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PIPELINE - Winter 1996; Vol. 7, No. 1 National Small Flows Clearinghouse 1-800-624-8301
AEROBIC SYSTEMS
NSF
A major reason that aerobic systems are years. septic system
not more widely used is concern about In most cases, the service contract is Requires electricity
improper operation and maintenance by carried out by the dealer selling the aerobic Includes mechanical parts that can
homeowners. Aerobic systems require unit, who represents the manufacturer. break down
regular maintenance, and abuse or neglect Standard 40 details what type of service is Requires more frequent routine
can easily lead to system failure. R and what records need to
to be performed maintenance than a septic tank
In answer to these concerns, NSF be kept. Both the manufacturers and their Subject to upsets under sudden
heavy loads or when neglected
International (formerly the National distributors are inspected annually by NSF
May release more nitrates to ground-
Sanitation Foundation) has tested aerobic to ensure continued compliance with the water than a septic system
units according to the requirements of requirements. (For more information, read
ANSI/NSF Standard 40. NSF International the article Aerobic System Maintenance
is a nonprofit organization devoted to the on page 6).
protection of public health and the Some state and local governments that
environment through the development of allow aerobic treatment require that units
HOME AEROBIC WASTEWATER
product standards, product evaluations, carry the NSF approval. Your local health TREATMENT: AN ALTERNATIVE TO
research, education, and training. The department will be familiar with the SEPTIC SYSTEMS
American National Standards Institute regulations and permit requirements for
(ANSI) is the recognized accreditor in the your area, as well as which onsite options
Continued from page 1
U.S. for organizations that develop are best for your particular property. systems are a major source of groundwater
consumer standards and for those that (To inquire about regulations or permit pollution in some areas. If a failed septic
provide independent product evaluations. requirements in your area, contact your system needs to be replaced or if a site is
NSF is accredited by ANSI for both of local health department. Helpful contacts inappropriate for conventional systems,
these areas of service. Aerobic units that for aerobic systems are listed on page 7.) aerobic wastewater treatment becomes a
satisfy the requirements of ANSI/NSF viable option.
This issue of Pipeline focuses on indi-
HOW AEROBIC soil or directly to a body of water. Your outside the home, and alarms can be
health department is familiar with local visible, audible, or both.
TREATMENT WORKS
regulations and the treatment options that Homeowners should make sure that
Continued from page 3 are best in your area and for your property. controls and alarms are always protected
Soil absorption fields (or drainfields) are from corrosion, and that the aerobic unit is
and the quality of treatment can suffer. The
the most common method of final turned back on if there is a power outage or
disadvantages to mechanical flow control
treatment used for septic systems. If an if it is turned off temporarily.
devices are that, like all mechanical
aerobic system is being used in place of a
components, they need maintenance and
septic system or to replace a failing septic Size
run the risk of malfunctioning.
system, a drainfield may not be an option. Aerobic units should be large enough to
Homeowners can help their systems
However, an aerobic unit can sometimes allow enough time for the solids to settle
help to prolong the life of a drainfield. and for the wastewater to be treated. The
The amount of dissolved oxygen size of most units range from 300 to 1,500
AIR LINE
contained in wastewater from an aerobic gallons per day, but local regulations often
unit can help the growth of microorgan- require that the unit be at least large
INLET
isms that treat the wastewater in the soil, enough to handle 500 gallons of wastewa-
OUTLET
and can help prevent the pores in the soil ter per day.
from clogging. However, when aerobic The needed size of an aerobic unit is
SETTLING
MIXING
AREA SETTLING
units malfunction, they can release solids often estimated the same way the size of a
AREA AREA
that can clog the drainfield, which may septic tank is estimated, by the number of
cancel out any potential benefits. bedrooms (not bathrooms) in the house. It
RECIRCULATING
TUBE Evapotranspiration beds are a less com- is assumed that each person will use
AIR DIFFUSER
mon method of final treatment and use approximately 50 to 100 gallons of water
vegetation and evaporation to naturally per day, and that each bedroom can accom-
treat the wastewater. Drip irrigation is modate two people. When calculated this
Figure 2Another example of a possible another less commonly used method to way, a three-bedroom house will require a
aerobic unit design treat and dispose of wastewater. unit with a capacity of 300 to 600 gallons
Adapted with permission from Pennsylvania State
University College of Agriculture Extension Service
Sand filters are sometimes used to treat per day.
