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Home , Aerobic treatment system, Blackwater (coal), Blackwater (waste), Produced water, Septic tank

Terms commonly associated with septic systems:

Please note: some of the following terms are generic while some are precise legal definitions in the State of Washington. Please consult specific rules and regulations of your State and/or local jurisdiction other definitions regarding these and other terms associated with septic systems.

A Anaerobic process: a three step bacterial respiration process that occurs Absorption Area - an area to which in the absence of oxygen. Heterotrophic wastewater is distributed for infiltration to bacteria (which do not require oxygen) the . oxidize material to form CO2 and water. The process is more complex than described Absorption Field – see Drainfield. here, involving also autotrophic bacteria and chemical processes in three stages: acid , acid regression, and alkaline Absorption Trench - a long narrow area fermentation. (excavation) which includes a pipe for the distribution of . B Additive or septic additive, septic chemical, septic treatment, septic tank additive: A Baffle - a flow deflecting device used in septic additive is a chemical, bacteria, or septic tanks and distribution boxes to inhibit other product sold to be placed into a septic the discharge of floating solids, reduce the tank or septic absorption system, amount of settleable solids that exit, and purportedly to improve the function of the reduce the exit velocity of the wastewater. system, improve drainfield performance, avoid septic tank pumping, or other repair Basal area – the effective surface area or maintenance need. In a normal available to transmit the treated effluent conventional septic system additives are not from the filter media in a mound system into required, are illegal in some jurisdictions, the original receiving . and in some cases they can actually damage the system leading to costly repairs. Biomat: a bacterial slime layer in the soil below the leachfield and around other Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) – a wastewater disposal systems. Critical septic container of various configurations that effluent treatment occurs in the biomat. provides for aerobic degradation or decomposition of wastewater constituents or septage - waste carried off by bringing the wastewater into direct by and urinal. contact with air by some mechanical means. BOD - Biochemical Oxygen Demand - Aggregate - washed gravel or crushed the amount of oxygen necessary to permit stone 3/4 - 1 1/2 inches in diameter. See microbes (within a septic treatment system) drain rock. to consume organic material in wastewater. BOD is normally expressed as BOD-5 or Alternative Septic System – an on-site five-day BOD, the amount of oxygen system other than a conventional consumed by microbes (for example within gravity system or a conventional pressure a septic treatment systems) over a five day distribution system. Properly operated and period, for a given volume of wastewater. maintained alternative systems provide BOD is used to describe the quality of equivalent or enhanced treatment untreated wastewater, or in other words, to performance as compared to conventional determine the amount of treatment that gravity systems. wastewater will require before it can be discharged to the environment.

