thanks Dodgeman, Lets debate a bit

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I had a septic system (several over the course of history), and even watched replacement fields being installed, and none had this appendage. Since you brought it up, I searched for some designs and sure enough there are some fields designed with a vent, (often an inverted J tube to keep out rain) on the ends. I have no idea what good this does, because there is no air to displace and the entire system is supposed to be anaerobic. In looking at construction codes I have observed a number of requirements, but none cite the requirement for a vent, but some drawings do include it. For example this specification from Columbus, Ohio:
http://www.cmhhealth.org/programs/water%20sewage%20permit%20policy.htm

Also with regard to your statement:
quote: "up through the septic tank, and finally up through the vents on top of your house roof." There is no possible way for gasses to pass from the leach field to the distribution box septic tank secondary chamber under the baffle to septic primary chamber and into the waste lines. Air would have to diffuse through water to do this. Ain't no way! So the only remaining purpose for this vent is as an inspection port.

So Dodgeman, I'm not picking a fight, and I agree with you this is most likely a vent, but I gotta ask... Why bother with a vent here? I think it is useless as a vent and serves only as an inspection port and could therefore be capped below ground and marked. To the original poster, I would check with the local health department or county agency that approves septic tank designs before modifying the back yard decor.