Septic Tanks & Wastewater Treatment Systems

What is a Septic Tank?

A septic tank is simply a chamber with baffles which is meant to retain sewage solids and release liquid sewage to soil percolation on the assumption that the soil will filter and treat the effluent. Any presumed treatment of the liquid sewage might only occur in ideal soil conditions. Even in ideal soil conditions the percolation system will have a limited life due to build up of floccation caused by the sewage. Originally the concept of a reserve percolation area was a requirement to deal with this problem. Inexplicably, this requirement has been dispensed with.

Less than ideal soil conditions will result in contamination of ground or surface waters.
There has never been a standard set down for the performance or durability of a septic tank system; consequently it is impossible to certify that any such system is fit for purpose, even though fitness for purpose is a requirement for all components of a building development.

What is a Wastewater Treatment System?

Proprietary wastewater treatment systems were devised to provide a more complete treatment which would not be dependent on indigenous soil conditions.

A treatment system is comprised of a plant which treats effluent in accordance with an established process standard. The system includes a designed and constructed effluent disposal system which is appropriate to the site and the development. Installation of a wastewater treatment system requires a detailed assessment of the site and the anticipated loading.
A properly designed system will incorporate fail-safe elements to prevent accidental discharge or back up of sewage due to power outage or system malfunction, with consequent risk to health and the environment. A safe system would also protect the user from the liability arising from such occurrence.

A properly designed, constructed, installed and maintained system will continue to provide effective treatment, be durable and have a specified and extended life