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SMALL DIAMETER GRAVITY SEWERS: AN ALTERNATIVE FOR UNSEWERED COMMUNITIES
Citation:
Otis, R. SMALL DIAMETER GRAVITY SEWERS: AN ALTERNATIVE FOR UNSEWERED COMMUNITIES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-86/022.
Description:
The most recently introduced wastewater collection alternative for small unsewered communities is septic tank effluent drains or small diameter gravity sewers (SDGS). Unlike conventional sewers, SDGS only collect settled wastewater. Grit, grease and other troublesome solids which might cause obstructions in the collectors are separated from the flow in interceptor tanks upstream of each connection. Therefore, the hydraulic design of SDGS need not based on water carriage of solids. This may allow significant cost savings in construction. A three year laboratory and field study was undertaken to evaluate SDGS as a wastewater collection alternative to conventional sewers. The objective of the study was to develop design criteria which would minimize costs of construction while maintaining reliable, trouble-free operation.