the wastewater from aerobic units. The Some health departments require that
wastewater is pumped evenly over several aerobic units be sized at least as large as a
performance by conserving water. Leaking
layers of sand and gravel, which are septic tank in case the aerobic unit
faucets and running toilets should be
located either above or below ground. As malfunctions and oxygen doesnt mix with
repaired, and washing machines and dish-
with soil treatment systems, the purifica- the wastewater. In such cases, the aerobic
washers should be used only when full.
tion process is aided by bacteria that occur unit will work as a septic tankwhich
Installing water saving devices in toilets,
naturally in the sand. will, at least, provide partial treatment for
faucets, and showers can reduce water use
Disinfection is another method of the wastewater.
by up to 50 percent. Also, homeowners
treatment commonly used with aerobic
should try to space out activities requiring
units. Some units have the disinfection
heavy water use (like laundry) to avoid Temperature
process incorporated into the unit design.
overloading their systems. Lower temperatures tend to slow down
In some cases, disinfection may be the
most biological processes, and higher
only treatment required of the wastewater
temperatures tend to speed them up. The
from an aerobic unit before the water is
FINAL TREATMENT AND released into the environment. One
aerobic process itself creates heat, which,
along with the heat from the electrical
DISPOSAL disadvantage of this method is the added
components, may help to keep the
cost of the disinfectants, such as chlorine.
treatment process active. However, cold
Although properly operated and
weather can have adverse effects on the
maintained aerobic units are very effective,
performance of aerobic units.
the wastewater leaving the units is not OTHER DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS In one study of aerobic units, there were
ready to be returned to the environment
problems when the temperature of the
and must receive final treatment or Controls and Alarms wastewater inside some of the units fell
disinfection. Methods for final treatment Most aerobic units have controls that can below 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees
include discharge to a soil absorption field, be switched on and off by the homeowner Farenheit). Problems can sometimes be
a sand filter, or an evapotranspiration bed. in case of emergency. Aerobic units also avoided by insulating around the units.
Sometimes, the wastewater receives are required to have alarms to alert the Your health department should know
disinfection before being discharged to the homeowner of malfunctions. Depending whether aerobic systems are suitable for
on the design of the system, controls and your area.
4 alarms can be located either inside or
PIPELINE - Winter 1996; Vol. 7, No. 1 National Small Flows Clearinghouse 1-800-624-8301
AEROBIC SYSTEMS
Do keep your system accessible for Dont use your toilet as a trash can or
inspections and pumping, yet protected poison your treatment system and the
from unauthorized entrance. If access to groundwater by pouring harmful chemi-
your system is locked, make sure that cals down the drain. Harsh chemicals can
your service contractor has a key. kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your
wastewater.
Do call a service professional whenever
you experience problems with your Dont use a garbage disposal without
system, whenever the alarm is activated, checking with your local regulatory
or whenever there are any signs of system agency to make sure that your aerobic
failure. system can accommodate this additional
waste.
Do keep detailed records about your
aerobic system, including a map of where Dont attempt to clean or perform DO NOT FLUSH...
it is, and general information, such as maintenance on any sealed aerobic unit
model name, capacity, state license, date components. coffee grounds
installed, contract service agreement,
dental floss
records of service visits, and maintenance
disposable diapers
performed.
kitty litter
Do conserve water to avoid overloading WARNING SIGNS sanitary napkins
the system. Be sure to repair any leaky of Aerobic System Problems tampons
faucets or toilets. cigarette butts
! Alarms or lights going off condoms
Do divert other sources of water, like ! Any changes in the systems gauze bandages
roof drains, house footing drains, and normal operating sound fat, grease, or oil
sump pumps away from the aerobic paper towels
! Any changes in the normal
system.
color of the wastewater in
and never flush chemicals, such as:
Do become familiar with how your own the aeration chamber (for paints
particular system operates, and the way it example, if the color is varnishes
looks, sounds, and smells when it is greyish brown rather than thinners
working correctly. This way, you may be chocolate brown, this waste oils
able to identify problems before they
can sometimes indicate photographic solutions
become serious and alert your service
provider to anything unusual. problems) pesticides
! Excessive solids, foam, or
Do be sure to ask your service provider scum in the unit These items can overtax or destroy the
questions about how to know if your unit ! Plumbing backups biological digestion taking place
is malfunctioning. within your system.
! Sewage odors in the house
or yard
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PIPELINE - Winter 1996; Vol. 7, No. 1 National Small Flows Clearinghouse 1-800-624-8301
AEROBIC SYSTEMS
? Q& A
How much does aerobic
treatment cost?
