01-25-2014, 11:52 PM
It seems that septic systems/cesspools and the like are a hot topic around here.
There is a vast number of lots under 1 acre, thus requiring a septic, And a large number of people that would prefer to use a septic over a cesspool regardless.
After spending some time in Kalapana, and Nanawale. With those tiny lots a septic seems like it would tough job sometimes.
With kalapana in particular, and perhaps HPP depending on location it would seem that a conventional septic could be a real disappointing option. Especially out in Kalapana where your lots are small, and covered with beautiful lava-features you wish to protect. (its why you moved there!)
Being involved into alternative construction styles for a long time I'm curious if anyone is/has built any evaporative septic systems out here. I think this could potentially be a great solution in Kalapana in particular.
Its a pretty innovative approach to dealing with waste water and it is not new. Its fairly standardized in some places in the southwest where it is fair dry/arid. But can be made to work in most locations.
Here in hawaii with grey-water being legal for all but toilet/sink water. Your total-black water generation is quite low!
The premise is really simple, The systems I have seen are above ground and usually hidden/covered. They have two tanks, the first being a fairly large, similar to the standard tank on a septic. The second is a fair bit smaller, The effluent flows from the second tank into the bottom of a large lined pit/planter. The pit/planter is simple, the pre-treated/broken down black water enters the bottom of the planter into a gravel bed, underneath a thick layer of sand, covered in top soil.
You then typically have plants (many varieties I believe) that will populate the bed. The idea is that the water/moisture is evaporated into the environment and the plants and bacteria living throughout the system 'process' the sewage entirely. Leaving you with a turn-key system that is as hands off as a traditional septic.
Here in Hawaii with higher humidities and more rainfall the system would have to be sized appropriately and possible have a translucent over-hang or simple roof structure above it to keep out unwanted rainwater.
All in all, a professionally installed system may not offer a cost savings to a normal ripped/jackhammered septic. However they often take up way less space. And in a place like Kalapana it could help you preserve your natural yard-scape.
These systems seem to often be easier for own-builders to construct also as they require very little in the way of heavy equipment if entirely above ground.
Does anyone know any soil engineers, or if this type of system can/does work here?
I feel that if it can work well here, This type of system could really give a workable solution to a lot of people who don't want to deal with a NSF approved composting toilet, have a small lot and our currently on unpermitted waste-water systems.
It seems like a win-win if this could happen here. Here are some links for a general idea:
http://inspectapedia.com/septic/Evaporat...Design.htm
http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/dlg/dlghome/do...sguide.pdf
There is a vast number of lots under 1 acre, thus requiring a septic, And a large number of people that would prefer to use a septic over a cesspool regardless.
After spending some time in Kalapana, and Nanawale. With those tiny lots a septic seems like it would tough job sometimes.
With kalapana in particular, and perhaps HPP depending on location it would seem that a conventional septic could be a real disappointing option. Especially out in Kalapana where your lots are small, and covered with beautiful lava-features you wish to protect. (its why you moved there!)
Being involved into alternative construction styles for a long time I'm curious if anyone is/has built any evaporative septic systems out here. I think this could potentially be a great solution in Kalapana in particular.
Its a pretty innovative approach to dealing with waste water and it is not new. Its fairly standardized in some places in the southwest where it is fair dry/arid. But can be made to work in most locations.
Here in hawaii with grey-water being legal for all but toilet/sink water. Your total-black water generation is quite low!
The premise is really simple, The systems I have seen are above ground and usually hidden/covered. They have two tanks, the first being a fairly large, similar to the standard tank on a septic. The second is a fair bit smaller, The effluent flows from the second tank into the bottom of a large lined pit/planter. The pit/planter is simple, the pre-treated/broken down black water enters the bottom of the planter into a gravel bed, underneath a thick layer of sand, covered in top soil.
You then typically have plants (many varieties I believe) that will populate the bed. The idea is that the water/moisture is evaporated into the environment and the plants and bacteria living throughout the system 'process' the sewage entirely. Leaving you with a turn-key system that is as hands off as a traditional septic.
Here in Hawaii with higher humidities and more rainfall the system would have to be sized appropriately and possible have a translucent over-hang or simple roof structure above it to keep out unwanted rainwater.
All in all, a professionally installed system may not offer a cost savings to a normal ripped/jackhammered septic. However they often take up way less space. And in a place like Kalapana it could help you preserve your natural yard-scape.
These systems seem to often be easier for own-builders to construct also as they require very little in the way of heavy equipment if entirely above ground.
Does anyone know any soil engineers, or if this type of system can/does work here?
I feel that if it can work well here, This type of system could really give a workable solution to a lot of people who don't want to deal with a NSF approved composting toilet, have a small lot and our currently on unpermitted waste-water systems.
It seems like a win-win if this could happen here. Here are some links for a general idea:
http://inspectapedia.com/septic/Evaporat...Design.htm
http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/dlg/dlghome/do...sguide.pdf