Santa Barbara County boasts a thriving agricultural industry, but operating a successful farm or food business requires navigating a complex web of regulations. The County’s Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance plays a crucial role in ensuring environmental protection and public health while supporting agricultural endeavors.
Key Aspects of the Ordinance:
- Environmental Protection: The ordinance focuses on minimizing the impact of agricultural activities on water quality, soil health, and air quality.
- Public Health and Safety: It addresses food safety concerns, particularly for businesses involved in food processing and distribution.
- Sustainable Practices: The ordinance encourages the adoption of sustainable farming practices, such as water conservation and soil conservation.
How the Ordinance Impacts Septic Systems:
- Wastewater Management: A critical aspect of the ordinance is the proper management of wastewater generated by agricultural operations. This includes:
- Domestic Wastewater: Households and employee restrooms on farms generate domestic wastewater, which typically requires a properly functioning septic system.
- Agricultural Wastewater: Depending on the type of operation, agricultural wastewater may include animal waste, irrigation runoff, and wastewater from food processing.
- Food Preparation: Any change in wastewater flow, such as the addition of a new kitchen for food preparation, will require a septic system evaluation. This evaluation will determine if the existing system can handle the increased load and may necessitate upgrades or modifications.
How Standard Septic Can Help:
- Navigating the Ordinance: As a former Sr. Environmental Health Specialist for Santa Barbara County EHS, owner Joel Schwartz possesses extensive experience with plan checking and permitting new kitchens through the Health Department. This invaluable knowledge allows Standard Septic to guide clients through the complexities of the ordinance.
- Septic System Expertise: Standard Septic has a deep understanding of septic system design and the wastewater requirements for a commercial kitchen.
- Septic System Evaluation and Upgrades: Standard Septic can conduct thorough septic system evaluations to assess the capacity and determine if any upgrades are necessary to comply with the ordinance and accommodate increased wastewater flow.
- Permitting Assistance: Standard Septic Company can assist clients with the permitting process, ensuring all necessary documentation is submitted accurately and efficiently.
By partnering with Standard Septic, agricultural businesses can ensure their septic systems are compliant with the Santa Barbara County Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance, protect the environment, and maintain a safe and healthy operating environment.