Posted by John Aldrich on September 30, 1999 at 04:36:06:

In Reply to: Re: SEPTIC SYSTEMS posted by blm189 on September 29, 1999 at 22:09:53:

: : OUR soil is silty. perculation is very slow.

: : what do we do to build a septic system. so far the help pages don't address this>

John, it is impossible to advise the correct approach for onsite sewage treatment without the benefit of a site visit to determine the site constraints and other design considerations for this particular site. I recommend that you contact an engineering firm in your area (Alaska?) that is versed in alternative sewage treatment systems, and the local health department regulations controlling the design of onsite sewage treatment systems.

When I encounter a site in Colorado with unsuitable soil conditions, I usually recommend a system that does not depend on soil absorption as the primary means of septic tank effluent treatment. At times I may recommend a sealed vault to be pumped,
if the system is to serve a seasonal, recreational mountain cabin which would generate a very small volume of sewage. An economic analysis is required which considers the front end capital investment of the alternatives, and the projected frequency and cost of pumping.

If the system is to serve a residence with full time occupancy, then I tend to choose a Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland Sewage Treatment System. These systems perform very well even at very cold, high altitude sites. A "Double Decker" Constructed Wetland Filter System serves a Bed and Breakfast facility (The Mount Elbert Lodge) near Leadville, Colorado (elev. 11,000 ft.). This lodge has year round occupancy serving hunters, skiers, fishers and tourists in this beautiful area of our State.

Simply increasing the size of the leach field could produce a system that is designed to fail. With septic systems, bigger is not necessarily better. The minimum design standards for soil absorption systems prescribed by most state regulations generate systems that will fail. It is no wonder that many "experts" have a poor opinion of septic system technology. If you would like to learn about a sustainable approach to onsite systems, contact me via an e-mail message. Good luck in your search for an answer to your problem. JWA.

: in situtations like this it takes more drain field to compensate for slow perk.
: it may pay you to pump some locals for information .
: there is a link on my page that may be of help.

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