The purpose of a septic system is to provide treatment and disposal of sanitary sewage. The septic system disposal bed size is based on usage and soil permeability. The typical in-ground or mounded septic system provides two forms of treatment. The primary treatment process occurs in the septic tank where solids settle out from liquids and are treated by an anaerobic process, which partially digests the organic matter. The secondary treatment process occurs in the upper four feet of the disposal bed where pollutants are removed from the septic tank effluent by physical interactions between the gravel filter material and the soil. Finally, the lower four feet of soil within the septic system bed is used to promote downward or lateral movement of the treated wastewater away from the area of the septic system disposal bed.
Advanced technology is being applied to situations where septic system malfunctions are occurring. In years past, homes and septic systems were located in areas, which did not promote effective treatment and/or disposal of sewage effluent as per current required standards. As these older systems require replacement or alteration we find increasingly more difficult challenges in design parameters. In extreme cases of malfunction where the possibility of ground water contamination is a concern, the administrative authorities have been requiring greater degrees of treatment. MCE has been incorporating Peat Moss Technology in our designs for these ‘worst case’ malfunctions. This technology is approved by the DEP for use in alterations due to system malfunction. Sphagnum Peat Moss has properties, which can treat septic system effluent to a much higher degree than the typical gravel and soil disposal bed. While the administrative authorities have approved these types of systems they do require a much more intensive review, installation and maintenance process.
For simplicity, we have broken down the septic system designs into three basic categories:
Septic In-Ground Systems
In-ground systems are entirely below existing ground levels. They can be gravity fed or pressure dosed and are generally the most inexpensive and aesthetically pleasing. In-ground Septic System Detail.
Septic Mounded Systems
Mounded systems are above ground and are most often pressure dosed. They are typically constructed when a soil-limiting zone is encountered at a shallow depth from existing ground levels. They are generally considered less pleasing to the eye and can be more expensive to construct. Mounded Septic System Detail.
Peat Moss Technology Systems
Peat moss systems are allowed to be constructed when a system is in a state of malfunction. They can be in-ground or mounded systems. They are comparable in price to a mounded system and can be used to lower the height of a mounded system. While the cost to construct these systems is comparable to a mounded system, the design, permitting, and maintenance protocols are much more stringent.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Wastewater Management Program
Mace Consulting Engineers
985 Belvidere Road • Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
(908) 454-9500 • Fax (908) 454-2262
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