Foam Filter
The treatment unit below is called a Waterloo
Biofilter. Equipment for this unit cost about $5000, and the total system
cost was about $15,000. . One reason for the high installation cost was
the contractor's lack of familiarity with this type of system. Prior
to this installation, treatment of sewage wastewaters was not available
to the residents of this home.
The Biofilter unit was placed in the big
green box at the left of the photo, which was constructed on site.
The tank is insulated to prevent winter freezing, and could have been dressed
up as a shed if more money were available. The pump chamber is below ground,
to the right of the biofilter unit. A septic tank, also below ground,
is located between the house and the pump chamber.
This is the top of the Biofilter unit.
Foam cubes, each about 2 inches in size, lie below the fabric mesh and
act as a substrate to support aerobic microbial activity . Septic tank
effluent is sprayed over the foam cubes. As the wastewater trickles
down through the foam-cube media, microbial action degrades organic contaminants
and reduces pathogen contents.
The system was funded as a demonstration
unit. That's why so many sampling and observation pipes are protruding
from low-pressure distribution system used for effluent dispersal in front
yard soils. The bucket-and-board barriers are meant to prevent parking
of vehicles on the effluent dispersal system. Protruding tubes allow effluent
samples to be removed at various locations, and observation by visitors.
Just another view of the front of the house
...
This page created and maintained by Carl
Z
26 October 01
czip@vt.edu