1 Breakout or effluent breakout: Visible block or (safer) pre-cast concrete movement of septic effluent to the surface lined pit into which sewage is discharged. of a property. Septic effluent appearing on Solids remain in the pit, effluent is absorbed the surface of a property or in nearby ponds into soil below and at the sides of the or streams, is incontrovertible evidence of a cesspool. Solids settle to the bottom, failure in the septic system. Breakouts of floating grease and scum collect at the top, septic effluent may occur during normal and liquid seeps into the ground, initially system usage when the absorption bed has through the bottom and most of the time failed, when the system has been through the side of the cesspool. overloaded, or during a septic loading and dye test. Chemical : use a chemically treated reservoir located directly below the toilet Building Sewer - that part of the drainage seat. The chemicals reduce and system which extends from the end of the perform partial (incomplete) disinfection of building drain and conveys wastewater to the waste. the sewage system or sewer (the pipe from the house to the septic tank). Cleanout - an opening providing access to part of the sewage system. C Cluster Septic System: a type of Capacity of a Septic System: describes centralized septic system serving as few as the volume of wastewater (blackwater or two homes, or just a few homes. Clustered greywater) which an onsite septic system septic systems may be used in a must be capable of handling. Typically development of new homes in which small capacity, described as daily volume of groups of two or three homes are served by wastewater in gallons or liters, is a function individual systems. of the number of building occupants using the facility, adjusted for other building Coliform (Bacteria) – a group of bacteria activities such as laundry, grinders, which produce gas and ferment lactose, or other site activities. some of which are found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. They are Catabolism: the oxidative, exothermic, indicators of potential ground water and /of enzymatic degradation process resulting in contamination with such fecal release of energy from large organic material. molecules. One of the processes in the breakdown of wastewater by Composting Toilets: use natural materials microorganisms. inside of a holding tank to decompose sewage where the decomposed material is Centralized Septic System: an onsite retained for later removal. wastewater disposal system which collects waste from multiple buildings or facilities for Conventional gravity system: a treatment and disposal at a single site or traditional onsite sewage system consisting facility. Centralized septic systems may of a (water-tight) septic tank and a serve an entire community or a large group subsurface absorption system with gravity of homes such as townhouses or distribution of the effluent condominiums. Centralized wastewater and septage disposal systems are generally Conventional pressure distribution associated with large treatment system – an on-site sewage system requirements such as for an entire consisting of a septic tank and a subsurface community. soil absorption system with pressure distribution of the effluent. Cesspool: A cesspool combines the septic treatment tank and absorption system into a single component. A cesspool is a stone or 2 Covenant – a recorded agreement stating containing a and pressure distribution certain activities and/or practices are system, the pump turns on when sufficient required or prohibited. volumes (demand) flow into the chamber causing the pump-on float to activate and Cover material – the material used to the predetermined dose volume to be cover a mound system, usually selected discharged to the treatment and /or disposal because of its availability, cost, and ability component which follows. to support vegetation, to transfer ozygen, and to shed water. It includes the cap and Denitrification: the removal of topsoil. from wastewater, normally by an anoxic process. Cuts and/or banks – any naturally occurring or artificially formed slope greater Designer – a person licensed by the than one hundred percent (forty-five Washington State Department of Licensing degrees) and extending vertically at least to match site and soil characteristics with five feet from the toe of the slope to the top appropriate on-site sewage technology. of the slope as follows: Discharge Effluent Pipe: this pipe conducts septic effluent out of a pumping chamber (under pump power) or septic tank (by gravity). 45 o Disinfection Septic Systems for onsite wastewater treatment: some onsite 1 wastewater treatment and disposal systems 5 feet are required to disinfect the effluent before 1 it can be discharged to the environment. Sand bed systems, filter systems, and aerobic systems may require disinfection

