(1) The department hereby adopts and incorporates by reference the following Department of Environmental Quality publications setting construction and operation standards for sewage systems:

(a) circular #84-10, "Sewers and Sewage Treatment for Multi-Family and Non-Residential Buildings";

(b) circular #13, "The Sanitary Pit Privy". Copies of circulars #84-10 and #13 may be obtained from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Health Policy and Services Division, Food and Consumer Safety Section, 1400 Broadway, P.O. Box 202951, Helena, Montana 59620-2951.

(2) The department hereby adopts and incorporates by reference ARM Title 17, chapter 38, subchapter 1, which sets forth standards for design, maintenance and operation of public sewer systems. Copies of ARM Title 17, chapter 38, subchapter 1 may be obtained from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Health Policy and Services Division, Food and Consumer Safety Section, 1400 Broadway, P.O. Box 202951, Helena, Montana 59620-2951.

(3) In order to ensure sewage is completely and safely disposed of, a school must:

(a) connect to a public sewage system meeting the requirements of Title 17, chapter 38, subchapter 1 of the Administrative Rules of Montana; or

(b) if the school is not utilized by more than 25 persons daily at least 60 days out of the calendar year, including staff and students, and an adequate public sewage system satisfying the requirements of ARM Title 17, chapter 38, subchapter 1 is not available, utilize a non-public system whose construction and use meet the construction and operation standards contained in circular #84-10 incorporated by reference in (1) of this rule.

(4) Where pit privies are currently in use, the privies must be operated and maintained in compliance with the standards specified in circular #13, "The Sanitary Pit Privy."

(5) A sewage system design of a type other than described in this rule may be utilized only if it is designed by a professional engineer and offers equivalent sanitary protection as determined by the department or local health authority.

(6) A school must replace or repair its sewage system whenever:

(a) it fails to accept sewage effluent at the rate of application;

(b) seepage of effluent from, or ponding of effluent on or around the system occurs;

(c) effluent from the sewage system causes contamination of a potable water supply or state waters; or

(d) a mechanical failure occurs, including electrical outage, or collapse or breakage of septic tank, inlet lines, or drainfield lines.