INNOVATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEMS - RUcore

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INNOVATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEMS

A Guide for Pinelands Area Landowners

and Home Builders ALEX. UB. RUTGERS

SEP 2 5 1985

N.J. DEPOSITORY .

February 1984

NEW JERSEY PINELANDS COMMISSION

For more information contact:

New Jersey Pinelands Commission P.O. Box 7

New Lisbon, NJ 08064 (609) 894-9342

Introduction

In areas without public sewers, the Pinelands Compre­hensive Management Plan requires a building lot size of at least 3.2 acres if a standard septic system will be installed. In certain limited circumstances, the Plan allows new homes to be built on lots smaller than 3.2 acres if an innovative type of on-site waste disposal system is used.

There are three types of innovative waste disposal systems that can be installed in the Pinelands -- waterless toilets, pressure dosing septic systems, and the "Ruck" septic system. Both the Ruck system and pressure dosing septic systems work with ordinary flush toilets.

This booklet is intended to help Pinelands Area proper­ty owners who plan to install one of these three waste disposal systems. It tells how these systems work, how much they cost, and how to obtain one.

This pamphlet is merely designed to provide useful information about these systems and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase any of the models described. The decision of what type to buy is up to the property owner.

Why can't regular flush toilets with standard septic systems be used all the time?

Beneath the Pinelands lies a huge supply of pure water called the Cohansey Aquifer. The purity of the water in this aquifer is crucial to the survival of the Pinelands' unique ecosystem and the health of area residents. The region's agricultural and shellfishing industries also depend on the purity of this water. The water in this aquifer lies near the surface in many parts of the Pinelands, making it p~rticularly vulnerable to septic pollution. Also, the Pinelands' porous, sandy soil does not adequately filter out pollutants moving toward the aquifer. For these reasons, special care must be taken to protect this ground water from septic contamination.

The Pinelands Plan allows new homes to be built only on lots which are large enough to adequately dilute septic effluent. A 3.2 acre lot, using an ordinary septic system, is large enough to dilute harmful nitrate-nitrogen (a pollutant byproduct of septic effluent) in the ground water to two parts per million the standard necessary to protect the area's water supply. Building lots smaller than 3. 2 acres are not large enough to adequately dilute ni­trate-nitrogen if a flush toilet and standard septic system are used. These undersized lots therefore require more efficient disposal systems.

The diagram on page two shows the impact of various septic system types on ground water quality.

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IMPACT OF STANDARD~ PRESSURE DOSING, RUCK SEPTIC SYSTEMS, AND WATERLESS TOILETS ON GROUNDWATER QUALITY

l( m r r

--- SEPTIC FIELD-

.,.-~ ' 4--

~ I'll r r

:.trERi:::-.. · -ABLE,._ __ ------------

SEPr'IC FIELD

~ ~ ---- ~ WAre--

R TAa-- .Jin. . LE --~ _RL

~-~--

LEGEND -0 ~

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SEPTIC FIELn

'-..? --0 .n.. __.-: ~ ~cE ~-- 'fl~·~ -----

X I'll r r

+--t+--H-LAUNDR Y AND SINK WASTEWATER

LEACHATE FROM STANDARD SEPTIC SYSTEM

LEACHATE FROM WATERLESS TOILET CONTAINS 83% FEWER NITRATES THAN STANDARD SEPTIC SYSTEM

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LEACHATE FROM PRESSURE DOSING SEPTIC SYSTEM CONTAINS 40% FEWER NITRATES THAN STANDARD SEPTIC SYSTEM

LEACHATE FROM RUCK SEPTIC SYSTEM IS ESTIMATED TO CONTAIN SIGN!fiCANI!V fFWfR N!Ip•yrp T'"" •=

How do I know if I need to install an innovative waste d1sposal system 1n my new home?

Anyone who is eligible to build on less than 3.2 acres in an unsewered area of the Pinelands is required to install a waterless toilet or a flush toilet with a Ruck or pressure dosing septic system.l

Qfuck systems and waterless toilets can be used on lots as small as one acre in Pinelands Regional Growth Areas, Towns, and Villages. (Some municipal zoning ordinances require larger lots in these areas.) To install a standard flush toilet with a pressure dosing septic system, lots must be at lea~t 1. 6 or 1. 7 acres, depending on local soil conditions ti..