o depending on the level of treatment 45 achieved by other wastewater handling components.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) – the oxygen dissolved in water, wastewater, or other Curtain Drain - a subsurface drain designed liquid, usually expressed in milligrams per and constructed to control and liter (mg/l), parts per million (ppm), or surface water intrusion into the area of the percent of saturation. sewage system. Disposal component – a subsurface D absorption system (SSAS) or other soil absorption system (for example, a mound) Decentralized wastewater treatment: receiving septic tank or other pretreatment wastewater treatment and disposal systems device effluent and transmitting into handling a small volume of effluent, but original, undisturbed soil. serving multiple buildings, usually ones which are built close together, such as a Distributing valve: A valve that distributes small apartment complex. flow to multiple drainfield laterals, zones or locations by automatically rotating upon Demand system – any system where the each pump cycle. Mechanical distributing dosing frequency (or flow to a treatment or valves may also be used. disposal component) is controlled by the volume of effluent flowing to the Distribution Box - a device used to component. For a demand system uniformly distribute sewage to the 3 absorption area. Also referred to as "D-box", Dye Test or "Septic Loading and Dye Test": this component connects a single effluent Septic dye tests involve flushing a special line leaving the septic tank or other florescent dye down a toilet or other drain. wastewater treatment component to the Activated charcoal packets are placed in network of effluent distribution lines in a drainages, waterways or other locations gravity absorption area. where a septic system may fail too. The charcoal collects the dye if the system is Distribution Line - the non-perforated pipe short-circuting to a drain or to the surface. A used to distribute wastewater to the positive dye result indicates waste water is absorption area. coming to the surface and the septic system is failing. Dosing – the application of wastewater to a treatment or disposal system in discreet E amounts over a definite time period, as opposed to an unregulated flow. Effluent: septic effluent is the clarified, partially treated liquid which leaves a septic Dosing tank/Chamber - A tank that tank. Large solids have been separated by collects treated wastewater for period of settlement, by floating to coagulate in a time and then, periodically, discharges it grease and scum layer, or by or into another treatment or disposal other methods. Septic effluent moves out of component, depending upon the needs and a septic treatment tank into an absorption design of the particular on-site sewage system (or other effluent treatment system) system. Also known as a Pump Chamber. for further treatment and ultimate disposal or discharge to the environment. Drainfield (conventional) or drain field or drainage bed or seepage bed or leachfield: Engineer – a person who is licensed and in see Absorption Area and Leach field. An area good standing under chapter 18.43 Revised in which perforated piping is laid in drain Code of Washington. rock-packed trenches, or excavations (seepage beds) for the purpose of Excreta – Human and feces. distributing the effluent from a wastewater treatment unit. Expansion – a change in a residence, facility, site or use that: a) causes an on-site Drain rock – Clean, washed gravel. May sewage system to exceed its existing vary in size from ¾ inch to 2 ½ inches in treatment or disposal capability, for diameter. example, when a residence is increased from two to three bedrooms or a change in Drinking Water - water whose physical, use from an office to a restaurant; or b) chemical and biological quality is or is reduces the treatment or disposal capability intended to be satisfactory for human of the existing on-site sewage system or the consumption, food preparation or culinary reserve area, for example, when a building purposes. is placed over a reserve area.

Drywell: a pit or hole in the ground, open F to soil at its sides and bottoms, intended to receive and dispose of gray water (water Failure of a Septic System: A condition of from building non-sewage drains such as an on-site sewage system that threatens the laundry, showers, sinks). A drywell, or public health by inadequately treating "seepage pit" is used at some building sites sewage or creating a potential for direct or to receive "gray water" from a laundry, sink, indirect contact between sewage and the or shower. The pit may be site-built of stone public. Examples of failure include: (a) or dry-laid concrete block, rubble-filled, or Sewage on the surface of the ground; (b) constructed of (safer) pre-cast concrete. Sewage backing up into a structure caused by slow absorption of septic tank effluent; 4 (c) Sewage leaking from a septic tank, move sewage or "blackwater" or waste pump chamber, holding tank, or collection products to a centralized treatment facility. system; (d) Cesspool or seepage pits where Force mains used to carry sewage prepared evidence of ground water or surface water by a will generally be of quality degradation exists; (e) Inadequately smaller diameter than waste lines which treated effluent contaminating ground water work by gravity. or surface water. (f) Noncompliance with standards stipulated on the permit. – see curtain drain.

