Lincoln/Lewis/Vannoy is an area
in the county with a Low Pressure Sewer System (LPSS). This system
was necessary, in part, because of underlying bedrock which made the
installation of gravity sewer prohibitive.
The LPSS uses grinder pumps, which can be likened to a very large
garbage disposal, to provide residential wastewater storage, grinding,
pumping, and control functions. The LPSS utilizes small-diameter PVC
sewer pipes ranging in size from 1¼" to 4" buried below the frost
line. Grinder pumps such as those used in the Lincoln/Lewis/Vannoy area
can pump wastewater vertically more than 92 feet or move it horizontally
up to two miles. The LPSS outfalls to a gravity sewer.
To obtain approval for hookup to the Lincoln/Lewis/Vannoy LPSS, the
following minimum requirements must be met:
- Hookup must be within the Lincoln/Lewis/Vannoy conservation area.
- Appropriate sewer fees and charges must be paid.
- The Grinder Pump must be ENVIRONMENT/ONE or an approved equal.
- The Wastewater Collection Division must be called at 703-250-2003, TTY 711 three work days prior to hookup for on-site meeting with Fairfax County personnel.
- Piping and valve installation must be in accordance with the sketch titled "Service Valve Assembly in Lawn Areas, PS/1.1."
- There must be an electric disconnect switch accessible to Fairfax County personnel for emergency shutdown of station.
Grinder pumps installed by the county under the Department of Housing and Community Development program are maintained by the county; however, the homeowner is responsible for any problems in the line from the house to the grinder pump to the main sewer line. Maintenance of grinder pumps installed by developers or homeowners for new homes is the responsibility of the homeowner.