Most towns that have already incorporated Pinelands Plan standards into their municipal land use ordinances allow certain property owners in the Forest Area, Agricul­tural Production Area, and Rural Development Area who purchased their land prior to February 8, 1979 to build a home for themselves or their family on lots as small as one acre if an innovative waste disposal system is used. Check with the building inspector in these municipalities to determine if the local land use ordinance contains a "grand­father" provision that applies to your situation.

Lot size requirements are determined by a number of factors, and building lot sizes in some areas of the Pines are significantly larger than 3.2 acres. In addition to meeting lot size requirements, development applicants must also adhere to certain environmental criteria such as the prohibition against building in wetlands.

In municipalities which have not yet incorporated Pinelands Plan standards into their local land use ordi­nances, prospective home builders must apply directly to the Pinelands Commission before obtaining a local building permit. A "pre-application" conference with a member of the Commission's Development Review staff enables a property owner to determine how Pinelands Plan regulations affect his property and whether an innovative waste disposal system is required.

The Public Programs Office at the Pinelands Commission ( 609-894-9342) can tell you how to apply for a building approval in your municipality.

1These are residential lot sizes. Lot sizes for commercial or industrial developments may differ.

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What is a Ruck system?

A new type of innovative septic system that signifi­cantly reduces septic pollutants using an ordinary flush toilet has recently been approved for use in the Pinelands on an experimental basis. The Ruck system uses a novel septic system design to reduce nitrate-nitrogen concen­trations in the ground water. The Ruck can be used on one acre lots in the Pinelands in place of a waterless toilet.

In the Ruck system, waste water from the toilet ("black" water) is initially separated from the "gray" waste water from showers, sinks, and washing machines. The black water is filtered through a sand bed. The gray water is simultaneously directed into a tank filled with rocks where it mixes with the black water. Bacteria on the rocks' surface convert the nitrate-nitrogen into harmless nitrogen gas which is then vented. The remaining effluent then flows into a standard septic field where it percolates into the ground.

Since it has not yet been conclusively determined how much nitrate-nitrogen is removed by the Ruck system, the Pinelands Commission requires that effluent from these systems be periodically sampled for three years. Homeowners who install Ruck systems must hire a state certified laboratory to periodically sample effluent from their system or make a financial contribution to the Commission's own comprehensive testing program. This contribution enables a Commission staff member to sample the effluent.

How do I get a Ruck system?

Until the Ruck is thoroughly tested, this septic system will only be approved for residential building lots between one and 1. 6 acres. (It should be noted that if any Ruck system failed to satisfy Pinelands Plan water quality standards, the system would still meet federal drinking water standards and would not have to be replaced by the homeowner.) Anyone who wishes to install a Ruck system in the Pinelands Area must apply to the Pinelands Commission and county health department for an approval.

The inventor of the Ruck system, Professor Rein Laak of the University of Connecticut, has licensed one area engineering firm to design Ruck systems -- L.J. Rusciani Associates, Inc., Route 73 and Chestnut Avenue, Berlin, New Jersey 08009, (609) 767-2323.

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What is a pressure dosing septic system?

A pressure dosing septic system, like the Ruck, handles waste more efficiently than a standard septic system. A pressure dosing system can be used with an ordinary flush toilet on lots as small as 1. 7 acres with Type A soils (sandy, permeable) and 1.6 acres with Type B soils (less sandy and permeable) •

The pressure dosing system is similar to the standard septic system in that it uses an ordinary septic tank. Unlike the traditional septic system, however, the pressure dosing system has an extra "dosing" tank between the septic tank and the disposal field. (See page two illustration.) The dosing tank receives the septic effluent from the septic tank and pumps it under pressure into a disposal field when the septic volume reaches a certain level. This sudden dispersal of septic effluent, combined with special layers of soil placed in the disposal field, creates a process which reduces by 40 percent the amount of nitrate-nitrogen dispersed into the ground water.

