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In article .com,
wrote:
OK, it seems that tolet technology for boats is well developed with
systems available with nearly harmless discharge (if'n they could just
get rid of the nutrients). On land, building sewer line infrastructure
is a serious expense but the alternative is the lowly septic tank. We
all know that septic tanks near shore are bad but running sewer lines
is prohibitevely expensive for many semi-rural areas.
So, could boat toilet technology be applied to houses with septic tanks
with the intention of reducing bacterial contamination of our bays
without running sewer lines?
Personally, I preferred our properly designed and maintained septic
system (not just a tank). As I recall, we had a honey sucker out once in
its 30 year life and I think that was as we decommissioned it after
sewers went in. Back yard hasn't looked nearly as good since.
On land, there are some new systems coming on line that not only
discharge essentially potable water, but recover some pretty good
fertilizer. Smell's got to be less than what I sometimes whiff as I pass
by Philly's old plant by the Schuylkill on 95, and Wilmington's is
always gawd-awful.
Locally, our township has been VERY protective of the watershed as our
water comes from a reservoir fed by our back yards. Recently, they've
okayed a fairly large development that partially treats their sewage,
then dumps into holding ponds that eventually percolate into the stream
that starts behind my house and into the reservoir. Knowing the people
that okayed that system, I strongly suspect that it doesn't pollute.
Considering the cost of those units, I'm sure it doesn't smell.
Killing the bugs in nutrient-rich effluvient is one thing; keeping the
nutrients in their proper place another. The Chesapeake's problems are
largely from too much fertilizer. It's improving, but still not where it
should be. I do know that there are some mighty big fish in our local
reservoir!
--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/
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