Wastewater flows out of the septic tank and into the lagoon rather than into a drain field. In the lagoon, three different processes break down the harmful bacteria in the wastewater. At the bottom of the lagoon, anaerobic good bacteria that don’t need oxygen consume some of the harmful bacteria in the wastewater.Wastewater flows out of the septic tank and into the lagoon rather than into a
Septic drain field – Wikipedia
. In the lagoon, three different processes break down the harmful bacteria in the wastewater. At the bottom of the lagoon, anaerobic good bacteria that don’t need oxygen consume some of the harmful bacteria in the wastewater.
- Because the lack of oxygen means there are fewer bacteria present in the lagoon to help break down the effluent. Anaerobic lagoons work in a very similar way to septic tanks. Wastewater flows into the lagoon and eventually separates into layers.
Why have a septic lagoon?
A sewage lagoon is a large pond into which the sewage or effluent from the sewage system flows. Sewage lagoons are also called effluent ponds. Algae helps the bacteria break down the sewage and effluent. The wind helps with the evaporation of the water and serves to get oxygen into the water.
What is the purpose of a lagoon?
What are lagoon systems? Lagoons are pond-like bodies of water or basins designed to receive, hold, and treat wastewater for a predetermined period of time. If necessary, they are lined with material, such as clay or an artificial liner, to prevent leaks to the groundwater below.
Do septic lagoons smell?
Lagoons don’t have to smell bad A healthy, well managed lagoon is virtually odorless from a distance, and should not be generating complaints from the neighbors. It has sufficient dissolved oxygen levels to allow the bacteria to break down the BOD.
Are lagoon systems environmentally friendly?
They restore water quality and reduce algae and mosquito problems. They truly are a case of using nature to restore nature. Proper treatment of wastewater lagoon systems with windmills is another step in safely reclaiming our environment.
Is a lagoon better than a septic tank?
When properly designed, built, and maintained, sewage lagoons are quite effective at cleaning wastewater. They’re inexpensive to install and fairly easy to maintain. Their biggest benefit is that they can allow you to have a septic system where you otherwise might not be able to do so.
How long does a septic lagoon last?
If properly designed, installed and maintained, a lagoon system can effectively treat household wastewater for up to 30 years.
What is septic lagoon?
Septic tanks and residential sewage lagoons are common in rural areas and on the outskirts of larger centers. They are underground holding tanks or small ponds that waste water flow to from rural home and buildings. These systems process waste into 3 compounds, water, gas, and solids.
What are the disadvantages of lagoons?
DISADVANTAGES • Lagoon systems require more land than other treatment methods. They are less efficient in cold climates and may require additional land or longer detention times in these areas. Odour can become a nuisance during algal blooms or with anaerobic lagoons and lagoons that are inadequately maintained.
Is lagoon water clean?
Lagoons are generally made from clay or another type of synthetic liner, and they are a very environmentally friendly form of wastewater treatment. However, just as with any wastewater treatment system, lagoons often grow dirty and need to be cleaned.
How deep is a sewage lagoon?
Usually 8 to 15 feet deep (which is quite deep for lagoon systems), anaerobic lagoons are designed to hold and treat wastewater over a period of 20 to 150 days.
How do you keep a lagoon from smelling?
Solutions for a smelly lagoon Increased aeration, recirculation, or bioaugmentation may be enough to mitigate a temporary odor issue until lagoon temperature and DO levels have stabilized. For a chronic odor problem, it is more cost effective in the long run to fix the underlying cause.
How do you maintain a sewage lagoon?
Lagoon maintenance is easy, if the following precautions are taken:
- Keep the berms (outside and inside) mowed.
- The lagoon is not a trash dump.
- Do not allow paints, paint thinner or large quantities of chemicals to flow to the lagoon.
- Lagoons may develop odors when they “turn over” in the spring and fall.
Why is my lagoon green?
A healthy, efficient wastewater lagoon has a clear sparkling green, blue or brown color. A firm blue-green color however indicates increased algae growth. Excessive algae growth prevents sunlight from reaching deeper areas of the lagoon so that oxygen levels decrease.
