DEQ said it is reaching out to those affected in Payne and Noble counties. They said these systems can cost around $7,000 and homeowners now have to pay more money to fix the problem.

“Many Oklahomans have on-site septic systems,” Hatfield said.

According to DEQ, of the 70 illegally installed systems, 15 are included in an emergency order because they pose a threat to public health. KOCO 5 attempted to locate some of these homeowners in Stillwater on Tuesday.

The investigation is ongoing, but they said if you have an aerobic septic system or are planning to have one installed, consider the following.

“Definitely choose a certified installer, make sure your system is installed properly, it’s properly licensed, those are all really important things to know,” Hatfield said.

To ensure your system is installed correctly and you have a certified installer you can check the DEQ website.

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