There are two types of pressure dosing systems pressure dosing into a subsurface disposal field and pres­sure dosing into an elevated sand mound (Wisconsin mound). A mound system is not normally used in the Pinelands but may be required when the water table is within six feet of the ground surface.

How do I get a pressure dosing system?

If you intend to install a pressure dosing septic system, you should contact a licensed engineer with experi­ence in designing these systems. A list of engineers who design pressure dosing systems begins on page eight. These engineers can tell you how much it will cost to design and install a pressure dosing system. The design plan for this system must be submitted to the county health department for its approval. ·

What is a waterless toilet?

A waterless toilet, as the name implies, operates without water. Fecal waste is eliminated through dehy­dration, decomposition, or incineration. Only waste water from showers, sinks, and washing machines reaches the septic disposal field. This sharply reduces the amount of pollutants entering the ground water. Waterless toilets can be used on lots as small as one acre. Waterless toilets are also economical and can save a family of four approximately 100 gallons of water a day.

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Like the standard flush toilet, waterless toilets require a septic system to dispose of waste water from showers, sinks, and washing machines.

There are two types of waterless toilets.

The most common type is the aomposting toiZet. - Com­posting is a biological process that requires a proper balance of heat, moisture, and oxygen. This waste disposal system collects bathroom (and sometimes kitchen) wastes into a vented tank. Naturally occurring bacteria gradually reduce 95 percent of the waste material into water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases which are expelled through a ventilation fan. The remaining five percent of the waste materials is odor-free and safe from disease-carrying viruses. This compost is removed periodically and buried at least one foot below the ground surface. The compost makes an excellent outdoor fertilizer for ornamental plants.

The second type of waterless toilet is the inainerating toiZet.

An incinerating toilet differs from the composting toilet in that virtually all solid and liquid wastes are vaporized by heating to very high temperatures (over 600°F) in a heating chamber. A catalytic deodorizer and ventila­tion system prevent odors from escaping into the home during the incinerating process.· A small amount of ash remains in the chamber after the incineration. This material is odorless and disease-free, and, as with waste from the composting toilet, can be buried in the yard or used as fertilizer for ornamental trees and shrubs.

Most waterless toilets are larger than standard flush toilets and are made of steel, plastic, or fiberglass. Some manufacturers offer a variety of colors. Waterless toilets are used in nearly every state and are designed for do-it-yourself installation.

Are waterless toilets really practical?

Yes. Waterless toilets function properly and are completely sanitary when installed, maintained, and used according to the manufacturer's instructions. As with any disposal system, improper installation, maintenance, or use may cause problems. Electrical connections and ventilation installation must be done properly, and the local building inspector must be notified to ensure that the toilet has been properly installed. The homeowner must also be careful not to "overload" the system, that is, use it beyond the capacity it was designed to handle.

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How do I get a waterless toilet?

If you are looking to buy a waterless toilet, talk to as many dealers as possible. They can give you detailed information on the brands they sell. You may also wish to talk to homeowners that have installed these systems.

Here are some specific questions you might want to ask waterless toilet dealers:

How many people can the system accommodate?

Can the system tolerate occasional "overloads"?

How often does the compost or incinerated ash need to be removed?

How many toilets can be placed on the system?

Can small children use the toilet safely?

Has the system been tested and approved by a reputable testing agency?

Is there a dealer or manufacturer's agent to assist you with installation, service, and information?

Waterless toilet manufacturers can send you information on their models and how much it would cost to ship it to you if there is no area dealer. A qualified engineer or county health department officials may also provide helpful information on waterless toilets.

The various models of waterless toilets are described in Appendix 1. Area dealers and manufacturers are also listed.

What are the basic cost differences between a flush toilet with a standard septic system, a waterless toilet, a pres­sure dosing septic system, and a Ruck?

Costs are determined by several factors. Two important factors when considering waterless toilets are use capacity and quality. You should be sure that the system or model you buy can accommodate the number of people that will use it. Comparisons should not be based on cost alone.

