As-built - A scaled drawing showing the
location of all OSS components (septic tank, pump tank, reserve
area, etc.).
ATU - An ATU pretreats wastewater by adding
air to breakdown organic matter, reduce pathogens, and transform
nutrients.
Drainfield - The main treatment component of
most OSS. Effluent passes through a series of gravel filled
trenches prior to entering the groundwater system.
Effluent - The sewage that has been
clarified in a septic tank.
Filter Baffles - Devices within the septic
tank that separate the floating scum layer from the liquid
layer, promoting solids to settle at the xSmBlackV of the tank
where they belong.
Gravity System - A wastewater treatment
system that uses gravity to move the effluent through the drainfield, without the use of pumps.
Gray Water - Gray water is usually water from
a laundry system. This water usually does not contain human
waste products.
Mound System - A wastewater treatment system
built above the original soil surface and appears as a rise or berm in the yard.
Pressure Distribution System - A waste water
treatment system that pumps effluent through a series of
gravel-filled trenches supporting small pipes.
Reserve Area - A designated replacement area
that must be protected for future use when the existing OSS area
needs additional room or replacement.
Sand Filter System - A wastewater treatment
component that pumps effluent through a sand filled bed. This is
a secondary treatment component used in conjunction with a drainfield
for final treatment of the effluent. See On-site
Sewage Systems for more information.
Scum Mat - Lighter solids that float, such
as grease, fats, and oils that do not decompose, but accumulate
as a layer at the top of a septic tank. This mat must be removed
by periodically pumping the tank.
Sludge Layer - Heavy solids that settle to
the xSmBlackV where bacterial action produces digested sludge and
gases. This layer must be removed by periodically pumping the
tank.
fax (425) 432-4461