WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Is having a septic tank without percolation area in Ireland possible?
OVERVIEW
A house not connected to main sewers needs a domestic waste water treatment system. This system will treat the wastewater produced. Wastewater comes from toilets, showers, sinks, washing machines, dishwashers. Is it possible to install a septic tank without percolation area in Ireland?
This question is answered below.
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Table of Contents
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What is a septic tank, and how does it work?
A septic tank is a underground chamber for basic sewage treatment. The solids settle out and form a sludge which we empty from time to time to prevent blockage. The liquid then flows on through the tank; no mechanics and no electricity requirement.
See the drawing of how does the Tricel Vento septic tank work.
Explanations :
The wastewater from the house comes in (1). Solids sink to the bottom. Lighter matter like fat rises to the top, forming a scum layer.
The waste water overflows into the chamber (2), and then it can be discharged to a specially designed percolation area or into a secondary treatment system to meet the EPA standards.
A septic tank is referred to as a primary treatment of the wastewater. The wastewater from a septic tank is not fully treated. Further treatment is needed before it can be discharged into the environment. This treatment can be from the soil/ground, a sand polishing filter, or a package filter system.
The most basic type/set-up of waste water treatment system is a septic tank and percolation area.
What is a percolation area, and how does it work?
The design of the septic tank helps to remove heavy particles from wastewater. Only the liquid portion is allowed to flow into the percolation area.
The percolation area consists of a series of perforated pipes buried in trenches that we fill with gravel. It distributes wastewater evenly over the surface of the gravel and percolates, or filter, through the soil.
As the wastewater moves through the soil, it naturally treats water by a combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes. Microorganisms in the soil break down organic matter and pollutants, while soil particles trap suspend solids and nutrients. The filtered water then percolates into the groundwater, where it treats further the wastewater and eventually replenishes local water sources.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of a percolation area for wastewater treatment is dependent on several factors. These include soil type, slope, and drainage. Proper design, construction, and maintenance are essential to ensure the system functions properly and does not pose a risk to public health or the environment.
How does a waste water treatment plant work?
We design Wastewater treatment plants to treat the sewage and wastewater that households, businesses, and industries generate. The treatment process involves a series of physical, biological, and chemical processes that remove contaminants from the wastewater and make it safe to release into the environment.
Below are the steps involved in the wastewater treatment process of a Tricel Novo wastewater treatment plant.
Explanations :
- The plant receives wastewater from the dwelling, toilets, sinks, showers, etc.
- The primary settlement chambers receive the effluent. The settlement process occurs when heavier solids drop out of the wastewater and settle to the bottom of the tank, whereas lighter solids float to the top.
- The next chamber is the aeration chamber, where naturally occurring bacteria inhabit specially designed plastic filters. By feeding on the waste, the bacteria remove it from the liquid. These bacteria are sustained by a continuous supply of air from the compressor under the hood (on top of the plant). In order to ensure high treatment efficiency, wastewater passes through the filter media repeatedly.
- After that, the liquid proceeds to the final chamber for settlement. In this chamber, any remaining minute bacterial particles are separated from the liquid before being discharged. By slowing the liquid’s velocity, any final trace impurities settle into the tank’s bottom. A sludge return system returns these impurities to the primary settlement chamber.
- Now that this effluent has been treated, it is ready to be discharged into a suitable discharge area, as required by the local authority.
This is the process for a Novo wastewater treatment plant with fixed bed technology. It’s important to note that the treatment process can vary depending on the specific plant and the level of contaminants in the wastewater being treated. However, the basic steps above are common to most wastewater treatment plants.
Sewage treatment plants offer a higher level of treatment than standard septic tanks.
The role of the site assessor
In Ireland, a site assessor is responsible to determine whether a site is suitable for a domestic waste water treatment system.
Responsibilities
The following are the key responsibilities of a site assessor in Ireland:
- Conducting site assessments: The site assessor is responsible for conducting a thorough assessment of the site, including examining the soil type, drainage, and topography. They will also evaluate any potential hazards or risks associated with the site.
- Providing recommendations: Based on the assessment, the site assessor will provide recommendations for the site’s use. For example, they may recommend that the site is suitable for building a house, installing a septic tank, or other uses.
- Preparing reports: The site assessor is responsible for preparing detailed reports outlining the findings of the assessment and the recommendations for the site’s use. Local authorities typically use these reports to make decisions on planning and development applications.