In the South Jersey area, a flush toilet standard septic system costs between $2,500 and Composting toilets, including the gray water septic range in price from $3,500 to $10,600. Incinerating

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with a $5,500. system, toilets

(also including a gray water system) range from $3,800 to $7,000. Pressure dosing septic systems will cost between $6,000 and $8,000, the largest expenses being fill preparation and installation. Since the Ruck system is new in New Jersey, it is difficult to project the ultimate cost. However, at this time the design and installation of a Ruck system are expected to cost between $8,000 and $10,000.

* * * * * The following engineering firms have requested to be

listed as consultants offering technical assistance with waterless toilets and pressure dosing septic systems. Their listing in this brochure does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of the Pinelands Commission.

Adams, Rehman & Heggan Associates, Inc. 850 South White Horse Pike P.O. Box 579 Hammonton, NJ 08037 (609) 561-0482

Anders Engineering, Inc. 706 Fourth Street Voorhees, NJ 08043 (609) 795-7230

Aqua Terra Inc. 105 North White Horse Pike Hammonton, NJ 08037 (609) 561-6650 (609) 561-4551

Atkinson & Walton, Inc. Civil and Environmental Engineers Land Surveyors and Planners The Brick Building Taunton Boulevard at Tuckerton Rd. Medford, NJ 08055 (609) 983.;..4118

Bounds & Darcy, Associates P.O. Box 456 Liverpool & Duerer St. Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215 (609) 965-1688

Consulting Engineer Services P.O. Box 616 Woodbury, NJ 08096 (609) 228-2200

Environmental Consulting of Southern New Jersey 415-C Stokes Rd. Medford, NJ 08055 (609) 953-0737

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Fellows, Read & Associates, Inc. Consulting Engineers, Surveyors, Planners 310 Main Street Toms River, NJ 08753 (201) 349-3121 Northfield, NJ office (609) 646-7774

John c. Gibson & Associates 4211 Landis Avenue Sea Isle City, NJ 08243 (609) 263-3178

Alan M. Kammerer Inc. The Village Green Himmelein Road Medford, NJ 08055 (609) 654-0458

Kaselaan & D'Angelo Associates, Inc. P.O. Box 165 Haddonfield, NJ 08033 (609) 227-7841

Key Engineers 80 South White Horse Pike Berlin, NJ 08009 (609) 767-6111

Kona-Thomas & Associates 2709 Dune Drive, Suite 6 Avalon, NJ 08202 (609) 967-5315

Land Engineering & Surveying Co., Inc. Professional Engineers, Planners,

Land Surveyors Creek Road & Centerton Road Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 (609) 234-5880 ( 609) 234-5881

Long Engineering and Surveying Co. 591 Black Horse Pike Williamstown, NJ 08094 (609) 629-9400

McCormick, Taylor & Associates, Inc 530 Atlantic Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (609) 345-2331

PQA Engineering Company 21 East Euclid Avenue Haddonfield, NJ 08033 (609) 354-1500

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Price Engineering Company Engineers-Environmental Consultants Planners-Surveyors 840 North Main Street P.O. Box 368 Pleasantville, NJ 08232 (609) 646-5460

John G. Reutter Associates The Reutter Building Ninth and Cooper Streets Camden, NJ 08101 (609) 541-7700

L.J. Rusciani Associates, Inc. Route 73 and Chestnut Avenue Berlin, NJ 08009 (609) 767-2323

Shaw, O'Donnell & Hornor, Associates, Inc. Engineering, Surveying & Planning RD #2 Jackson Road Vincentown, NJ 08088 (609) 268-9667

Gerald E. Speitel Associates Consulting Environmental Engineers Linwood Professional Plaza Suite 13 B, 2021 New Road Linwood, NJ 08221 (609) 927-0485

Taylor, Wiseman & Taylor Consulting Engineers, Surveyors

Planners 306 Fellowship Road Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 (609) 235-7200

Tejal Consultants Civil-Structural Engineering Design Analysis, Evaluation & Inspection 2502-R New Road Northfield, NJ 08225 (609) 645-3045

Van Note/Harvey Associates 901 Bayshore Road Villas, NJ 08251-2798 (609) 886-7707

Walker, Previti, Totten & Holmes Engineers-Surveyors Environmental Consultants-Planners 801 Asbury Avenue Ocean City, NJ 08226-0569 (609) 399-1927

,.,..