Final Treatment/Disposal Unit: That portion of an on-site sewage system designed to provide final treatment and G disposal of the effluent from a wastewater treatment unit, including, but not limited to, Gray water or or graywater – absorption fields (drainfields), sand mounds that portion of the wastewater stream that and sand-lined trenches. originates in sinks, tubs, showers, laundry; i.e. all portions excluding toilet wastes. Fats, Oils & Grease () - a FOG is a measure of the amount of fatty matter from Gray water systems or grey water septic animal and vegetable sources and systems refer to systems which reduce the hydrocarbons form products and liquid effluent load on a septic system by waxes, such as from lotion, shampoos, and separating greywater (or graywater) from tanning oils. High levels of gats, oils, and sinks and showers from blackwater (black greases in the wastewater stream may water) from toilets. Greywater is wastewater interfere with wastewater treatment and which does not contain sewage, typically disposal efficiency. coming from building sinks, showers, and laundry facilities. Filter – a device or structure for removing suspended solid or colloidal material from Groundwater - subsurface water occupying wastewater. the zone of saturated soil, permanently, seasonally, or as the result of tides.. Filter media – the material through which wastewater is passed for the purpose of Grain Size, Effective - a measure of the treatment (ASTM C-33). diameter of soil particles, when compared to a theoretical material having an equal Filtrate – liquid which has passed through a transmission constant. It is the dimensions filter. of that mesh screen which will permit 10 percent of the sample to pass and will retain Final treatment/disposal unit – that 90 percent. portion of an on-site sewage system designed t provide final treatment and Grinder : a macerating pump disposal of the effluent from a treatment capable of grinding up sewage, including the component, including, but not limited to, solid waste, so that the waste product can absorption fields (drainfields), sand mounds, be pumped at pressure to a treatment and sand-lined trenches/beds. system. Grinder pumps are used with "force main" septic systems to move waste Force Main: a (comparatively) smaller products uphill to a private onsite diameter sewage waste line used to move wastewater treatment facility or in larger solid waste output from a grinder pump to a installations, to move sewage or waste and wastwater treatment facility. "blackwater" or waste products to a Grinder pumps are used with "force main" centralized treatment facility. Force mains septic systems to move waste products used to carry sewage prepared by a grinder uphill to a private onsite wastewater pump will generally be of smaller diameter treatment facility or in larger installations, to than waste lines which work by gravity. 5 H Lift pump: a lift pump is used to move liquid effluent from a lower pumping Holding tank - Septic Holding Tank chamber or effluent tank to a higher level Systems use a sealed tank to hold tank or possibly out of an effluent tank up to household waste and wastewater until the a mound system, sand bed, or other tank can be pumped out by a septic elevated effluent treatment system. pumping company. Holding tanks have no drains and must be pumped. Local health department - a city, county, or city-county department or district of health or a State Department of Health District Office. I Local health officer – the health officer of Incinerator toilet systems: incinerator the city, county, or city-county health toilets use electricity or gas to burn the department or district within the state of waste placed into these systems. Washington, or a representative authorized by and under the direct supervision of the local health officer, as defined in chapter Infiltration - the flow or movement of 70.05 Revised Code of Washington. water into the interstices or pores of a soil through the soil interface. M Infiltrative Surface: In drainfields, the drain rock-original soil interface at the septic systems: Media filter bottom of the trench; in mound systems, septic systems use a conventional septic the gravel-mound sand and the sand- tank followed by any of several methods to original soil interfaces; in sand-lined further filter and treat septic effluent before trenches/beds (sand filter), the gravel-sand it is discharged to the soil, soil surface, or interface and the sand-original soil interface waterway. A sand filter is a typical media at the bottom of the trench or bed. filter.