- Staying up-to-date with regulations: Site assessors must remain up-to-date with relevant regulations and guidelines related to site assessments and land use. This includes knowledge of planning regulations, building codes, and environmental legislation.
Overall, the role of a site assessor in Ireland is crucial in ensuring that development and land use decisions are made based on accurate and thorough assessments of the site’s suitability. Their work helps to protect the environment, ensure public safety, and promote sustainable development.
Conclusion: is installing a septic tank without a percolation area in Ireland possible?
No, it’s not possible, Ireland requires a disposal route before discharging to ground.
Tricel can help with your wastewater treatment project; we offer septic tanks, wastewater treatment plants, sand polishing filters and packaged filter systems.
The latter provides solutions for sites without room for percolation areas or when you need further treatment.
Quality
WHY CHOOSE US
Because Tricel manufactures and chooses the best materials for the design of its products. Most Tricel products have warranties of up to 10 years guarantee. All our products within this product range is CE certified to EU safety, health and environmental requirements.
Please find below the list of our products and the warranty that is applied. Note that this warranty is only valid if the sewage system is properly installed by a qualified installer. Please also know that all warranties are subject to correct use of the product, including maintenance as per manufacturer guidelines.
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Our range of products
Tricel Vento Septic Tank
Shallow dig tank, strong & robust underground tank, No electrical or moving parts. Ideal for sites with good drainage & plenty of space.
Tricel Novo Sewage Treatment Plant
Durable & long lasting SMC tank, shallow dig tank, easy installation (Plug and Play), long life components.
Tricel Maxus Sewage Treatment Plant
Commercial plant. Submerged Aerated Filter (SAF) technology. Ideal for project over 50 PE.
Tricel Tero Tertiary Treatment
An eco-friendly and modular system with proven E.Coli Treatment capabilities in line with the new EPA requirements.
Tricel Puraflo Secondary treatment plant
Ideal for sensitive sites, compliant to Irish Standard, small footprint.
Tricel Sandcel
Sand Polishing Filter
Provides a dual function of polishing the effluent from a wastewater treatment system and disposing it into groundwater.
Tricel Pumping Stations
Pump fluids from one place to another where gravity drainage cannot be used, easy and trouble-free installation
50 YEARS IN BUSINESS
A highly successful multinational corporation with over 50 years’ valuable industry experience
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS
Plants available for all capacities, from 1PE up to 50PE. Free advice on request.
Fast Delivery
On-time delivery is a core requirement of our successful business operations
Recent projects with Tricel Novo IE6 treatment plant
Extensive industry experience, manufacturing since 1973.
Tricel manufacture deliver & install sewage treatment plants across a wide range of industry sectors throughout Ireland & the UK. Tricel also provide import/export services for our international clients. Top quality material offers outstanding capabilities including long life, durability and is a cost-effective solution for sewage treatment even in the harshest environments.
Tricel has installed many of its Tricel Novo Sewage Treatment Plants across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS PE ?
PE represents the initials of Population Equivalent. Population equivalent: conversion value which aims at expressing non-domestic applications in terms of domestic loading based on 1 person creates 60 g/day BOD5 and 150l/day. (Code of Practice: Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (p.e. < 10), EPA)
DIFFERENT PRODUCTS SOLD BY TRICEL
Tricel Novo & Vitae
Both are wastewater treament plant solutions manufactured by Tricel. Wastewater treatment plants offer a superior quality of treatment. For example, the Tricel Novo comprises of three independent wastewater treatment zones and offers an average of efficiency of 95.9% BOD removal.
This is a higher treatment standard than the effluent from a septic tank. Please note: all wastewater treatment plants used in Ireland must comply with the EN12566-3 standard and all septic tanks must comply with the EN12566-1 standard..
Tricel Vento
The septic tank from Tricel is manufactured as a primary treatment. Designed for the settlement of your effluent. This product may need an additional treatment like the Sandcel or Puraflo.
WARRANTIES
Most Tricel products have a warranty. To discover all the guarantees on our products, as well as on the internal parts, consult our dedicated product pages.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY OF THE WASTEWATER PRODUCED?
The required standards are 20:30:20 BOD, SS, NH4. All Tricel produces exceed the requirements when tested to En12566-3 and comply with SR66.
Learn more about our certification
MAINTENANCE ON THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Tricel recommends that you maintain your device to the fullest. You are obliged by law to avoid all types of pollution or nuisances. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information on our service contracts. An annual maintenance contract may be offered.
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