Beginning Tuesday, 5/26, the Au Sable Forks Sewer District in the Town of Jay will begin its annual maintenance of the septic tanks that are connected to the public sewer system. However, our process for the next five years, including this one, will be slightly different than in previous years.

Previously, each tank was inspected at the same time it was pumped, on a 3-5 year rotating schedule. However, in order to meet the requirement set forth in the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations (6 NYCRR) 750-2.8 (d), which states, “if a septic tank is installed as part of the disposal system, it shall be inspected by the permittee […] at intervals not to exceed one year’s duration,” moving forward, the Town will begin taking steps to inspect each and every tank, EVERY YEAR.

Since digging up each of our 220 septic tanks every year is not feasible, the Town will be raising one side of each tank to grade for ease of future annual inspections. Having evaluated several different styles and materials, the Town will be installing 26″ steel lids and frames installed on high-density EPS risers. The final product will be durable, can be safely driven over, and has the ability to match even sloped grades to within one quarter inch (1/4″).

We have posted a FAQ in the “Water Department Documents” page of the Town website (https://www.townofjayny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Septic-Tank-FAQ.pdf) to help answer most questions, but if you have any left unanswered, please reach out to me–thank you!

Unclogging septic system. Cleaning and unblocking drain full of disposable wipes and other non biodegradable items.