You bought your RV so you could enjoy life and spend time with family and Ive never noticed anything dramatic though. In addition to not using products containing banned chemicals, there are other things youll need to make sure you do as a campground in order to be in compliance with SB-317. Yes, I know that CA is over the top with their regulations, etc (lived here my entire life), but what makes this particular product no longer acceptable to the A-Hats running this state, when it used to be OK? We understand that this is a complicated topic, so if you have any further questions, concerns, or comments, please dont hesitate to reach out to us. This is an independent, unofficial site. The unprocessed solids then pass THROUGH waste treatment facilities without being broken down, which prevents further composting. without the extra bull***. The Unique Method is a comprehensive tank care plan that we developed after If they don't sell a lot of products in the state or it is a small company it is not cost effective to pay for the testing so they just don't sell in CA. The bill also requires campgrounds to enforce rules that ban people from using treatments if their campground utilizes a septic system, onsite wastewater treatment system, or subsurface disposal system to dispose of recreational vehicle wastewater. I think after roughly 20 years on this RV forum and the limited number of posts I've had, I think I'll just ignore your "****" if you will! Perhaps California was being proactive and not wanting the stuff in Happy Camper ending up in ground water as well. SB-317 seeks to keep this from happening. There are some holding tank chemicals "discouraged" in CA but I checked the product and it specifically says "We don't have any of that stuff". Gray an black tanks always stink but the plumbing is designed so you dont smell them during normal use. For more information about treating your holding tanks the right way, we suggest you look into using The Unique Method. Been using Happy Camper for the past year. And, I don't leave the waste in for weeks, enough time for enzymes to do their thing. I can't smell a thing when I add the water after flushing. I always keep some water in the tanks when its not winterized and I think this stuff helps to break down organic materials. Using a high-quality, bacteria-based RV holding tank treatment as well as other SB-317 compliant products in your RV you have no reason for worry. The bill comes on the heels of concerns about pollution in California because of toxic chemicals that make their way into the groundwater via septic systems at RV campgrounds, RV parks, or other dumping sites. Subscribe to get $5 off your first order! Why does your tank smell? I read a report about formaldehyde. Unique Manufacturing & Marketing Homepage. Wed love to chat with you! I also use HC and been "happy" with it. To many people, especially those new to RVing, SB-317 might just be a nondescript, meaningless code that doesnt affect them in any way. I have found nothing that states that "California has banned the use of Happy Camper products", but California has banned the use of formaldehyde. The idea is to get it from your rear end, into the toilet, down into the tanks, out the sewer hose and into whatever septic system there is with the least amount of stink. We recommend that you check with your local authorities, a full link to California SB-317 rules can be found here. In addition to reporting your dumping, campsites, travel centers, and RV parks must display a sign making guests aware of changes to California law. Affordable RVing Solutions That Can Save You Money. Loud mouths that know it all fit pretty good into your categories also. None of the typical tank treatments are going to do much after the fact. B&W RVK3600 hitch 2015 Crossroads Elevation Homestead Toy Hauler ("The Taj Mahauler") Hooligan #3, {I say dumb stuff that the mod deletes time and time again}, https://uniquecampingmarine.com/blogs/news/california-sb-317. In light of the previous section, the simplest way to make sure you dont violate SB-317 is to purchase and only use products that do not contain the aforementioned chemicals. What SB-317 is and how it affects you as a traveller can be confusing, so in this guide well aim to break down what Californias SB-317 bill is and what it means for you as an RVer. years of conversations with real customers facing real problems. with RV dump stations onsite, youll need to file a report with the appropriate authorities. your holding tanks and more time enjoying the freedom and adventure of RVing. A couple of the most notable chemicals that the bill bans are formaldehyde and bronopol. However, when I went online to purchase it recently, it was no longer available to ship to CA?????? No complaints what so ever. What is it you are wanting it to do? The bill states, Under the act, persons discharging waste are required to file with the appropriate regional board a report of the discharge and the discharge is subject to waste discharge requirements prescribed by that regional board. In other words, if you are a campsite, travel center, RV park etc. Keeping your tanks in peak operating proven process: It is not a deodorizer. Sorry, I'm not in the habit of putting grey/black water into a bucket just so I can see if it stinks. Specifically, these chemicals kill beneficial bacteria which inhibit solid waste from breaking down. Unique Method every day. AISIN trans & 4.10 rear. HAPPY CAMPERS RV Holding Tank Treatment - 18 Treatments. No improvement after soaking 5 days in warm weather. It seems that it did effect the septic systems of RV parks along with some ending up in ground water. I guess after growing up camping using pit toilets, on boats using cassette toilets, and then finally graduating to RV's and a boat with with closed tanks, catching a "whiff" reminds me how far I've come. I did not see any shipping restrictions. I'm no expert, but it must contain one (or more) of these chemicals: Well, I hate to put a kink in anyone's sewer hose but MY EXperience with black/grey tank odor is the same as a previous poster. Don't know why, for sure, CA band this product but have heard on several