Jim Thorpe Borough Council on Thursday extended the time frame in which residents are required to have their on-lot septic systems pumped.

The program put in place last year originally called for residents to have their systems pumped every three years or whenever an inspection reveals that the septic tank is filled with solids or with scum in excess of 1/3 of the liquid depth of the tank, whichever comes first.

“We’re extending that time frame to every five years,” Council President Greg Strubinger said Thursday.

The change, he said, comes after taking into consideration comments from residents that system usage is not equitable among all properties.

“There are a lot of variables that go into when tanks need to be pumped,” Strubinger said. “A lot of it is dependent on household usage. We decided to go with pumping at least once every five years.”

The hauler/pumper must also complete a system inspection at the time of pumping.

Residents must choose a hauler/pumper who has been licensed by the borough.

Strubinger said the impetus behind the program was to avoid having the responsibility of failing systems fall on the borough.