I just read this again in the handbook. Well must be a min. of 50' from septic tank, 100' from drainfield, and 10' from the property line. No other distance was mentioned. I like to read over the handbook from time to time just to refresh my memory. Hope this helps.
In my opinion the problem with answering this question is that they are subsurface systems that we have no definitive way of knowing where they begin and end and whether they are actually the functioning system or a system that has been abandoned and a new system installed. This should be left to experts with the proper equipment and expertise to answer these questions definitively. Another area of potential liability that we can not credibly answer without a survey, marked boundaries and a subsurface listening device.
I address readily observable evidence of system failure and note that:
The identification of the type of waste water disposal system i.e. septic or cesspool is a subsurface condition that is often not readily observable by the appraiser. The location of drainage fields, property lines and active wells is not readily discernable on the surface by the appraiser therefore the client is urged to rely on other more knowledgeable and better equipped sources for this information.
The NJ Private Well Testing Act as set forth by N.J.S.A. 58:12A-26 et seq., was signed into law in March of 2001 and became effective in September of 2002. It requires water testing of private wells and requires that buyer and seller obtain copies of the results of said testing prior to close of title on sales. HUD Mortgagee Letter 95-ML-34 requires well testing in the absence of local or state regulations.
Private Sewage Systems in New Jersey:
There are four major types of septic system approvals in New Jersey. The Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems require that septic permits be obtained before locating, designing, constructing, installing, altering, and operating a septic system.
Local health departments issue permits for the location, design, construction, installation, alteration, repair and operation of septic systems that discharge less than 2,000 gallons of wastewater per day. This permit is needed for all residences and some small scale commercial operations.
