BC Septic Pro in southwest British Columbia often encounters compact lots, or properties where it’s difficult to keep the necessary separation between drainfield trenches and groundwater or bedrock.

In such situations, owner Jesse Brown often relies on Ecoflo biofilter systems (Premier Tech) that use natural coconut husk filter media. “TSS and BOD levels are so low by the time the effluent leaves the septic tank and passes through the coconut husks, that I can site systems on very small vertical separation,” Brown says. 

“The effluent is almost fully treated, so I don’t need 5 feet of vertical separation. The beautiful thing about these systems is I can actually put them right on the ground. I don’t even need to excavate to sink them in.” 

The system manufacturer says its studies of various filter media showed clearly that coconut husk fragments offered the most reliable performance over time. The natural media enables beneficial use of what otherwise would be a waste material. After use, it can be composted. 

The media particles’ porosity yields an optimum proportion of micropores and macropores.

The micropores provide a beneficial environment for the microorganisms that provide treatment, while the macropores promote necessary gas and water exchange. High absorption and water retention make the filter media highly stable to withstand variable load conditions and periods of non-use.

The coconut husk fragments are also rigid and resistant to degradation, helping the media maintain a three-dimensional structure and porosity over time.

The Ecoflo biofilter is an energy-free treatment system that the manufacturer says is fast and easy to install. It is designed for applications including year-round homes and seasonal cottages, campgrounds and parks, temporary work camps, and others.

In operation, septic tank effluent first enters a nonmechanical tipping bucket that scatters the liquid across perforated distribution plates. The water drips through these plates and falls across the filter media of coconut husk fragments (or a combination of coconut and peat moss). 

The filter media captures and removes wastewater pollutants. After percolating through the biological filter, the wastewater is discharged to the drainfield.

Read more about BC Septic Pro in the December issue of Onsite Installer.