Your Private Septic System and the Soil Type on your Property Part Three, the width and length of the infiltration surface are very important design considerations to improve performance and will limit the impact on the receiving evironment. Trenches, beds, and seepage pits (also known as dry wells) are traditionally used geometries. Seepage pits can be effective for wastewater diepersal, but sure don't provide must in the way of treatment, because they extend deep down into the soil profile, where oxygen transfer and treatment is limited and the separation distance to the ground water is reduced.

Width- infiltration surface clogging and the resulting loss of infiltrative capacity are less where the infiltration surface is narrow. This appears to occur because reaeration of the soil below a narrow infiltration surface is more rapid. The dominant pathway for oxygen transport to the subsoil appears to be diffusion through the soil surrounding the infiltration surface. The unsaturated zone below a wide surface quickly, becomes anaerobic because the rates of oxygen diffusion is too low to meet the oxygen demad of the biota and organice on the infiltration surface. This is why trenches will perform better then beds. Trench widths typical range from one to four feet. Narrower trenches are preferred, but the soil conditions and construction keeping the infiltration surface level, the uphill side of the trench bottom just might be excavated into a less suitable soil horizon. The wider trench infiltration surfaces have been very successful in atgrade systems, and mounds probably because the engineered fill material and elevaion above the natural grade promote better reaeration of the fill.

Your Private Septic System and the Soil Type on your Property Part Three, The diagram below is a cross section of a conventional, and not shallow, gravel filled drainfield trench and pipe system. It shows you the pathway of the air called the vadose zone, through the soil to the infiltration zone.

Link to Your Private Septic System and Soil Type on your Property Part Four

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When buying, renting a Home or Commercial Properties or Relocationing in or to Sullivan County, New Hampshire, Windsor County, Vermont, or nearby Counties. When "Good Enough" Isn't, call Baker Home Inspection and Consulting to schedule, Your Inspection.

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Post 575- 30 Aug.  2009-Posted at: Localism.com/neighbor/bakerhome all links open in a new window