Leaching chambers installed at beachfront snack bar

Problem: Sandy Beach at Lake Morris in Bantam, Conn., was undergoing a renovation, including the installation of a new snack bar with a grease trap, bathrooms and a bath station. Since the existing septic system from the 1950s was outdated, a new innovative system was needed to provide enough storage to accommodate the updates.

Solution: Contractors at Green Construction Management LLC consulted with CULTEC Inc. to design and install a Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection-approved subsurface septic system that would provide increased storage and dispersion of sewage effluent. The contractor installed a 2-inch pipe that pumps approximately 400 feet across the beachfront, where it meets a splitter valve system. The splitter valve separates into four distribution boxes, which then run on top of two 100-foot double rows of CULTEC Contactor 100HD plastic leaching chambers – 54 chambers total. The 2-inch line features 1/4-inch holes every 3 feet that drain into the chambers.

Result: This new system design provides efficient handling of the snack bar’s increased sewage flow. The municipality reports no issues. 800/428-5832; www.cultec.com.

Precast tank used for deeply buried septic system

Problem: The University of Wisconsin’s Health East facility in Madison required that its septic tank sit 18 feet underground. Soil loads at that depth dictate a strong tank.

Solution: Having engineered tanks for similar site-specific challenges, which included soil loads of 2,220 pounds per square foot, Crest Precast, a member of the National Precast Concrete Association, took on the project. With the use of a consultant engineer, Crest designed a 5,000-gallon clamshell-style tank that exceeded specifications. Using rational design methods and known material properties as guidelines, they designed the tank with 6-inch walls, and a 7-inch top and base, providing a rigid structure that was easy to install and backfill. The 6,000 psi concrete included an admixture to further waterproof it. Crest also accommodated the client’s special request for 36-inch-diameter risers.

Result: “We requested a precast concrete tank due to the deep bury condition to ensure a permanent structure for the life of the building,” says Ron Babler of Hooper Corporation, the contractor for the job. The end product proved not only cost-effective but had the strength to meet the unique site demands. 800/366-7731; www.precast.org.

Concrete tanks provide solution for rural apartment complex

Problem: Because it was located 9 miles north of Williston, N.D., the Missouri Ridge apartment complex needed its own sewage treatment system. The original specifications for the project called for fiberglass tanks, but due to the composition of the soil in the area, tank weight is an issue to prevent floating. In addition, the fiberglass tanks required a smooth aggregate to prevent piercing, which was not readily available in the area.

Solution: Wieser Concrete Products suggested using precast concrete tanks. Because of the weight of the tanks, ballast was not required. Additionally, existing soils could be used for backfilling. A total of 21 tanks were produced for this system. Tanks located within the complex include 12 12,000-gallon tanks, six 6,010-gallon tanks, a 3,000-gallon tank and a 1,000-gallon tank. The heart of the system, located about 1,500 feet from the center of the complex, is a 38,000-gallon dose tank. This tank contains 12 pumps, which are connected to 12 zones within a 6-acre drainfield.

Result: In this situation, the precast concrete tanks eliminated costly extras and the project realized significant savings. 800/325-8456; www.wieserconcrete.com.