systems. Ours is a little more unique because there is no outlet, only transpiration.
The excavation, above, is three big holes. Near the house is a traditional concrete 1000 gallon septic tank. Initial treatment taks pace inside this tank. Solids break down, etc. From this tank the effluent flows into the wetlands. This is essentially a 2' deep bed of gravel. It is completely lined with landfill-grade 45 mil plastic. None of the effluent ever contacts surrounding soil. Specific plants will be planted here and have the job of using all of the waste water that we create. The wetland is large enough to dispose of more water than we can create. This way, during the summer everything that we generate will be used. Then during winter, when the plants are dormant, the effluent travels through the wetlands and is stored in a second concrete tank. When the plants wake up in the spring, we'll pump the stored liquid back to the top of the wetlands.
Moving all that gravel was a heck of a chore, but the result? Well, we got rid of that darn porta-potty!
Can't wait to get those plants planted! |
