How is a malfunctioning OSSF defined?

A malfunctioning On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) is defined as a system causing a nuisance or not operating in compliance. This definition is pivotal because the primary concern with OSSFs is to ensure that they function properly to protect public health and the environment. When a system fails to operate within regulatory compliance or causes a nuisance— such as unpleasant odors, visible sewage, health hazards, or contamination of water sources—it is deemed malfunctioning. Compliance with regulations is essential as it indicates the system is effectively treating and disposing of sewage without posing risks to human health or the environment.

The other options do not accurately represent characteristics of a malfunctioning system. For instance, a system that is routinely cleaned may still operate effectively, while a newly installed system should not inherently be labeled as malfunctioning unless specific issues arise. Additionally, handling less than 500 gallons per day pertains to capacity and does not determine the operational status of the system. Hence, the focus on compliance and nuisance is what clearly defines a malfunctioning OSSF.