Can you put fish in a septic lagoon?
There is no problem with the basic process of using sewage to grow fish, you just have to design the system to deal with the problems – odor, bacteria, etc.
What lives in a lagoon?
The marine habitat is home to green sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, numerous species of fishes, and humans. A small population of Mexican fishing families depends on the lagoon for their livelihood. They fish the lagoon in harmony with nature, and coexist with all the other creatures that call this lagoon home.
Sewage Lagoon Basics — OMAG
In the sewage system, a lagoon is a large body of water into which the sewage or effluent is sent for treatment. Effluent ponds and sewage lagoons are both terms used to describe the same thing. Germs in the lagoon break down the sewage and wastewater, allowing it to be recycled. The sun and wind both play a significant influence in the operation of the lagoon’s pumps and valves. They illuminate the water, warm it, and allow it to breathe. Bacterial development in water is necessitated by the presence of this element.
The lagoon’s greenish appearance is due to the presence of algae.
The wind aids in the evaporation of water as well as the introduction of oxygen into the water.
Mosquitoes that transmit disease, for example, require calm water in order to reproduce.
- No more than one meter must be buried under the surface. The banks must be constructed of concrete, gravel, or rock and must have a slope of around 15 to 20 degrees. In this way, the wave motion is prevented from eroding (breaking down) the banks. There must be no grass, trees, or other vegetation on the banks or in the surrounding region, as this would prevent the lagoon from receiving the necessary sunlight and wind activity. The water must be devoid of plants or items that would interfere with the surface wave activity of the lagoon or cause still patches. Children and animals must be kept out by a high fence with a locked gate.
The lagoon is overflowing. Overflows are located exactly opposite where the pipe delivering sewage or effluent enters the lagoon in a sewage disposal system when only one lagoon is available for sewage treatment. If there are more than one lagoons in the system, the overflow will occur in the last of the lagoons in the system. The overflow removes water from the lagoon system that has not been removed by evaporation and discharges it into the surrounding environment. It is necessary to design new lagoon systems in such a way that only evaporation is used for disposal.
In the case of a current lagoon system that employs an overflow mechanism, however, the overflow shall not result in the creation of a flooded or marshy region conducive to mosquito breeding, or the contamination of drinking water or the environment.
Indications of a lagoon that is not functioning correctly include excessive overflow, mosquito breeding, and a foul odor.
a sewage lagoon that is not safe In order to ensure adequate maintenance, the lagoon should be checked on a regular basis and any concerns should be notified to the entity responsible for providing maintenance.
- Water that is not a light, flecked green color
- Still areas on the surface of the lagoon
- Signs of mosquito breeding in the water
- A septic system that is not functioning properly
- Trees and/or other vegetation growing in or on the lagoon, its banks, or in the area around the lagoon
- A sewer system that is not functioning properly
- A septic system that is not functioning properly In the case of lagoons, the grass on the banks, particularly that which grows at the edge of water, might serve as perfect mosquito breeding grounds.
ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS – there’s more than just septic and lagoons!
Eroded or broken lagoon banks; lagoon banks that are not angled at 15-20 degrees; trees and/or other vegetation growing in the lagoon, on its banks, or in the area around the lagoon; bad smells emanating from the lagoon; water that is not a light, flecked green color; still areas on the surface of the lagoon; signs of mosquito breeding in the water; damaged fences or gates that cannot be locked properly to keep out animals and children; rubbish in the water; a septic tank in Mosquito breeding grounds can be found on the banks of lagoons, particularly in the grass that grows at the edge of the water.
- We are concerned about the environment since we are wastewater system installers. We aim to install systems that will not fail or cause harm to humans or wildlife in the future. We would be remiss if we did not take advantage of any opportunities to do more as they arise. When utilized in conjunction with traditional septic systems, technology is available that may remove up to 75% of the contaminates from the water before it leaves the septic tank. Additionally, this not only allows for the absorption of better-quality water into the soil (and eventually groundwater), but it also enhances the life of the lateral field of your septic system. Because the less “ick” that drains into your lateral pipes, the longer they will endure! ** In addition, it should be highlighted that, while this form of technology is “new” to Nebraska, it is not a “new” type of technology generally speaking. The concept, which has grown through time, was first employed on US Naval ships in the 1960s and has been improved and enhanced to become ever better and more spectacular as time has progressed. ** New septic technologies have been developed by the business Bio Microbics, which has been in operation since the early 1990s and is based in the Kansas City, Missouri, region.
