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SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Frequently Asked Questions
Tanks-Septic, Holding and Pump
Tanks-Grease
Accessories
Where Can I Purchase These Products?
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A new feature to Privately Owned Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) are new emerging technologies. These systems are not covered by current administrative code ILHR83. The State of Wisconsin's Department of Commerce recognizes that current code is outdated and does not take into account new technology developed in the last decade. The department, in conjunction with other regulatory agencies, the legislature, private industry, environmentalists, and a host of others is currently working on a new code that will allow new treatment systems to be tested and then made availible to homeowners. These systems will include aerobic treatment plants, sand filters, peat moss treatment, constructed wetlands, and the list goes on. Many of these new systems are still in the development and testing stage. The Department of Commerce, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Agricultural department and private industry are working on numerous projects testing these projects. Many of these tests are being conducted on private homeowners properties where the existing system failed and the native soil and site characteristics would only allow a holding tank to be installed. Up until recently, most POWTS relied on the discharge bed to perform treatment of the effluent. These new technologies all have one thing in common. These systems pretreat effluent before discharge to the soil. Aerobic treatment plants work in similar fashion to municipal wastewater treatment plants. The effluent is held while large quantities of oxygen are injected. the oxygen allow for aerobic bacteria, bacteria requiring oxygen to survive, to consume the solids in the effluent. This bacteria is much more effective than anaerobic bacteria, bacteria not needing an oxygen source. Most aerobic units have been tested by the National Sanitation Foundation, NSF. A NSF class one rating is the highest issued and probably the type you want to pursue. Sand filters inject effluent in measured quantities through a layer of sand. This allows also for aerobic bacterial action, discussed above. Sand filters can be single pass or recirculating. Single pass sand filtes require a larger area and more material. Recirculating sand filterss are smaller and easier to construct. Sand filters can be made of several types of materials. These materials can be course sands or fine stones. These materials must be clean. Other types of systems such as peat moss beds, constructed wetlands, subsurface drip irrigation's systems, etc. are also availible. If you are having problems getting a POWTS approved for your lot or home you may want to talk to a soil tester, installer familiar with these systems, or a representative of Lake Shore Burial Vault. We would be glad to assist you in finding the most effective and inexpensive system available.
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