It is important that mechanical compo-
nents in aerobic systems receive regular
inspection and maintenance. For example,
air compressors sometimes need to be oiled,
and vanes, filters, and seals may need to be
replaced. Malfunctions are common during
the first few months after installation. In
most cases, homeowners do not have the
to know how to shut the system down in the
off season and start it again when needed.
After the first visit, the maintenance service
contract is issued to the homeowner.
The maintenance contract may include at
least two service visits per year for the next
two years. The number of visits and service
performed will differ from unit to unit and
expertise to inspect, repair, and maintain location to location depending on manufac-
their own systems. turers recommendations and local
The cost of aerobic treatment varies If your unit carries the NSF approval, it regulations.
depending on factors, such as design, will include the first two years of service During a typical visit, the service provider
size, location, and operation and visits with the purchase price and an option will remove the units cover and check its
maintenance requirements. Some of the to renew the service contract after two general appearance. He or she will check
factors affecting the cost of aerobic years. It is a good idea for homeowners to pipes and the inside of the aeration chamber,
treatment are as follows: renew their service agreements after two and will note the appearance of the waste-
$
years, or to find another service organization water inside the unit and its color and odor.
unit price, to take over the job. If the unit includes a chlorinator, this too
cost of unit installation and electri- In addition to routine maintenance, NSF will be checked and may be cleaned.
cians fees, requires service contractors to stock Samples may be taken of the mixed liquor
replacement parts for mechanical compo- from the aeration chamber, as well as the
cost of construction of the drainfield
or cost of other method of additional
nents and to be available for emergency final treated wastewater. The operator will
treatment if required, servicing. Under the original two-year also check to see that all mechanical parts,
agreement, failed equipment is replaced at alarms, and controls are in working order,
cost of electricity (per year), no additional cost to the homeowner. and that solids are pumped from the system
maintenance service contract fee The service contract may or may not if needed.
(per year), and cover such problems as damage from The soil absorption field, sand filter, or
power failures, breaking or crushing of other method of final treatment may also be
cost of disinfection (if applicable). pipes leading to and from the system, inspected by the service provider.
flooding, fires, homeowner misuse, and
The price of some of these factors,
such as unit price, may be adversely
other catastrophies beyond the control of the Record Keeping
manufacturer.
affected by the lack of demand for Service visits will most likely be carried
aerobic systems in certain areas. It is a good idea for the homeowner or the
out by the dealer or another independent service provider to keep detailed records
Installation costs may be higher for service organization that has an agreement
aerobic units than for septic tanks about the system and service visits. NSF-
with the manufacturer. In other cases, health approved units are required to include a
because of the electrical work required. departments will have maintenance
All of these factors need to be users manual that describes such things as
management programs, such as sanitary the manufacturers recommendations for
carefully considered when determining districts, for aerobic systems and other
the cost-effectiveness of aerobic the unit, the system design, how to operate
onsite systems in their area. and maintain it, as well as how to tell if it is
treatment versus other treatment
methods. Your local health official can working properly. The state license, the date
help you evaluate your options.
What To Expect at a Typical the system was installed, the type of
Service Visit disinfection, and any modifications to the
system should also be recorded.
The first service visit should be scheduled Other important information to keep on
immediately after the system is installed to hand includes where to contact the owner if
make sure that everything is working nobody is home, where to find a key to the
correctly. The service contractor may also system, and the schedule for service visits.
arrange a meeting with the homeowner to Homeowners should keep their own
go over issues, such as proper operation, copies of all records and permits.
what to do in case of emergency, etc. For
seasonal properties, homeowners will need
6
PIPELINE - Winter 1996; Vol. 7, No. 1 National Small Flows Clearinghouse 1-800-624-8301
AEROBIC SYSTEMS
ME
Onsite Wastewater System Operation conjunction with the National Environ- pages of local phone directories.)
NTAL
and Maintenance will be held March 18- mental Training Associations annual
20 in Morgantown, West Virginia. Cospon- conference, this half-day trainer education
sored by the NSFC, this course will cover program focuses on the identification and National Small Flows
subsurface system components, basic rules management of industrial and commercial Clearinghouse (NSFC)
R
and concepts, and system operation and discharges to wastewater treatment plants. The National Small Flows
TR
TE
maintenance to ensure long-term A success. For more information about Clearinghouse (NSFC), located at
Land Application of Wastewater:I N E N training programs or to
NETCSC's
Operation and Maintenance of Overland
I N G C
register for these courses, contact Sandy
West Virginia University, is a good
contact for homeowners and
Flow and Surface (Spray) Irrigation Miller at (800) 624-8301, ext 536. community officials for more informa-
Systems is set for April 13 in Kansas tion about home aerobic units, septic
systems, and alternative systems.
