A: The wastewater treatment process begins as raw effluent enters the septic tank. The septic tank consists of two compartments; the first compartment, often times referred to as the trash tank will separate solids, liquids, and FOG’s (fats, oils and greases). The initial aerobic bacterial breakdown in this first compartment will reduce much of the solids and suspended solids into a sludge that will descend to the bottom of the tank where anaerobic bacteria will continue to reduce biological materials. The FOG’s will create a scum layer at the top of the tank and will inhibit noxious gases from escaping the tank. NOTE: excessive use of degreasers may breakdown this scum layer and release these gases back into the home. A baffle separates the two compartments with a crossover placed below the scum horizon and above the sludge horizon to allow the treated liquid to transfer over to the second compartment. Aerobic bacterial breakdown continues in the second compartment before the effluent passes through an effluent filter before discharging into the disposal field.

A: The wastewater treatment process begins as raw effluent enters the ATU. The ATU consists of three compartments; the first compartment, often times referred to as the trash tank will separate solids, liquids, and FOG’s (fats, oils and greases). The initial aerobic bacterial breakdown in this first compartment will reduce much of the solids and suspended solids into a sludge than will descend to the bottom of the tank where anaerobic bacteria will continue to reduce biological materials. The FOG’s will create a scum layer at the top of the tank and will inhibit noxious gases from escaping the tank. NOTE: excessive use of degreasers may breakdown this scum layer and release these gases back into the home. A baffle separates the first two compartments with a crossover placed below the scum horizon and above the sludge horizon to allow the treated liquid to transfer over to the second compartment. Aerobic bacterial breakdown is accelerated in the second compartment via a built-in aerator before passing through a transfer tube into the bottom of the chlorination chamber. The Biokinetic chlorination system performs the final disinfection of the effluent in preparation for discharge. Chlorine tablets will need to be added to the biokinetic system on a regular basis.

A: The ARC 36 Infiltrator leaching chamber is a sturdy, lightweight plastic unit that combines maximized infiltrative surface area and storage capacity without sacrificing performance. Each chamber shall interlock with an integral articulating joint with a maximum of 10-degree rotation in either direction. The chambers have a minimum burial depth of 12” and a maximum burial depth of 96”. Once the chambers have been properly installed per manufacturers recommendations and inspected by the proper regulatory agency there is no ongoing maintenance required. The last chamber in each trench shall have a 4” inspection port installed within it, perforated inside the chamber and solid above, extending to 12” above grade and capped. The purpose of the inspection ports is to allow visual inspection of the trenches to verify the trenches are properly leaching and not becoming over saturated. If oversaturation is observed you should contact your service provider for further diagnostics of the problem.

A: After treatment from the ATU effluent will pass into the pump tank. The pump tank will store treated effluent in order to evenly dose the disposal with the desired gallon per day design flow. An adequately sized pump, sized to overcome the Total Dynamic Head (TDH) will be installed at the outlet side of the pump tank. A minimum of two floats will be added to the pump chamber, the first will regulate pump on/ off functions, it is permissible to use one float for on and another float for off. The second required float will operate a high water alarm, which will provide visual and auditory indicators that the pump tank has reached 24 hours of remaining storage volume. Reference the design manual for details on dosing volumes and durations.

The Geoflow subsurface drip system will utilize pressure compensating emitters to ensure equal distribution of treated effluent to the disposal field. The drip lines will contain a factory coated root inhibitor to deter root infiltration and have a 10-year manufacturer warranty. Drip lines are internally coated with Geoshield DM-50, an antibacterial impregnated liner that inhibits bacterial growth on the walls of the tubing and emitters. Pressure compensating drip lines will deliver treated effluent at a constant flow rate at all pressures from 7 – 60 psi but to ensure longevity the recommended operating range is 10 – 45 psi.

A: The Wastewater Treatment Process is a Geotextile Sand Filter (GSF). The sewage passes from the septic tank by gravity flow to the Eljen pad system. The liquid then passes through a perforated 4” pipe placed on top of the engineered geotextile pads that are placed over top of a C-33 sand bed. The effluent will travel through the engineered pads where trapped aerobic bacteria will continue the treatment process. As the effluent reaches the C-33 sand the final treatment occurs, the angular nature of the silica-based sand punctures and captures remaining bacteria and pathogens. The disposal system consists of the GSF pads overtop of C-33 sand, in trenches, in a specified disposal area. The system is designed so that all effluent is disposed of subsurface and precipitation is allowed to naturally runoff.

A: The ongoing operation and maintenance of the OWTF is the owner’s responsibility. This includes but is not limited to; system design, location, construction, access to system components, operations and continued maintenance. Many of these requirements can be met by the hiring of qualified and competent contractors and service providers. Safety of the homeowner and the environment will always be the most important. Effluent contains many harmful micro-organisms, parasites, viruses, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals that can adversely affect living organisms if they come in direct contact with it. It is never permissible for untreated effluent to be discharged at or below grade and may subject the owner to corrective action and fines. It is crucial to always be aware of changes within your OWTF, and to contact a service professional if you suspect a problem. An improperly operated or maintained system can be very dangerous to public health and the environment. The new systems are to be warrantied for a period not less than two years by the contractor or service provider. An OWTF may fall below compliance for a number of reasons, most notably by not following maintenance guidelines and requirements, which may include but not limited to:

a. Damaged transport lines.

b. Treatment system component malfunction.

c. Disinfection device not functioning correctly or missing chlorine tablets.

d. Pump(s) malfunction or damage.

e. Control panel malfunction or damage.

f. Clogged vacuum breakers.

g. Surfacing of effluent at or around the OWTF.

h. Hydraulic overloading of the system.

i. Frost damage.

A: 1. ATU tank should be inspected annually.

a. Measure scum depth by gently breaking surface until clear space is visible.

b. Measure sludge depth by inserting a clear plastic tube to the bottom of the tank, plug the top of the tube and remove from tank.

c. Inspect effluent filter for clogging and wash as necessary back into the first compartment of the septic tank.

d. Tank should be pumped every 5-7 years or if any of the following occur.

2. Septic tank should be pumped if:

a. Scum layer is within 3 inches of the bottom of the outlet transfer devise.

b. Sludge layer is within 8 inches of the bottom of the outlet transfer devise.

3. Sale of property will require the septic tank to be pumped and inspected by a licensed pumper/ inspector.

4. General considerations

a. Do not hydraulically overload the wastewater system, inflows beyond the daily design flow will not allow for adequate detention time within the septic tank and will promote the migration of solids which may clog system components and soil.

b. Only dispose of domestic waste into the septic tank associated with toilet flushing, cloths washing, and kitchen prep. Excessive disposal of chemicals, pesticides, solvents or paints will destroy the septic tank ecosystem.

c. When the septic tank is pumped, it is not necessary to leave sludge within the tank, the natural bacteria produced by normal use is enough to develop the ecosystem.

d. Garbage disposal use should be limited unless the system was upsized to accommodate the increase in biosolids.

e. Special additives to improve septic tank performance should not be added to the system. Some such additives have been shown to inhibit sludge digestion and most are of questionable value.

f. Plumbing fixtures should be regularly checked for leaks as they can add substantial amounts of water into the system.