- What happens if your ground does not percolate? In Nebraska, installing a lagoon is about the only alternative available. Lagoons are despised by the majority of the populace. You can’t stand near them since they’re unsightly, stinky, and filthy. It’s essentially a feces pond, and who wants to be around that? In situations where the earth does not percolate and ponds are present (natural or man-made), we can construct a treatment unit to purify the water to such a degree that someone driving by would not be aware that it was a wastewater treatment system. They would exclaim, “Wow, that acreage has a very wonderful tiny pond!”
What do you think of when you see any of these “ponds” above? I’m going to think they don’t. However, they are really the final stage of a homeowner’s wastewater treatment system. Isn’t it lovely how things work out? However, you may wonder, “Okay septic gal, if all of this is so wonderful and doable, why isn’t everyone adopting these systems?” And here’s what I had to say. Do you recall when cell phones were first introduced? Were they only available to the very wealthy? Take a look at the state of our planet today.
- Maybe you’re even holding one in your hand right now, and you’re using it (along with your Google app) to double-check the accuracy of this post!
- Additionally, people’s mindsets must be changed.
- Recycling is also a good idea, but does everyone follow through on it?
- However, now there are more people recycling than there were 20 years ago!
- Big things are frequently the case.
- Isn’t it true that knowledge is power?
Septic Systems, Enhanced Treatment, & Lagoons
In order to protect groundwater, it is critical to choose the right sort of septic system and position it in the right location. Homeowners or contractors are required to submit an application, which must be completed completely. If you believe you may be in a floodplain, please contact the Reno County Flood Plain Manager, who is located in the public works division and can be reached at 620-694-2978. Environmental Health Staff may be reached at 620-694-2900 if you have any questions or concerns.
The following are handouts that describe the permission procedure for establishing a waste water system:
- Process for obtaining a wastewater system permit (PDF)
- Wastewater System Requirements (PDF)
Do you require a new septic system? Fill up and submit an application for private waste water treatment (PDF). You may submit your full application by the following dates:
- 620-665-8883 is the fax number for the Environmental Section. The environmental staff can be reached by hand delivery or by mail
- Documents can be scanned and sent to the Reno County Environmental Health Department. You should also evaluate our current payment policy, which may be foundhere.
Other documents and handouts required for the wastewater permit application procedure include:
- Licensed Waste Water Contractor (PDF)
- List of Certified Septic Tanks (PDF)
- Soil Profile Diagram Instructions (PDF)
- Trip Charges (PDF)
- Licensed Waste Water Contractor (PDF)
- Wastewater or Well Construction Plan (PDF)
- Septic Tanks in a Flood Plain (PDF)
- Approved Lateral Field Types (PDF)
- Septic Tank Effluent Filters (PDF)
- Septic Tank Effluent Filters (PDF).
Learn everything you can about septic systems from the information available here. To begin your Construction Plan Map, please click HERE.
How Can I Obtain a Copy of the Sanitation Code?
It is any private or semi-public septic system that has been designed to improve the quality of waste water effluent by reducing total nitrogen, biological oxygen demand, dissolved solids, suspended solids, phosphorus, or bacteria before it is discharged to the soil that is classified as an enhanced treatment unit. For properties smaller than three acres, the sanitation law necessitates the use of advanced treatment units. A yearly maintenance checkup is also required, which should be performed by a representative from the manufacturer or a professional waste water installation.
Before any units can be installed in Reno County, they must first go through an approval procedure. Information regarding advanced treatment units, as well as a list of waste water contractors that are licensed, may be found in the sections below.
- Enhanced Treatment (PDF)
- Approved Enhanced Treatment Units (PDF)
- KSU Constructed Wetlands Construction (PDF)
- Licensed Wastewater Contractors (PDF)
- KSU Constructed Wetlands Systems (PDF)
- Enhanced Treatment (PDF)
Become more knowledgeable about Enhanced Treatment by reviewing the information available here.
