Operation & Maintenance Guide

Peat Wastewater Disposal Systems

Powder Ridge – Newry

March 1991

Prepared by:  MAIN-LAND Development Consultants, Inc.

              P. O. Box Q

              Livermore Falls, ME 04254

This guide has been prepared to assist the homeowner with the operation and maintenance of their subsurface wastewater disposal system. We have attempted to note both items that apply to all septic systems and those specific to peat systems. The accompanying plan (HHE-200 Form) shows the location of the septic tank and peat bed and should be retained along with this guide for future reference.

BACKGROUND

Peat disposal systems are quite similar to other subsurface disposal systems in that the wastewater is first treated in a septic tank, then applied to the soil for final disposal. The primary difference is that the peat system utilizes a two foot layer of sphagnum peat moss to filter and treat the septic tank effluent prior to final disposal in the soil. This results in a much "cleaner" effluent entering the ground.

OPERATION

All septic systems essentially operate by themselves. The following items are important to insure that the system operates as designed.

1. Systems are designed to handle 90 gallons per bedroom per day of wastewater.

Repeated overloadings can shorten the life of the system. If you have more than two people per bedroom living at your house on a regular basis you should take steps to reduce water use.

2. Do not allow any of the following items to enter the system on a regular basis: oil from deep fat frying; cigarette butts; sanitary napkins or tampons; paints, solvents, large volumes of household cleaners, or any petroleum based products; or large volumes of chlorinated water.

3. Do not use any commercially available septic tank additives. These products have been found to have no beneficial effect on the operation of septic systems.

4. Inspect your plumbing fixtures on a regular basis for dripping faucets and "running" water closet tanks.

MAINTENANCE

1. The septic tank should be inspected every three to five years and pumped when the sludge depth equals 18 inches. This can be measured by wrapping the end of a six foot pole with white cloth and measuring through the access cover in the center of the tank. An alternative is to contact a septic tank pumper to do the inspection.

2. The peat bed surface must be maintained as a peat or grass surface only. There can be no soil placed on this surface or plantings other than grass. The surface should be mowed as any lawn would, however the use of riding mowers should be avoided.

3. The peat bed should be checked every year for settling. This is unlikely to be a problem in the first five to ten years of operation, however the distribution pipes will begin to become visible   if settling of the peat does occur. Additional peat should be added to the ground surface to level the area. This should be obtained through the original contractor or the homeowner's association.

STONE

4. The peat bed surface must be protected from both vehicular and foot traffic. This is best accomplished through the placement of barriers such as large boulders, fences, and trees around the system.

PROBLEMS

If you experience any problems or have questions about the operation of your peat system you should contact MAIN-LAND Development Consultants, Inc. at 207 897-6752 in addition to the local plumbing inspector for the town of Newry.