The NSFC is funded by the U.S.
Standard 40 and other resources Environmental Protection Agency and
offers technical assistance and a
available from NSF International variety of free and low-cost products
to help small communities with
Related Products, Components, and wastewater issues. Some of these
Copies of ANSI/NSF Standard 40 Individual
NSFC products are listed on the back
Aerobic Wastewater Treatment Plants are Materials. The book is updated three times a
page. You may contact the NSFC at
available to the public. This standard details all year and includes a complete list of manufac-
(800) 624-8301.
of the product requirements that NSF uses for turers and models meeting NSF requirements.
the evaluation of aerobic systems leading to The price is $8.
NSF approval. The price is $25. For more information or to order these
NSF also publishes a book, titled NSF products, contact NSF International at (800)
Listings of Wastewater Treatment Systems and NSF-MARK.
7
PIPELINE - Winter 1996; Vol. 7, No. 1 National Small Flows Clearinghouse 1-800-624-8301
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM NSFC
To order any of the following products, call Fact Sheet Package: Onsite Systems HELP! EPA Resources for Small Governments
the National Small Flows Clearinghouse Various onsite systems are described in This booklet is designed to help small
(NSFC) at (800) 624-8301, or write to these fact sheets, including community community officials find technical,
NSFC, West Virginia University, P.O. Box soil absorption systems, septic tank educational, and financial assistance.
6064, Morgantown, WV 26506-6064. mound systems, tank truck collection, and The price is $14.10. Item #GNBLGN01.
Be sure to request each item by title and sand filters. The price for the package is
item number. A shipping and handling
$1.90. Item #WWPCGN26.
charge will apply.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal PIPELINE
Customized Bibliographic Database Search Systems Pipeline is published quarterly by the National Small
As with the Manufacturers and Consult- Technical information on onsite wastewa- Flows Clearinghouse at West Virginia University,
P.O. Box 6064, Morgantown, WV 26506-6064.
ants and Facilities databases described on ter treatment and disposal systems is
page 7, individual, customized computer provided in this design manual. It Pipeline is sponsored by:
searches are available by request from discusses site evaluation procedures, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C.
NSFCs Bibliographic Database. The characteristics of wastewater, different Steve HogyeProject Officer
Bibliographic Database includes hundreds treatment and disposal methods, residuals Municipal Support Division
of articles and technical documents on disposal, and management of onsite Office of Wastewater Management
wastewater topics, such as systems. The manual is written for National Small Flows Clearinghouse
home aerobic treatment engineers and other technical profession- West Virginia University
systems. The price is 15 als. The price for this 410-page book is Morgantown, WV
Peter CaseyProgram Coordinator
cents per page, and the $45. Item #WWBKDM35. Jill Ross Publications Supervisor
number of pages varies by Jennifer HauseSpecial Technical Advisor
search. Please specify the Financial Capability Summary Foldout: A Cathleen Falvey Editor
Simplified Approach Daniel GloydGraphic Designer
topic of the search.
Item #WWPCCM12. This booklet provides a simplified Permission to quote from or reproduce articles in
approach to evaluating which alternative this publication is granted when due acknowledgement
is best for a community from a technical, is given. Please send a copy of the publication in which
Free State Regulatory Contacts List information was used to the Pipeline editor at
This free list of contacts from states that financial, and managerial viewpoint. After the address above.
have onsite wastewater regulations selecting a plan, this booklet can help ISSN: 1060-0043
includes a contact persons name, determine if a community has the PIPELINE is funded by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency. The contents of this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the
department, address, and telephone financial and management capabilities to views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does
construct, operate, and maintain the the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute
number. A shipping and handling charge endorsement or recommendation for use.
still applies. Item #WWPCRG34. facility. The price for the booklet is $1.05.
Item #FMBLFNO4. Printed on recycled paper
LO
NATIO
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E Permit No. 34
S
AR U
INGHO
Morgantown, WV 26506-6064 Morgantown, WV
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
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PIPELINE - Winter 1996; Vol. 7, No. 1 National Small Flows Clearinghouse 1-800-624-8301