Influent: Wastewater, partially or Metabolism: The sum of all of the completely treated, or in its natural state biochemical processes employed in the (raw wastewater), flowing into a reservoir, breakdown of organic compounds tank, treatment unit, or disposal unit. (catabolism) and in the building up of cell protoplasm (anabolism). Metabolic processes convert chemically-bound energy Installer – a qualified person approved by a into energy forms that can be used to local health officer to install or repair on-site support life. One of the processes in the sewage systems or components. breakdown of wastewater by microorganisms. Intermittent sand filter – a sand filter in which pre-treated wastewater is applied Mound (sand mound) - a disposal periodically providing intermittent periods of component in which a specific sand media is wastewater application followed by periods placed upon the ground surface, after the of frying and oxygenation of the filter bed. ground surface has been properly prepared. Effluent form a treatment component is Interceptor Drain – see curtain drain discharged into a bed above the sand, is treated by flowing downward through the Invert - the floor, bottom, or lowest point sand and is discharged directly into the of the inside cross section of a pipe. underlying soil where it is disposed of (with some additional polishing). JKL N Leach field – see Drainfield. 6 Net free area or effective septic tank Overall Treatment Level of wastewater working volume The "net free area" or (OTL) describes the degree of sanitization of "effective septic tank volume" is the actual wastewater that occurs as wastewater tank interior volume minus the space passes through a treatment system. It is a occupied by settled and floating scale of the level of water which scum. Net free area or effective septic tank ranges from an OTL of 0% (or 10 on a working volume is discussed when pollution scale) (untreated raw sewage considering effluent retention time since a effluent) to an OTL of 100% (or 0 on a small net free area reduces the effluent pollution scale). An OTL of 100% means that retention time in the septic tank. the output of the treatment system has of the same quality as Non-potable - water used for drinking water. While drinking water , etc, but not for human standards vary among various states, consumption. provinces, and countries, drinking water standards specify the level of allowable O bacteria (such as less than one CFU per 100 ml of water) as well as the allowable levels of nitrites, , and a long list of Obstructed land - areas on property used common chemical contaminants. The U.S. for such purposes as pools, concrete slabs, EPA National Primary Drinking Water buildings, driveway, parking and similar Standards list 87 contaminants that must be areas which would prohibit, hinder, or affect tested in approving water for human the installation, operation, or maintenance consumption. of onsite sewage disposal system All of these need to be addressed by the wastewater treatment system. The typical On-site Sewage System (OSS): [or OTL of an onsite wastewater treatment Onsite Wastewater Treatment System or system is required to discharge effluent Septic System] An integrated arrangement which is at least as clean as normally- of components for a residence, building, occurring groundwater. Some treatment industrial establishment or other places not systems produce a lower OTL and require connected to a public sewer system which: disinfection. Other wastewater treatment (a) Convey, store, treat, and/or provide systems produce water which is cleaner than subsurface soil treatment and disposal on local groundwater. the property where it originates, upon adjacent or nearby property; and (b) P Includes piping, treatment devices, other accessories, and soil underlying the disposal component of the initial and reserve areas. Particle size – the diameter of a soil or sand particle, usually measured by sedimentation or sieving. Ordinary high-water mark – the mark on lakes, streams, and tidal water, found by examining the beds and banks and - the movement of water ascertaining where the presence and action through the pores of a soil or other porous of waters are so common and usual, and so medium following infiltration through the soil long continued in all ordinary years, as to interface. The liquid may or may not fill the mark upon the soil a character distinct from pores of the medium. that of the abutting upland with respect to vegetation, as that condition exists on the Perc Test / Soil Percolation Test: A hole, effective date of the regulations, or as may 5-7 feet deep is dug in an area to be tested naturally change thereafter. for future use as a drain field, or near the drain-field area in representative soils. OTL - Onsite [Wastewater] Treatment Water is poured into the hole and and the Level: the level of treatment of wastewater soils or septic engineer or contractor by an onsite facility before the wastewater is observes the rate at which soil absorbes the discharged to the environment. water by noting the time that it takes for the level of water in the hole to drop one inch 7 (for example). More precise "perc tests" Potable well - water used for drinking may involve using a specific quantity of water or a hold of specific dimensions to Pressure distribution - a system of small make these observations. “Perc” tests are diameter pipes equally distributing effluent no longer used in the State of Washington to throughout a trench or bed, as described in determine soil absorption capacity. the “Guidelines for Pressure Distribution Systems” by the Washington State Performance standard – a standard used Department of Health. t judge whether predetermined requirements have been met, such as the Pressure sewer: see Force Main necessary level of treatment for waste stream, after the completion or initiation of Proprietary device or method – a device operation. Performance standard generally or method classified as an alternative are in the form of a predetermined level or system, or a component thereof, held under concentration of a particular compound or a patent, trademark or copyright. constituent that is allowed in a waste effluent. Pump chamber: A tank or compartment following the septic tank or other Permeability - a measure of the rate of pretreatment process, which contains a movement of liquid through soil. pump, floats, and volume for storage for effluent. Effluent is pumped from the pump Person – any individual, corporation, chamber to another pretreatment process or company, association, society, firm, to the disposal component. In certain types partnership, joint stock company, or any of pressure distribution systems, this may governmental agency, or the authorized also be called a “surge tank.” If a siphon is agents of any such entities. used, in lieu of a pump, this is called a "siphon chamber. Pollution (of water or wastewater): contamination of water (or air or other Pumper – a person approved by the local substances) with unwanted and potentially health officer to remove and harmful substances, making the water (or wastewater air or other) unsuitable for human consumption, harmful to animals, and QR (depending on whose definition) unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or recreational Raised Bed Septic Systems: a wastewater use. Where conventional septic tank and absorption trench system which has been drainfield onsite wastewater treatment is in constructed in soil-fill material which has use the chief released by the been placed on top of the natural soil on a system are bacteria () and building lot. Raised septic bed systems make nitrates. Under current practices, the level at least partial use of existing soils for of which a given wastewater treatment. wastewater treatment system provides to its effluent prior to discharge is generally described as primary, secondary, or tertiary, Raw wastewater – wastewater before it with the last term representing the most receives any treatment. thorough treatment. RCW – Revised code of Washington – Law Ponds for wastewater treatment: a large that was passed by the Washington State basin which holds and treats wastewater by House of Representatives and Senate and bacteria and/or algae which form in the signed by the governor. treatment pond. Treatment ponds are usually site-constructed and may use a pond Receiving Environment (RE): the bottom liner in addition to earth berms to environment, generally soils or nearby form the treatment container. waterways, which receive effluent which has been treated by an onsite wastewater 8 treatment system. A general objective of sand filter consisting of a two-foot layer in wastewater treatment systems is to the pressure distribution drainfield trench. discharge into the receiving environment water which is as clean or cleaner of Saturated vs. Non-Saturated pollutants than the naturally occurring Wastewater Treatment Systems: A groundwater in the same locale. wastewater treatment system such as an aerobic treatment unit (ATU), because it Recirculating sand (gravel) filter – a involves a tank filled with wastewater and sand (gravel) filter which processes liquid forced oxygenation of that wastewater, is a waste by mixing filtrate with incoming septic type of saturated wastewater treatment tank effluent and recurculating it several system. Other non-saturated wastewater times through the filter media before treatment systems such as discharging to a final treatment/disposal beds use passively-infused air to support unit. their oxygen-supported microorganisms. Unlike ATUs, non-saturated systems allow Repair – restoration, by reconstruction or passive air contact with effluent as it moves relocation, or replacement of a failed on-site through the media. Air is not being pumped. sewage system. Both types of systems make use of aerobic microorganisms. Reserve area – an area of land approved for the installation of a conforming system Scum - the wastewater material which is and dedicated for replacement of the on-site less dense than water and floats on top of sewage system upon its failure. the water.

