Sand filter system helps replace failed septic
Problem: A three-bedroom home in Blackford County, Indiana, needed a full replacement system after an unpermitted system failed. The site required that the system be elevated above grade due to site conditions.
Solution: Eljen donated the B43 GSF modules needed for the drainfield, and Roth donated a septic tank to replace the one that had been damaged. The receiving layer was scarified to maximize the interface between the specified sand and native soil. Twelve inches of Indiana DOT Spec 23 sand, meeting Eljen’s specified sand requirement, was placed and stabilized before placing the GSF modules end to end. The sloping above-grade bed has two laterals with a total of 34 GSF modules, installed by Eljen-certified installer L.A. Brown Inc. and assisted by installers from Blackford County. Four-inch perforated SDR 35 pipe was centered on top of the modules before covering with supplied cover fabric and backfill.
Result: The system is a lower maintenance option for the site, needing no replacement media or parts, giving the homeowner in need a low maintenance system for years to come. 800-444-1359; www.eljen.com
Combined treatment and dispersal system provides reduced footprint and cost for resort
Problem: Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Western Massachusetts needed to replace a failing septic system that served the main lodge of the four-season resort to accommodate larger flows and enable future expansion.
Solution: After considering several options for the 9,900 gpd system, an Advanced Enviro-Septic (AES) combined treatment and dispersal system from Infiltrator Water Technologies was selected because of the 25 to 50% footprint reduction compared to other potential approaches. The substantial footprint reduction also reduced the construction cost. The system removes up to 99% of wastewater contaminants without using any electricity or replacement media. Highly purified wastewater is released into the soil, recharging the groundwater, preventing soil and groundwater contamination. The Berkshire East system includes 6,000 linear feet of AES pipe divided into two 5,000 gpd module beds. The sand bed area for the system is 4,743 square feet with a soil loading rate of 1.233 gpd per square foot. To accommodate the cross-slope on the site and reduce the amount of fill needed for the project, the AES is installed in a stepped configuration.
Result: The system is very low maintenance and will accommodate future growth of the resort. The smaller footprint required, the ability to install with the natural contour of the site and reduced fill and construction costs were all major benefits of choosing the AES system. 800-221-4436; www.infiltratorwater.com
Vent filter eliminates foul septic odors
Problem: After installation of a septic system, the Midwestern lake home customer complained of odors in his yard. The contractor installed residential vent odor filters on the tank vent and on the roof vents. The residential odor filters improved, but did not eliminate the problem.
Solution: The contractor reviewed the problem with Simple Solutions and determined that the problem was due to the airflow from the tank vent exceeding the airflow normally seen in a typical installation. The home is built on the top of a hill and the holding tank is located at the bottom of the hill. The discharge pipe is approximately 75 feet long and drops approximately 15 feet. The septic modules are located on the side of the house above the holding tank. Odor reappeared whenever water was running into the tank, either from one of the home appliances or when the discharge pumps turn off and the wastewater that is in the feed lines to the modules drains back into the tank. A larger solar-powered Super Wolverine vent filter can eliminate odorous airflows up to 10 cfm and the solar fan actively vents the tank, reducing the accumulation of sewer gas in the system. In the case of concrete holding tanks, this can decrease the deterioration associated with hydrogen sulfide.
Result: The odor problem was eliminated and the customer can once again enjoy his lake home without nuisance odors ruining his day. 866-667-8465; www.industrialodorcontrol.com
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