What Do I Need to Know About a Lagoon?
If your lot size is greater than 3.0 acres, a lagoon may be an option for you to explore for processing your waste water. In order to accomplish effective sewage treatment, a lagoon makes use of wind movement, solar light treatment, and maintaining optimum water levels. When building a lagoon, there are precise construction requirements that must be satisfied in order for the lagoon to function effectively. Lagoons are described in further detail in the following sections:
- Flow diagram for a lagoon (PDF)
- Lagoons (PDF)
- Lagoons on a Flood Plain (PDF)
- Lagoon Maintenance (PDF)
- Lagoon Construction Diagram (PDF).
Learn more about Lagoons by checking out the information available here.
Check out the Wastewater Contractor Resourceshere.
When presented with the choice of going to the lagoon, the vast majority of individuals are apprehensive. The majority of people believe that the lagoon would smell and that the idea of open water is an undesirable aspect. Some people consider the lagoon to be their closest friend, while others consider it to be their worst adversary. If the job is done correctly, one of the advantages of the lagoon is that it does not smell at all. Because of the way the lagoon is constructed, wastewater leaves the residence and travels to the septic tank, where it is pre-treated before passing through a filter and ending up at the bottom of the lagoon.
- If the water does reach the overflow point, it will flow into overflow chambers, which will keep the system subterranean the majority of the time.
- If you have a large enough property, the lagoon may be concealed from view and will require little upkeep in the long run (out of site out of mind).
- The bad side of the lagoon is that if you have a tiny lot, the lagoon will be extremely near to your house.
- If they do enter, they may be unable to exit.
- Advantages When compared to other systems, this system is more space efficient.
- There are no odor or mosquito issues.
- If appropriately constructed, the best working system may be achieved.
- The scent of open water and the notion of being near it may be unappealing.
Leaching Chamber System
‘I have limited room, what should I do now?’ is the current response to the query “I have limited space, what should I do now!” The chamber technique provides for a significant reduction in lateral lines when compared to the traditional approach of rock formation. The leaching chambers are available in a variety of sizes to provide a variety of design options; the chambers are available in widths of 1′, 2′, and 3′. In a similar manner to the rock system, the chamber system may be placed in a manner that allows for uniform flow, hillside dispersion, and lengthy lateral lines.
Despite the fact that the chamber beds allow for a reduction in lateral dimension, they can only be employed on lots with a slope of less than 5 percent for the entire system area.
Advantages It takes up less room than the rock system.
The system requires a reduction in the amount of cover soil it has. It is simple to set up. Disadvantages There are just a few limitations on the slope. For the purpose of preventing soil compaction, vehicle traffic is restricted over the chambers.
Wetland Cell System
A more recent technique, constructed wetland cells, permits some previously unsuitable lots to be used. It is basically a lined box containing plants, with overflow lateral fields that eat the remainder of the effluent as a by-product. The system is often comprised of a primary tank with a big filter, a control box (which regulates the water level), a wetland box, and an overflow lateral field, among other components. The wastewater is discharged from the house and goes to the septic tank for pre-treatment.
- If there is excess effluent in the box, it is sent to the control box and subsequently to the overflow lateral field, where the remainder of the effluent is processed.
- It is possible to install this product in places with shallow water tables, high bedrock, or limiting horizons It is necessary to have a shorter lateral field length.
- Disadvantages Maintenance is more difficult to keep up with.
- The system has an unknown lifetime.
Rock System
Newer systems, such as constructed wetland cells, allow some formerly useless lots to be turned into productive wetlands. The wetland cell is basically a lined box with plants, with overflow lateral fields consuming the remainder of the effluent. It is common for a system to have a primary tank with a big filter, a control box (which regulates the water level), a wetland box, and an overflow lateral field. Following its exit from the dwelling, wastewater is sent to the septic tank for treatment.
- Excess effluent from the box is sent to the control box and subsequently to the overflow lateral field, where the remaining effluent is treated before being discharged.
