Case Studies - October 2020

Case Studies - October 2020

Filtration system proves successful on sloped site

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Sand filter units suitable for small footprint lot

Problem: A fuel transfer station in Scott City, Kansas, needed a new septic system after the drainfield failed. The leachfield was saturated and not performing due to the heavy daily use, and excessive traffic had compacted the septic field. This is a fuel terminal site, and underground utilities were of great concern. Poor receiving soils and limited areas for a new system dictated the need for a treatment solution that would provide high-quality effluent in a small footprint. A conventional stone-and-pipe replacement system would not fit in the area.

Solution: Frank Penner of Frank’s Plumbing designed and installed an above-grade 1,050-gpd system with guidance from Eljen. The system contains 60 A42 GSF (Geotextile Sand Filter) units in two laterals and is center-fed using time pressure dosing.

Result: The GSF units allowed the designer to choose an in-ground or above-grade system and work the layout to make it suitable for the limited site. The repair system was raised and protected from vehicle traffic and parking. The raised system was able to fit in the available space. 800-444-1359; www.eljen.com.


Leachfield system replaces failing residential septic system

Problem: A Pittsford, New York, three-bedroom home septic system installed in the 1970s was failing. The owners needed a replacement but wanted to preserve their extensive investment in landscaping. The available footprint for a new system was limited and included steep slopes, high groundwater and nonpercolating soils. The failing septic system used two concrete single-compartment septic tanks — one for blackwater and one for graywater — and both septic tanks discharged to the same leachfield. The naturally sloping site resulted in stormwater flowing toward the existing system and the proposed footprint. 

Solution: A 540-square-foot ATL passive advanced treatment leachfield system from Infiltrator Water Technologies was selected for the 330-gpd replacement system. Installation began by abandoning the blackwater tank and then installing two Infiltrator IM-540 tanks. To meet regulations, one IM-540 was installed downstream of the graywater tank to provide a second compartment, and the second tank conveys settled effluent to the ATL system. The leachfield design has three 4-foot-wide-25-foot-long trenches. Due to the tight footprint and extensive landscaping, the installation of the shallow trenches proceeded as the crew worked themselves out of the area. Top-soiling and seeding of the system was completed, and a curtain drain was installed to convey stormwater away from the system. The system was engineered by Rosiek Engineering, and components were provided by Kistner Concrete.

Result: The homeowner was happy with the minimal impact to the landscaping. The system is operating well. 800-221-4436; www.infiltratorwater.com.



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