Residential sewage – sewage having the Secondary Effluent Treatment: the level constituency and strength typical of of septic effluent treatment provided by a wastewater from domestic households. centralized wastewater treatment , obtains about 85% reduction BOD and TSS Restrictive layer – a stratum impeding the or 30 mg/l. vertical movement of water, air, and growth of plant , such as hardpan, clay pan, Seepage pit – an excavation more than fragipan, caliche, some compacted soils, three feet deep where the sidewall of the bedrock and unstructured clay soils. excavation is designed to dispose of septic tank effluent. Seepage pits may also be Retention time in septic tanks: the length called “dry .” of time (hours or days) that septic effluent remains in the septic tank before moving Septage: the mixture of solid wastes, scum, out to the treatment or absorption system. sludge, and liquids pumped from within septic tanks, pump chambers, holding tanks, S and other on-site sewage system components. Sand filter – a biological and physical wastewater treatment component consisting Septic System: A set of components to (generally) of an under drained bed of sand receive, treat, and dispose of sewage at a t which pre-treated effluent is periodically residential or other property, typically applied. Filtrate collected by the under including a tank to receive and hold solid drains is then disposed of by an approved waste and a treatment system to sanitize soil absorption system. Pretreatment can be and dispose of clarified septic effluent or provided by a septic tank or another wastewater, such as a septic leach field or approved treatment component. drainfield, or an advanced or alternative wastewater treatment system such as a septic mound, raised bed septic system, or Sand-lined drainfield trench/bed (sand an aerobic septic system. filter) – a combination of a pressure distribution drainfield and an intermittent 9 Septic Tank: a watertight pretreatment Soil Auger: "... Like a probe, an auger receptacle receiving the discharge of sewage provides a column of soil for viewing when from a building sewer or sewers, designed extracted. Auger diameters are typically and constructed to permit separation of larger than probes, and extensions can be settleable and floating solids from the liquid, added to access deeper into the soil. An detention and of the auger produces larger samples and is more organic matter, prior to discharge of the effective in rocky areas than a probe, liquid. although it still may be difficult to use due to rocks." : wastewater treatment systems use to Soil Log: a detailed description of soil treat wastewater in a single tank for all of characteristics providing information on the the treatment functions and steps. soil’s capacity to act as an acceptable treatment and disposal medium for sewage. Service interval – the time period between planned site visits to perform various Soil Pit or Test Hole: "... a dug-out area system monitoring functions such as near the perimeter of an expected drainfield checking equipment, renewing depleted area. Soil pits provide the best method for chemical supplies, collecting viewing both undisturbed soil and how soil samples. The service intervals may be varies over the depth of the pit. Pits may be specified by contracts, operation plans, or the only reliable method to determine depth local health jurisdiction permits. to bedrock.