- In places with shallow water tables, high bedrock, or restricted horizons, this product may be used successfully.
- Attractiveness in terms of design Disadvantages Maintenance requirements are more stringent.
- The system has an unknown life duration.
Mound System Information
In appropriate or unsuitable soil conditions, a mound system is a soil absorption system that is elevated above the natural soil surface, which serves as a soil absorption system. Raised mound systems are comprised of three primary components: the septic tank or pre-treatment unit, the dosing tank or pump tank, and the elevated mound system. The mound system operates in the following manner: wastewater is discharged from the residence into the septic tank, where it is pre-treated before passing through a filter to reach the pump tank.
With a network of pipelines with small holes in them, the effluent is able to flow throughout the whole mound at once, allowing for quicker evaporation and cleansing.
When compared to other septic systems, this one takes up very little area.
It’s almost like a secret underground system.
Maintenance requirements are minimal. Disadvantages Cost, The cost of this system is higher than other systems. It is necessary to add a pump tank and pump to the system. It is vital to examine the pumps and controllers on a regular basis. It is possible that the system will be tough to develop.
Curtain Drain Information
A curtain drain is a type of drain that is used to catch water that is traveling through the soil. Perimeter drains are curtains that encircle an area, completing the circuit created by the drains within it. The installation of perimeter drains around septic systems is occasionally necessary in order to eliminate outside water impacts from the septic region and therefore avoid the failure of the septic system. The decision to utilize a curtain drain was made in response to the mottling in the soil that was discovered during the site inspection process.
This indicates that there is a little amount of gray color mixed throughout the darker color soil and that water remains in the soil.
Lagoon Maintenance
When water is traveling through soil, a curtain drain can be utilized to catch it. In plumbing, a perimeter drain is a curtain drain that surrounds an area, completing the circuit. The installation of perimeter drains around septic systems is occasionally necessary in order to eliminate outside water impacts from the septic region and therefore avoid the failure of a septic system in certain circumstances. The decision to utilize a curtain drain was made as a result of the mottling in the soil that was discovered during the site assessment.
This indicates that there is a little amount of gray color mixed throughout the deeper color soil and that water has remained in the soil throughout the year.
Lagoon Maintenance:
Maintenance of a lagoon is straightforward if the following measures are observed:
- When the following procedures are followed, maintaining a lagoon is simple:
Septic Tanks in Advance of the Lagoons:
- Prior to the installation of lagoons, septic tanks should be installed to extend the life of the lagoon by keeping solids out of the lagoon, which ultimately pile up in the lagoon’s bottom and must be removed. Septic tanks will need to be cleaned out every 3-5 years by a professional septic tank pumper who is licensed in your area. At that point, you should double-check to make sure that your tank is still in good working order and that the baffles are still securely in position. Entering the tank is not recommended due to the possibility of exposure to methane and other hazardous fumes.
Requirements for Fencing:
- There must be at least four feet (4′) of height between the posts of the fence. It must be made of welded, woven, or chain link material, and it must not be less than fourteen gauge wire in construction. Instead of using a line post, cattle or hog panels can be utilized in conjunction with a tee post. Fence posts must be made of pressure-treated wood, galvanized steel, or painted steel to comply with local codes. Fence posts must be pushed into the ground, tamped down, or set in concrete. Line posts must be at least 18″ deep and no more than 10′ away from one another in order to be effective. Corner posts should be at least 24 inches in depth and well braced to prevent sagging. In the event that beautiful fence is wanted, such as white thick molded plastic, this can be accomplished as long as it is gated and strong enough to keep animals and children out. The fence shall not be closer to the water’s edge than the middle of the berm at the 3′ operational level
- Nevertheless, it is advised that the fence be put around the outside perimeter to make mowing easier on the water’s edge during the summer. There shall be no fence setbacks greater than 30 feet from the water’s edge. Ensure that the fence is of sound construction, with no gaps or holes at the bottom
- It is necessary to install a suitably hinged 4′ high gate or equivalent materials and equip it with a locking device that is both functional and reliable. The width of the gate should be between 36 and 48 inches to facilitate maintenance and mowing equipment. It is necessary that the fence be built prior to the home being occupied.
