What is the definition of a “Community” Drainfield System · Other Considerations If system is...
Transcript of What is the definition of a “Community” Drainfield System · Other Considerations If system is...
What is the definition of a “Community” Drainfield System
A drainfield that services more than 1 owner A drainfield that services more than 1 owner is considered a “Community” system.
Why is it a viable alternative to holding tanks and alternative treatment system?y Community systems are often the lowest cost
per homeownerper homeowner. Systems are inexpensive to maintain.
Overview of a typical system
Wastewater from the Larger pump stationWastewater from the house enters the septic tank.
Larger pump station collects effluent and doses the drainfield.
Effluent leaves the septic tank and enters a pump chambera pump chamber.
Pump forces the effluent to a remoteeffluent to a remote location where the drainfield is located.
Drainfield Construction
Typically a low Typically a low pressure system.
Bed type Bed type. Zoned System similar
to your lawn irrigationto your lawn irrigation system.
Drainfield Location Requirements
Proximity to nearby wells Proximity to nearby wells Wetlands and other waterbodies
Property lines Property lines Depth to high ground water Soil Conditions Distance from the “Community” = Higher $$$
How many homes can be on one system? Systems are designed by the gallons per day they Systems are designed by the gallons per day they
treat.
Under 6000 gallons per day (approx 15 homes) Under 6000 gallons per day (approx. 15 homes)
Under 10,000 gallons per day (approx. 25 homes)
Under 20,000 gallons per day (approx. 50 homes)
DEQ Requirements
6000 gallons per day or less 6000 gallons per day or less Straight forward permitting requirements Setbacks to water and wetlands = 100 feet Setbacks to water and wetlands 100 feet Isolation from wells = 75 feet to 300 feet No required reporting No required reporting Examples
LWTA, Platte Lake, Benzonia Twp. BWR, Glen Lake, Glen Arbor Twp.
DEQ Requirements
6000 to 10,000 gallons per dayS b k i d Setbacks are increased
Hydrogeologic study is required to establish groundwater flow direction and other analysis ofgroundwater flow direction and other analysis of the soil in and around the drainfield.
Groundwater Discharge Permit required. Weekly inspection and Yearly reporting is
required. Cost for permitting is more Cost for permitting is more. Examples
Miami Beach, Elk Lake, Whitewater Townshipp
DEQ Requirements
10 000 to 20 000 gallons per day 10,000 to 20,000 gallons per day Setbacks are further increased Pre-treatment of the effluent is required to obtain Pre treatment of the effluent is required to obtain
qualities that meet DEQ standards. Small treatment plant is necessary.y Expensive; budget estimates difficult to establish
until land is identified. Examples
Northport Point AssociationLeland Leland
Drainfield Site Ownership Options
Use existing parcel Use existing parcel Acquire parcel
Acquire easement Acquire easement Not acceptable forms of property ownership
L Lease Land Contract
Land
No set parameters here No set parameters here Consider market value
Often the most difficult part of the whole Often the most difficult part of the whole project
Design
Based on scope and size of project Based on scope and size of project, complexity and hurdles.
Last two 6000 gallon/day systems were in the Last two 6000 gallon/day systems were in the range of $20,000-$25,000 per home
Other Considerations
How will the cost of the system be dispersed How will the cost of the system be dispersed over the membership?
By the number of bedrooms they currently have?
By size of their property?
By front footage along the road or water?
Other Considerations
If system is over 10,000 gal/day, a carefulIf system is over 10,000 gal/day, a careful study needs to occur to insure that the right treatment system is selected to match the property.
Often, wetlands need to be crossed requiring dditi l itadditional permits.
Road Commission requires permits and approvals from abutting property ownersapprovals from abutting property owners where forcemain or other equipment may be in the right-of-way.g y
Possible Constraints
Lack of available suitable property for the Lack of available, suitable property for the drainfield
Easement for pipeline…..getting from point A to point B legallyto point B legally
P t i ht f ti i t Property rights of non-participants
Construction Process
Directional Drilling Method Directional Drilling Method
Trenchless pipe i t ll tiinstallation
Minimum disturbancedisturbance
Inexpensive
Construction Process
Dewatering Dewatering Temporarily, artificially lowers the water table in
proximity to the excavation.p y
Homeowner’s Perspective The Players
Homeowners Homeowners Engineering firm Construction team Legal resources Local Government Health Department Health Department DEQ Road Commission Electric Provider Maintenance Provider
Homeowner’s Perspective Why consider this….?
Environmental Environmental Many homes along lakes have septic systems that do
not meet current codes and are introducing mostly untreated effluent into lakes.
Property value – holding tanks vs. septic systemP b k i d i i t t h id th Payback period is instantaneous when you consider the value of a home on holding tanks versus a home that has a functioning septic system.
Future costs Future costs of pumping holding tanks is uncertain and
likely to be higher every few yearslikely to be higher every few years.
Homeowner’s Perspective
Organization requirements Organization requirements Corporation
Officers Duties Job descriptions
How to get the Ball Rolling
Assessment of homes needing service Assessment of homes needing service
Find nucleus of leadership Find nucleus of leadership
Become informed about options
Establish relationship with service providers
Step by Step Process
Gather interest from neighbors Gather interest from neighbors Establish service district
Identify potential properties for the field Identify potential properties for the field Have consultant provide suitability
t d id tif t i tassessment and identify constraints. Form an Association Negotiate land acquisition Seek funding
Step by Step Process (cont)
Prepare design plans Prepare design plans Complete permitting process Part 41 DEQ Permit Part 41 DEQ Permit Establish Financial and Managerial Capacity for
ongoing maintenance and operationongoing maintenance and operation Construct the system Plan for operation routine Plan for operation routine Establish responsibilities Regular communication Regular communication
More Information
Leland Sewer Options Task Force Report Leland Sewer Options Task Force Report Report on the viability of community drainfield systems along the east
shore of north Lake Leelanau http://www leelanau cc/downloads/leland sewer 1 1 jozwiak final pdf http://www.leelanau.cc/downloads/leland_sewer_1_1_jozwiak_final.pdf
Orenco Systems On-site wastewater equipment provider Lots of literature about on-site wastewater systems www.orenco.com