What rules and regulations govern septic systems?
In New Jersey septic systems are regulated under New Jersey Administrative Code (NJAC) Title 7, Chapter 9A. The NJAC 7:9A Regulations have been in effect since 1990. Why are septic systems in New Jersey so expensive? A combination of factors including design requirements and standards (NJAC 7:9A), subsurface soil conditions, materials costs, and market influences cause the price for a new septic system in New Jersey to approach $20,000 – $25,000. Most septic systems designed and installed in central and northern New Jersey are classified as soil replacement systems. When these types of systems are installed the native soil is excavated and hauled offsite. Special sand known as select fill is then placed in the hole. A single system may require as much as 400 – 500 tons of select fill. It is not unusual for the materials costs alone to exceed $12,000.