Screen your Lagoon with a Thuja Green Giant
The Thuja Green Giant is the evergreen tree with the quickest growth rate. Once planted, it grows at a rate of 3 to 5 feet each year. They are commonly planted as decorative trees and are also widely utilized as hedges in many parts of the world. It is possible to grow and use a variety of cultivars in the landscape. Typically, homeowners would plant them as privacy trees to provide a buffer between their property and their neighbors. The cultivar ‘Green Giant’ is often used as a hedge plant since it is quite robust.
In fact, you are under no obligation to do anything for them.
In addition, they are hardy enough to withstand the effects of ice and snow and thrive in practically any type of soil, even clay.
These are the perfect shrubs for separating your lagoon from your home or from the road that leads to it. Because of their 20-30 foot height, they may be used to create a dense, compact privacy screen as long as they are not planted too near to the berm.
Duckweed
Duckweed (Lemna minor) is a very little, light green, free-floating plant that produces seeds. It is native to North America. It contains 1 to 3 leaves, or fronds, that are 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length. Duckweed is a perennial plant. Each frond has a single root (or root-hair) that protrudes from it. Its leaves, or fronds, are 1 to 4 inches long and light green in color. Giant (Spirodela polyrhiza), also known as giant duckweed, is still relatively tiny (1/16 to 1/4 inch) and has 1 to 4 leaves, or fronds, of the same hue.
- Duckweeds like to develop in thick colonies in calm water, where they are not disturbed by wave activity.
- Duckweed may be an aggressive invader of ponds, and it is frequently seen mixed up with other duckweeds as well as mosquito fern and watermeal.
- These plants should be handled as soon as possible before they take over the whole surface of the water body.
- Dense duckweed colonies provide home for micro invertebrates.
- Duckweed is consumed by many different species of ducks, and they frequently carry it to other bodies of water.
Duckweed Control Options
Duckweed may be removed off the surface of a pond by raking or sieving it away from the water.
Biological
Grass carp are rarely successful in controlling aquatic vegetation in the first year after they are introduced. Young grass carp will devour duckweed, but they are not as successful as large fish at controlling the plant (over 10 pounds). Stocking rates for grass carp to manage duckweeds are typically in the range of 7 to 15 per surface acre or more, depending on the situation. It is only permitted to acquire triploid grass carp in Texas, and you must first obtain a permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before you can purchase them from a licensed dealer in the state.
As a result, tilapia cannot normally be stocked before the middle of April or the beginning of May, and they die around November or December.
When there is a large bass population in a pond, tilapias are generally ineffective in controlling vegetation because of the heavy predation they get.
Any other species of tilapia would necessitate the acquisition of a permit. In other states, check with your local County Extension Agent to see if stocking tilapia is permissible in your area. Duckweeds are eaten by ducks, although they are seldom controlled by them.
Chemical
Iquat (G) and fluridone are two active compounds that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of duckweeds (E). E stands for exceptional, while G stands for good. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University provided the information and photographs used in this article. If you have any questions about lagoons, you may contact the Randolph County Health Department at 660-263-6643 ext. 234 or via email. Health Department for the county of Randolph
Advanced Septic
Your home may be eligible for up to $18,000 in grants.
Protect YourInvestment
Repairs and replacements to septic systems can be quite expensive, even if the system has been in use for 20 years or more. By taking advantage of your grant money and upgrading to an advanced treatment system, you may avoid the expense of a costly septic system repair or replacement, conserve your financial resources, and safeguard your home’s investment. APPLY FOR YOUR GRANT FUNDS IMMEDIATELY. What Are the Benefits of Upgrading Your Septic System? Prevent costly septic system repairs or replacement by following these simple steps.
Protect Your Family
Not many people are aware that up to 10,000 septic systems in Brevard County are at risk of failing. Inadequately handled sewage has the potential to contaminate groundwater, transmit illness, and damage surrounding surface water bodies. You may help safeguard the health of your family, your neighbors, and the Indian River Lagoon by upgrading to a more modern treatment system. Continue on to the next stage. Are you still undecided? Do you require further information? Check out the frequently asked questions below, or call or email the Brevard County Natural Resources Department directly at 321.633.2016 or [email protected] for more information.