APPENDIX 1

WATERLESS TOILETS

(The prices listed in this section are approximate and do not include the cost of the gray water septic system which would be approximately $2,500 to $5,500 extra.)

Composting Toilets

1. CLIVIS MULTRUM

General features -- This toilet has the largest composting tank of any composting toilet. This lengthens the compos­ting process, and the first human waste deposited in the toilet will not have to be removed for three to four years. The composting tank can be placed in the basement or in a deep crawl space. Organic wastes from the kitchen and bathroom, when added to the peat moss in the tank, serve as carbon and nitrogen sources which speed the composting process. The Clivis Multrurn can accommodate two toilets and may be used in homes and small commercial establishments.

Required maintenance -- Approximately one bushel of compost will be removed from the tank every year. The system must be checked periodically to ensure proper composting, but maintenance requirements are minimal because of the lengthy composting cycle and the fact that the only moving part is the ventilation fan.

Cost -- The cost of this composting toilet depends on the s1ze you need. Medium sized units cost $4,270 (five people year-round) and $4,670 (nine people year-round). The largest unit (15 people year-round) costs $5,070. Installa­tion costs must be added if you do not intend to install it yourself. The electricity cost for the fan will be approxi­mately 20·¢ per day.

The manufacturer provides a limited five year warranty on the toilet provided that the purchaser maintains the unit as instructed.

Area distributors for the Clivis Multrurn are:

MME Distributors, ~nc. P.O. Box 3337 Margate, New Jersey 08402 (609) 487-0114

Aztec Engineering 1044 Lacey Road Forked River, New Jersey 08731 (609) 693-1560

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2. HT-80 COMPOSTING TOILET

General features -- The HT-80 contains a composting tank with a built-1n rake that levels the waste pile. A thermo­stat-controlled heating element in the composting tank keeps the temperature high to enhance composting. The HT-80 is designed to accommodate a family of four year-round.

Required maintenance -- Paper must be mixed with the waste pile to improve aeration and decomposition. The trays which hold the compost are normally emptied every three months.

Cost -- The HT-80 costs $960 if you install it yourself. The manufacturer provides a one year warranty on parts. Electricity costs about 20¢ per day.

The HT-80 is distributed by VSP Wastewater Technology, 26 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325, (717} 334-9135. The HT-80 is also available from Water Conserva­tion Systems, Dammonmill Square, Concord, Massachusetts 01742, (617} 369-3951 or toll free 800-343-1706.

3 • THE CAROUSEL

General features -- The Carousel composting toilet consists of a to1let commode that sits directly above a composting container. Two stories are required: one level for the commode and one level for the composting container. An electric blower draws in air to carry evaporated liquid from the container into the ventilation pipe.

Required maintenance -- The initial compost pile should not be removed for one and a half to two years. After that, it should be removed twice a year. Kitchen scraps and/or peat moss are required for composting.

Cost -- The smaller Carousel (two people year-round} costs $2,000 •. The larger model (five people year-round} costs $2,400. A one year guaranty is provided. Electricity costs will be about 50¢ a day.

The Carousel is also available from VSP Wastewater Technology and Water Conservation Systems.

4 • THE NEW MULLBANK

General features --·The New Mullbank composting toilet is smaller than most other composting toilets. The New Mull­bank operates at a considerably higher temperature than other waterless toilets in order to aid composting. An electric motor stirs the compost heap.

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Required maintenance -- Sawdust or paper must be added to the waste pile, and the compost must be removed once a month.

Cost -- The New Mullbank serves four people year-round and COSts $995. Electricity costs would be about 24¢ per day. A one year guaranty is provided. This composting toilet is manufactured by The New Mullbank, Inc., Thornton Gore Road, Campton, New Hampshire 03293, (603) 745-3118.

5. THE BIOLET

General features This composting toilet contains a heat1.ng element for the composting tank and is easy to install. The Biolet is also available in several colors.