Setbacks - Clearances or Distances Soil Probe: "... a hollow tube that, when Required for Septic Components: because pushed into the soil and extracted, gives an onsite wastewater treatment systems may undisturbed column of soil for viewing. discharge septic effluent into local soils or Probes vary in length and diameter. Usually even nearby surface water or ground water, extensions can be added to probe deeper separation distance is required between into the soil. It is the quickest method of various septic system components (septic looking at soil, and also allows you to detect tank, drainfield, piping) and other common faint soil mottling or cemented layers. property features (buildings, wells, property lines, nearby streams or ponds). Soil type – a numerical classification of fine earth particles and coarse fragments as Sewage – any urine, feces, and the water described by Federal, State and local carrying human wastes, including kitchen, regulations. bath, and laundry wastes from residences, building, industrial establishments or other Stratified sand filter – a sand filter which places. See also “residential sewage.” is constructed with varying specific filter sand media, placed in horizontal layers of Sludge, septic: settled solid waste at the specified thickness, separated by supporting bottom of a septic tank. Sludge is semi-solid layer of graded gravel. organic waste. Suitable soil – Original, undisturbed, Soil Absorption System or Subsurface Soil unsaturated soil of types permissible for on- Absorption System - "SSAS": A system of site sewage systems. trenches three feet or less in width, or beds between three feet and ten feet in width, SSAS or Subsurface soil absorption containing distribution pipe within a layer of system – a system of trenches of three feet clean gravel designed and installed in or less in width or beds between three and original, undisturbed soil for the purpose of ten feet in width, containing distribution pipe receiving effluent and transmitting it into the within a layer of clean gravel designed and soil. installed in original, undisturbed soil for the