- Conserve your funds Pollution should be reduced.
- Septic systems are responsible for approximately 20% of the pollution in the Indian River Lagoon.
- What If I Told You?
- Advanced treatment septic systems process sewage more thoroughly, which helps to safeguard the health of the Indian River Lagoon’s seagrass, fish, and other marine life.
Protect the Indian River Lagoon
Not many people are aware that up to 10,000 septic systems in Brevard County may be failing. Inadequately treated sewage has the potential to contaminate groundwater, transmit illness, and damage surrounding surface water sources. Your family, your neighbors, and the health of the Indian River Lagoon can all benefit from upgrading to a more modern treatment system. The next step is to do something about it. Not sure what you want to do? Do you require further clarification? Check out the frequently asked questions below, or call or email the Brevard County Natural Resources Department directly at 321.633.2016 or [email protected] if you have any more questions.
- Protect the water quality in your community and marine life against sewage contamination.
- Contribute to the upgrading of the Lagoon’s septic system to an advanced treatment system.
- It is possible to safeguard your house and the Indian River Lagoon by upgrading your septic system with grant monies.
- It is possible that infections and excess nitrogen could be released from septic systems, which will seep into groundwater, reach the Indian River Lagoon, and promote the creation of toxic algal blooms.
In order to safeguard the health of the Indian River Lagoon’s seagrass, fish, and other marine life, advanced treatment septic systems process sewage at a higher rate.
How to Use Bio-Enzymes and Microbes in a Lagoon or Septic Tank
A product containing a combination of microorganisms can be added to your wastewater treatment lagoon or septic system if your system begins to fail or falter. This product can help to restore system balance. The following are examples of scenarios in which learning how to employ bio-enzymes may be beneficial:
- Systems that are overloaded (lagoons or ponds)
- Septic tanks, lagoons, and other similar systems that have accumulated a significant amount of sludge
- A bacterial colony that is unhealthy (in lagoons or ponds)
How Bio-Enzymes, Microbes and Bio-Activators Work
It is believed that these microbe mix solutions function by expanding the population of pollution-consuming bacteria in the lagoon or septic tank system, respectively. Additionally, the bacteria not only absorb the toxins in the wastewater, but they also consume the sludge that has built up in the system over time. More volume is made available for wastewater treatment due to the consumption of sludge. This in turn helps to reduce loading on pond or septic tank systems.
A Quick Note on Establishing and Maintaining Beneficial Bacteria
dissolved oxygen is required for bacteria to grow in order for them to reproduce (DO). Many lagoons and septic tanks do not have enough diatomaceous earth (DO) to feed these bacteria, which is why they are experiencing issues in the first instance. We recommend that you utilize an aeration system to guarantee that there is enough oxygen available for the bacteria to grow and do their jobs to the best of their abilities. This will help to enhance the efficiency of the bio-activator you are using.
How to Use Bio-Enzymes, Microbes and Bio-Activators to a Lagoon, Pond or Septic Tank System
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for dosing quantity and frequency. If you don’t, your outcomes may be less than optimum, and you’ll end up squandering money on unnecessary purchases. In most cases, there will be a period of time where you will be using more bio-enzymes than usual in the beginning of the process. Once this stage of development is over, you will have a sufficient population of bacteria and will only need to provide a little amount of enzymes to keep the system operating.
- If you have an aeration system installed, check to see that it is functioning properly and then turn it on
- Discard the enzyme bag that is water-soluble and place it in the center of a lagoon, pond, or septic tank. Wherever you’re employing enzymes, make sure they’re dispensed in the appropriate region before adding more enzymes. Follow the dosing plan to the letter and add additional doses as needed
- If necessary. Maintain your aeration system to ensure that optimum oxygen levels are maintained
For information on how much bio-enzymes to use, please refer to ourDosing Rate page.