Retuired maintenance -- Peat moss must be added to the waste pi e, and the pile must be kept moist. The composting tank should be emptied two to four times a year.

Cost -- The Biolet costs $1,125 if installed by the owner and has a one year warranty. Electricity costs will be about 24¢ per day.

The Biolet composting toilet is distributed by Dale's Auto Electric - Biolet Manufacturing, 600 Dorsey, Box 645, Beatrice, Nebraska 68310, (402) 228-3384.

6. BIOCON BIOCONVERSION TOILET

General features -- The BioCon is a new type of waterless toilet that processes waste in a few hours by utilizing a waste chamber with built-in stirrers that continuously mix the pile. This provides an aerobic environment for the conversion of waste into water vapor and carbon dioxide. A thermostat-controlled heating element in the treatment chamber maintains the optimum temperature for the bacteria to function. The BioCon is designed to accommodate a family of four year-round.

Required maintenance -- Every two months about a gallon of peat moss must be removed from the mixing chamber and a new gallon added.

Cost The BioCon costs $1,395, self-installed. The manufacturer provides a one year unconditional warranty.

The BioCon is also distributed by VSP Wastewater Technology and will be available in January 1985.

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1"'5 '65- B~\Oa3 'r. INCINOLET

Incinerating Toilets

General features -- The Incinolet incinerates human waste to clean ash with electric heat. The incinerating chamber is attached to the commode. This incinerating toilet can only handle moderate toilet traffic since it takes approximately 20 minutes to incinerate the waste after each use. The toilet can be used again within this 20 minute period i~ extra incineration time is allowed. Disposable bowl liners are used with the toilet, and the ash can be buried. A gray water septic system is required. ·

Required maintenance -- Paper bowl liners need to be re­placed after each use, and the bowl needs to be cleaned periodically.

Cost -- The Incinolet costs $1,495. Daily electricity costs will depend on how often the toilet is used but should range from $1 to $3.

The Incinolet is available from Research ucts/Blakenship, 2639 Andjon Street, Dallas, Texas (214) 358-4238.

2. INCINOMODE

Prod-75220,

General features The Incinomode incinerating toilet is similar in design to the Incinolet and can also only handle moderate toilet traffic. The incinerating time is 20 minutes for liquid waste and 30 minutes for liquid and solid waste. The Incinomode can also be used prior to the com­pletion of the incinerating cycle as long as additional incinerating time is subsequently allowed to handle the extra load.

Required ically. solution minutes.

maintenance -- The ash pan must be emptied period­. The toilet is cleaned by pouring a cleaning into the heating unit and operating it for 20

Cost -- The Incinomode costs $1,299. Like the Incinolet, daily electricity costs should run between $1 and $3.

The Incinomode is available from Incinomode Sales Company, 421 East Mulberry Street, Box 879, Sherman, Texas 75090, (214) 892-6137.

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MUNICIPALITIES IN THE PINELANDS

(All or portions of the municipalities listed below are in the Pinelands Area.)

ATLANTIC COUNTY

Buena Borough Buena Vista Township Corbin City Egg Harbor City Egg Harbor Township Estell Manor City Folsom Borough Galloway Township Hamilton Township Hammonton Town Mullica Township Port Republic City Weymouth Township

BURLINGTON COUNTY

Bass River Townsh.ip Evesham Township Medford Lakes Borough Medford Township New Hanover Township North Hanover Township Pemberton Township Shamong Township Southampton Township Springfield Township Tabernacle Township Washington Township Woodland Township Wrightstown Borough

CAMDEN COUNTY

Berlin Borough Berlin Township Chesilhurst Borough Waterford Township Winslow Township

CAPE MAY COUNTY

Dennis Township Upper Township Woodbine Borough

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Maurice River Township Vineland City

GLOUCESTER COUNTY

Franklin Township Monroe Township

OCEAN COUNTY

Barnegat Township Beachwood Borough Berkeley Township Eagleswood Township Jackson Township Lacey Township Lakehurst Borough Little Egg Harbor Township Manchester Township Ocean Township Plumsted Township South Toms River Borough Stafford Township