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Septic Systems 101

Septic Systems 101. Jennifer Dindinger UMD Sea Grant Extension February 4, 2016. Sources. US EPA MD Onsite Wastewater Professional Association (MOWPA) University of Maryland Extension West Virginia University, “ Pipeline ”. Background. Watershed Protection and Restoration Program

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Septic Systems 101

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  1. Septic Systems 101 Jennifer Dindinger UMD Sea Grant Extension February 4, 2016

  2. Sources • US EPA • MD Onsite Wastewater Professional Association (MOWPA) • University of Maryland Extension • West Virginia University, “Pipeline”

  3. Background • Watershed Protection and Restoration Program • Connect people to resources for Bay Restoration • Community Development • Community visioning for sustainability

  4. Outline • What are septic systems? • How do they work? • How should they be used and maintained? • Bay Restoration and septics

  5. What are septic systems? Photo credit: http://www.huronkinloss.com/septic-systems.cfm

  6. Why are septic systems important? • In Maryland, approximately 420,000 households use septic systems for wastewater treatment • Septic systems contribute to nitrogen pollution of rivers and streams • Failing systems can cause health problems for humans, pets, and wildlife

  7. Photo credit: http://www.huronkinloss.com/septic-systems.cfm

  8. Septic Tank Image credit: http://www.nj-septic.com/inspection.asp

  9. Distribution Box

  10. Distribution Box

  11. Absorption Area

  12. Types of Absorption Areas • Drainfield • Tile fields • Deep trenches • Drywells • Older construction • Not installed now • Alternative Systems • Low pressure dosage systems • Sand Mound • Drip Irrigation

  13. Dry Well/Seepage Pit

  14. Sand Mound Image courtesy of: poophappens.com

  15. YES! • Can receive all household wastewater • Laundry (liquid detergent) • Toilets • Showers • Sinks

  16. NO! • Sump pump or hot tub • Chemicals • Toxic waste, including paint • Pharmaceuticals • Fats, oils, grease (FOG) • Diapers or sanitary products • Baby wipes • Cigarette butts • Powder detergent • Food waste • Garbage disposal

  17. Pump only from here Maintenance Check these when cleaning

  18. Additional Best Practices • Routine maintenance • Install manhole riser • Install effluent filter • Visually inspect drainfield • Follow DO NOT FLUSH recommendations

  19. Bay Restoration and Septics • Best Available Technology (BAT) systems • Aerating pre-treatment unit • Reduces total nitrogen by up to 50% • Required on most new construction • Price includes 5 years operation and maintenance

  20. How It Works Aeration and biological processes convert nitrogen in wastewater to nitrogen gas https://peoplelandwater.wordpress.com/for-residents/

  21. Bay Restoration and Septics • Bay Restoration Fund (Flush fee, $60/year) • A portion of the fund is available for financial assistance with tank upgrades • Does not include drainfield or distribution box • Only field-verified systems are eligible • Contact County Health Department: • Bob Mitchell, (410) 632-1220 x 1601 or bmitchell@co.worcester.md.us

  22. Thank You!Questions? The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.

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