Results of using Bio-Enzymes, Microbes and Bio-Activators
Within a few weeks, you should notice a reduction in the amount of sludge and odor in your system. If you have lagoons or ponds that previously had water that was greenish or brownish in color with potentially algae covering the surface, you should notice that the water has changed to a more blueish hue and that the amount of algae has decreased. Because our Bio-Enzymes are packaged in water-soluble bags, there is no need for special handling. The water-soluble bag floats on the surface of the water for a short time, allowing the bio-enzymes to be released into the pond.
Use The Right Product For the Job
Each microbe product is intended to be used in a certain region of the body. When items are utilized in conjunction with one another, the best results are obtained. On the diagram below, you can see exactly where each product will have the largest impact. Water Waste Sludge Reducer and Cold Water Formula have the largest impact on the main body of water, as seen by the yellow region of the cross section.
Blue dots depict how Waste Sludge Reducer Pellets are best suited for the sludge blanket on the lagoon bottom and how the waste sludge reducer pellets are distributed throughout the lagoon.
If you can’t find what you are looking for, contact us at(303) 520-4961or [email protected] and we’ll help you find it.
When developing land, it is critical for the developer, engineer, or homeowner to schedule a meeting with SWDH in order to explain the project in detail. SWDH requires that you attend this pre-development meeting before proceeding with the formal application process. Download the Subdivision Application from our Document Repository, which may be found under the Land Development category. Contact208-455-5400. After the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) or a Qualified Licensed Professional Engineer (QLPE) has conducted the necessary reviews of the specifications, the SWDH works in collaboration with the IDEQ to release sanitary restrictions on platted subdivisions that are served by city water and city sewer.
- for subdivisions including municipal water and city sewage services.
- The SER can be downloaded from our Document Repositoryunder Land Development.
- Additionally, depending on the location of the subdivision, the size of the lots, and the density of residences, the SWDH may require a Nutrient Pathogen Study to be completed.
- When developing property, it is critical for the developer/engineer to organize a meeting with SWDH in order to explain the project in more detail.
- Download the Subdivision Application from our Document Repository, which may be found under the Land Development category.
Fees:
| Service Description | Charges |
| Subdivision Engineering Report Application Fee | $250.00 |
| Cost Per Developable Lot | $300.00 |
| Subdivision Application – City Services (Requires DEQ Approval) | $150.00 |
| Central/LSAS | $1,000 + $100 per 250 gpd |
| Pre-development site evaluation for commercial or engineered lots (includes multiple test holes and evaluation results) | $850.00 |
| Pre Development Meeting (Fee to apply toward SER application if within 12-months of pre-development meeting) | $100.00 |
In order to obtain further information, you may call the SWDH headquarters at 208-455-5400.
Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems
The Southwest District Health (SWDH) Environmental Health Services division, in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, controls underground sewage disposal systems (IDEQ). If the developer or homeowner has any questions about the application or permitting process for a subsurface sewage disposal system, they should contact SWDH at (208) 455-5400. This is especially important because a subsurface sewage permit is usually required before a county building permit can be obtained.
Process/ How to Apply
SWDH must perform an on-site examination prior to issuing a permit for underground sewage disposal before the permit may be issued. The applicant must make arrangements for a backhoe to be brought in to dig a ten (10) foot test hole at the time of the examination.
When submitting an application, SWDH requires a legal description, zoning certificate, tax assessment notice, or property profile, among other things. It is possible to obtain your legal description by contacting the county or by consulting a tax notice.
How to Apply
Download the Subsurface Sewage Disposal Application (PDF) from our Document Repository, which may be found under Septic Systems. Please also include an 8″ x 10″ copy of the home floor plans, verifying the amount of bedrooms, if the house is being built from scratch.
Accessory Use
Accessory Use permissions from the county may be necessary before a building permit may be issued for the construction of an addition, shop, or other structure on a piece of property in certain circumstances. The proposed plan will be evaluated by an Environmental Health Specialist at the time of the Accessory Use Application to see if it will necessitate a modification to the existing subsurface sewage disposal system. The Accessory Use Approval Application and Plot Plan (both in PDF format) may be found in our Document Repositoryunder Septic Systems and can be downloaded.