other items. It breaks down solid waste and controls odor very well, at a reasonable cost. Many of these comments prove, once again, how people can ignore a question but post anyway in order to see their words in print. If you need more help with anything covered in this guide or simply have a California has banned the use of Happy Camper products which contain certain chemicals. Don't know if it is good as the type you are looking for but there is an "organic" Happy Camper tank treatment for sale on Ebay. As I recall their is nothing in the laws that says you can't buy these products in a different state and cary it home but the company just can sell it in CA. If you can smell your tanks you have a vent and/or trap problem you might address. Sorry almighty one that you knew all this already! Im on my third MH and stopped using chemicals 20 years ago after I realized I didnt need them. This is a whole-tank approach to keep your holding tanks clean and clear at all times. To others though, particularly avid RVers in California, SB-317 affects many aspects of travelling in an RV in the Golden State. Anyone know specifically why? When this occurs, a holding tank system will fail to treat waste effectively, which means that solids can pass out of the septic tank, clog the leach field, and cause the entire system to discharge inadequately treated wastewater into the ground. Happy Camper is available through Amazon. sensor problems before they start so you can spend less time worrying about fixing wastewater holding tank problems. Are you guys actually trying to believe the advertising hype? California's SB-317 - What It Means For You, * Please note that this guide is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended to offer legal advice. What gives? The Unique Method. In fact, The best way to treat an RV black tank or a septic system is with a bacteria and enzyme treatment, like Unique RV Digest-It, not just for the sake of SB-317 but also for the sake of properly maintaining your holding tank systems in your RVs. Well if you really can't handle a "whiff when dumping" then I guess you do need to add something to mask it. We have made a sign that is compliant with these rules here: While it can seem complicated, Californias SB-317 bill shouldnt negatively affect you as long as you follow its fairly simple requirements for both campers and campground owners. In addition, there are several cases in which RV campgrounds septic systems experienced complete failure because of waste filled with toxic chemicals. I have been disappointed with Happy Camper. RV Propane Tank Covers: Do You Really Need Them? 2014 RAM 3500 Diesel 4x4 Dually long bed. Tall Texan RV Park Is A Must-Visit In Colorado, Find the perfect campground, RV Park or RV Resort, Unexpected Uses For Everyday Items While RVing, Camper Smarts - Resources for Smart RVers, https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f2n-18996-3.html, https://www.rvtravel.com/california-tank-chemical/, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005XEFADUing=UTF8&psc=1, Video Tour of the 2023 NEW Winnebago Revel. Not only does Californias SB-317 bill ban the use of these chemicals in RV holding tank treatments, it also addresses the issue at its source, banning companies from including these chemicals in RV holding tank treatments that can be sold within the state of California. I refuse to get into an argument regarding choice of chemicals, GEO method, or just water. As you may already know if you've read some of our other blogs, RV holding tank treatments that use formaldehyde and bronopol will kill beneficial bacteria in RV black tanks and septic systems. All in all, the bill seeks to limit the environmental and practical impact of toxic chemicals that are often found in RV holding tanks. Yay for StarkNaked and I for giving the correct answer; SB-317. I use it occasionally when Ill be storing my coach for a few weeks at a time. If you would like to read Californias SB-317 bill for yourself, click here. Geeus!!! That CA has laws that the companies have to pay to have their product tested for certain types of carcinogens and it is very expensive. Happy Camper is not formaldehyde nor contains formaldehyde. And to you wonderful people who's s--t doesn't stink, both black and grey, I challenge you to dump a bit into a bucket and take a good deep whiff. At its most basic level, Californias SB-317 bill bans the use of certain toxic chemicals as ingredients in RV holding tank treatments. Are you trying to use the product for something its not intended to do? But my post only offered info for those reading the forum and don't understand air pressure and it's effect on sewer gas. Try it yourself and see why thousands of campers trust their RVs with The The only time I treat either tank is when I've completely dumped for the last time and I'm returning home. I think the OP answered his own question when he said it was inexpensive and it worked. Please contact a lawyer or your companys legal team if you have any additional questions. comment, were here to help you anytime! condition doesnt have to be hard, confusing, or expensive if you follow our Californias SB-317 bill bans the use of certain chemicals in RV holding tank treatments and also prevents stores from selling treatments containing restricted chemicals. I NEVER said that I have any smells coming from my tanks; there is nothing wrong with my tanks/vents/lines/traps, etc., however, there IS the occasional "whiff" while dumping; anyone who claims otherwise is simply not being honest. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. It does appear to break down the waste. Sorry if I went off a tangent on your on post. friends. i have a big container of it and will continue to use it until it is gone. I do not treat a tank that's periodically being dumped at a campground with hook ups.and the only smell is held within the tank itself. The last thing you want to do is waste precious time and money on Method provides you with simple, preventative steps to stop odors, clogs, and I've used Happy Campers holding tank treatment for several years now, and am very happy (no pun intended) with it. The Unique