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RESTORATION OF FAILING ON-LOT SEWAGE DISPOSAL AREAS
Citation:
Fritton, D., W. Sharpe, A. Jarrett, C. Cole, AND G. Peterson. RESTORATION OF FAILING ON-LOT SEWAGE DISPOSAL AREAS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-84/062.
Description:
The objective of this project was to evaluate two rehabilitative techniques-water conservation and absorption bed resting--for restoration of failing on-site sewage disposal areas. Eleven homes with failing absorption areas were characterized and baseline water flow and septic tank effluent quality data were collected. Water conservation devices were then installed at maximum, moderate or minimum levels of predicted water reduction capability. At three sites effluent was also diverted to a specially designed alternate trench for 10 months which permitted the main absorption area to rest. Median in-house water reductions were statistically significant and ranged from 9.8 to 42.5%. Maximum levels of water conservation were generally successful in restoring failing systems while lesser levels of conservation were not successful.