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All septic tanks in Utah must be approved by the local health department, and septic systems engineering must be performed by a professional. Anderson Engineering is qualified and prepared to help you determine environmental requirements, test the soil, and obtain permits for your septic system.
Septic system design combines both natural and engineered processes to treat underground wastewater. They are necessary on properties that are far removed from public sewer systems. A septic tank is buried underground and is typically constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene so it’s water-tight.
A septic tank can range in size from 200-gallon capacity to over 5,000 gallons with one or two compartments to process wastewater. To determine what you need to treat your wastewater, consult with the experts at Anderson Engineering.
An anaerobic system is a traditional septic system that uses no oxygen and relies on microorganisms to digest solid waste. Anaerobic septic systems are simple technology that uses microorganisms to break down sewage and other household wastes.
The system is a simple design with a pipe leading to a tank and another pipe leading from the tank to the drain field. Low cost and easy to install, this system is prevalent. Anaerobic systems are the most popular type of septic system in use today.
An anaerobic system is similar to an anaerobic system, but it relies on oxygen inside the septic tank to break down tank effluent (wastewater). Like an anaerobic tank, aerobic systems use microorganisms with oxygen and varying temperatures to break down solids from liquids.
Although this type of system is more expensive than an anaerobic system, it has some distinct advantages over the older style systems. Aerobic systems break down waste faster than other systems. This can be an advantage in areas where the water table is high, and leach fields are near. Having a waste breakdown speed of up to 2 times faster than traditional systems, aerobic systems use less space than other septic designs.
If one of the above systems doesn’t work, alternative systems can be used instead of conventional ones. The main alternative systems are:
With so many factors to consider, you can see why you need an engineer to create a septic system that functions properly to avoid contamination of the surrounding property. If a drain field is not properly designed, it can become oversaturated and cause plumbing to back up in the building or home.
The wastewater from these systems is collected in an underground septic tank, where organic matter is essentially digested by the septic tank and floatable matter is separated and discharged into pipes and chambers in the drain field. Here’s a look at the journey wastewater takes in a septic system:
Did you know it is illegal to install a septic tank in Utah without the proper permit? Following the process is imperative so you not only have a safe and functional septic tank, but so you avoid violating local regulations.
While the process may vary from county to county in Utah, the general steps are as follows:
Fill out a septic systems engineering permit application.
Submit the application with a parcel map.
Consult a septic system civil engineer and the health inspector to determine the best placement on your property.
Conduct soil tests and percolation tests.
Complete a site plan.
If you successfully complete the above, a permit for installation will be issued and final inspections will be conducted before the installed septic system site is backfilled and put into use.
A wastewater treatment system must follow specific guidelines to ensure environmental safety. A septic system requires taking consideration of the property lines, water tables, leach fields, drain field, and more.
While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not regulate single-family home septic systems, regulation of onsite wastewater treatment systems is overseen by state and local governments.
If you require an engineered septic system plan, consult with Anderson Engineering today.
While many factors affect the bottom line, the typical range for septic systems engineering ranges from $1,000 to $6,000 in Utah. Cost is affected by:
Take a look at completed septic systems engineering by Anderson, as well as a diagram of how wastewater moves through a septic system.
Leave the hassle of septic systems engineering to Anderson. We can help with the preparation and execution of your project, thanks to our highly skilled and experienced team. We can handle the permit process as well as the design and installation of your septic system.
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