Final answer:
It is false that a septic tank must be located close to the disposal area to minimize outlet piping. Consideration of soil type, pollution prevention, and avoiding water resource contamination are crucial for proper septic system placement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a septic tank should be located close to the disposal area so that outlet piping can be as short as possible is false. A septic tank system consists of several components including the septic tank itself and the drain field. While it might seem intuitive to keep the tank close to the disposal area to minimize the length of the outlet piping, this is not always the best practice.
One must consider factors like the type of soil, the potential for water pollution problems, and the need to avoid contamination of water resources. For instance, if the septic tank is too close to a well or a body of water, there can be a high risk of point-source contamination, which can include nutrients and fecal matter leaking into the groundwater. Ensuring proper distance and placement is critical to the effectiveness and environmental safety of the septic system.