10 purpose of receiving effluent and located in a container or "can" (to transmitting it into the soil. prevent interference from solid waste) or may be encased in an epoxy block (to Surface water – any body of water, protect the switch and make it waterproof] whether fresh or marine, flowing or and is used to control a septic effluent contained in natural or artificial unlined pump. Tilt switches work by gravity (and depressions for significant periods of the changes in the liquid level in a tank) to turn year, including natural and artificial lakes, a pump on or off. Where the tilt switch is ponds, springs, rivers, streams, swamps, affixed to a levered float which moves up or marshes, and tidal waters. down (tilts) in response to changes in the liquid level in a tank, it may also be called a Suspended Growth vs. Attached Growth float switch. A steel ball enclosed in a tube Aerobic Treatment Systems: Oxygen- moves to close or open an electrical circuit supported (aerobic) bacteria in the mixed by either touching two electrical contacts liquor perform the primary treatment in the (wire ends inside the tube) or, as the tube system. As the bacteria themselves die off slopes to put the wire ends in the "up" they remain suspended in the mixed liquor - position, the steel ball rolls away from the a "suspended growth aerobic treatment electrical wire ends and thus opens or turns system". Alternatively, a media, such as "off" the circuit. synthetic fabrics, may be suspended in the treatment tank, permitting the bacteria to Trickling filter wastewater treatment attach to the media surfaces - an "attached systems employ a porous material on which growth ". microorganisms become attached to form a biomat (or "slime layer"). Wastewater Suspended growth wastewater treatment systems using gravel, slag, or treatment systems use activated sludge even chopped plastic scrap are used in these wastewater treatment to process waste: systems. Effluent is collected after passing completely-mixed activated sludge through the system by a piping system (continuously receiving input), plug flow which permits oxygen to enter the filter and activated sludge systems (wastewater is which collects solids which have passed treated in individual batches), sequencing through. (Compare with attached growth batch reactors, aerated stabilization and media filter systems. lagoons, attached growth systems, trickling filters, rotating biological contractors, and TSS - the total sand filters. amount of suspended solid material in sewage - matter that has not either settled T to the bottom of a septic tank as sludge or coagulated at the top of a septic tank as the floating scum layer. Timer-controlled system – a pressure distribution system where the pump on and off times are regulated over time. U

Treatment Component: any approved Useable Soil – See also “suitable soil.” method of, or device for, treatment of sewage to a level that is suitable for further VWXYZ treatment and dispersal into the subsoil environment by the disposal component. Vertical Separation: The depth of unsaturated, original, undisturbed suitable [Septic] Tilt Switch: also known as a float soil between the bottom of a disposal switch. A switch used to turn a septic pump component and the highest seasonal water on and off. Typically the septic tilt switch is table, a restrictive layer, or unsuitable soil

11 Ground surface during and immediately after a rainstorm shall not be considered a watercourse. Cover material Geotextile Waterless septic systems: do not exist, Distribution pipe but this term may be used to describe Clean gravel waterless toilets, composting toilets, chemical toilets, and incinerating toilets to receive blackwater or sewage from a building. A true "waterless" system does not exist because even these special toilets Vertical separation - Original soil of types 1B- 6 depend on greywater (from sinks, showers, laundry) having been separated and disposed-of by other means. The toilet types Water table, Restrictive layer, or Soil type 1A listed will require maintenance and disposal of their contents. . Well head area - the area surrounding a Wastewater: Water-carried human excreta well which includes the cone of influence and/or domestic waste from residences, (where the drawdown of groundwater buildings, industrial establishments or other causes groundwater flow). facilities. (See SEWAGE.) Wetland - an area(s) of marshes or Wastewater Treatment Unit: A unit swamps which have been designated as designed, constructed, and installed to such by Federal, State or other agencies stabilize liquid waste by biochemical and having jurisdiction. Wetlands may be pre- physical action. existing swamps or marshes or they may be constructed anew. In either case they are Wastewater Design Flow: The volume of considered a "natural" system. Some wastewater predicted to be generated by “constructed wetlands” are used to treat occupants of a structure. For residential septic effluent. dwellings, this volume is calculated by multiplying the number of bedrooms by either 120 or 150 GPD (gallons per day).

Water Softener: Water softeners remove unwanted minerals from the water supply using one of several methods such as . A high level of minerals in water, referred to as "hard" water, can lead to clogged pipes and other problems as well as aesthetic concerns such as unpleasant bathing (difficult to obtain a soap lather) or tastes in water.

Wastewater Treatment: The process of removing pollutants and pathogens from wastewater, discharging the water to the environment, ... , and disposing of the byproducts of the treatment process.

Watercourse - a visible path through which surface water travels on a regular basis. Drainage areas which contain water only

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