Percolation Test

robo1

http://www.epa.ie/TechnicalGuidanceandAdvice/GuidanceDocuments/pdfsforguidancedocuments/TreatmentSystemsforSingleHouses/SingleHouseManualDownloads/FileUpload,9832,en.doc

On the site characterisation form for a percolation test the last page has 3 options for an appropriate system the last of which is a mechanical aeration system and polishing unit (option c) on some forms and an option for Secondary Treatment System Capacity on the one above. Does anyone know if these refer to a biocycle septic tank?

Dundhoone

As far as I am aware, a biocycle tank is simply like a four chamber septic tank. It carries out a settlement function - as well as an anerobic digestion of the waste to a certain extent. It could be classified as Primary treatment - but certainly wouldnt fulfill the criteria you mentioned.


A mechanical aeration system introduces oxygen (by different methods). The oxygen creates aerobic conditions - and the breakdown rate/volume can be increased. It could be classified as secondary treatment. Another form of this would be perculatory filtration through a biofilm in a bed of stones.

Teritary treatment (wheres spellcheck when you need it!) or polishing is often a UV lamp or ozone setup, to kill the main percentage of remaining fecal coliforms/other nasty stuff in the effluent. You would then need to discharge this to a perculation area / suitable sized water course.

Im not an expert in this area, but I hope this is of some help.

gocfella

The biocycle system would be referred to by option 'c' as it is a secondary treatment system which utilises an air pump to aerate the effluent, therefore allowing aerobic bacteria to thrive in the chamber. Option 'b' refers primarily but not specifically to Bord Na Mona's Puraflo domestic system which utilises peat filtration modules to achieve it's purpose rather than aeration.

I work for an environmental consultants in Drogheda called Enviropro Ltd. If you would like to discuss anything relating to this matter feel free to give us a shout anytime.

www.enviropro.ie
(041)9842378