Septic systems needs for glamping

SEPTIC SYSTEMS

NEEDS FOR GLAMPING

BY WES COMBS

Since many Glamping businesses are located in rural areas where municipal sewers are not available, a septic system or treatment system of some type will be needed for wastewater treatment and disposal. If designed, installed and maintained properly, a septic system can meet the wastewater treatment and disposal needs of Glamping facilities. Whether you’re already an owner of a Glampground or are in the process of searching for property that will become your new Glamping haven, it’s important to have a basic understanding of septic systems because in all likelihood, your facility is on one or will be on one.

When soil and site conditions are acceptable, a basic conventional-type septic system can be used. Conventional systems use septic tanks for primary treatment and distribution devices, such as distribution boxes to distribute the septic tank effluent to the final dispersal portion of the system, which are known as leach lines or lateral lines. The soil dispersal system is where the final treatment occurs and the liquid portion of the effluent is dispersed into the soil. Conventional septic systems can require quite a bit of valuable space but when site and soil conditions are good, they can make the most sense to use because installation and maintenance costs are low.

To determine what type of septic system is needed, several key pieces of information are required. A site plan is needed showing the proposed layout of the property, along with the number and type of spaces, bath houses and any other water-using facilities such as laundry or restaurants. Another key component of a septic system is the soil and site evaluation, which is typically done by a soil scientist, local county health department, engineer or other qualified individuals to determine site and soil conditions. Numerous characteristics will be evaluated during the site and soil evaluation and these will determine what type of septic systems can be used on the property. Total daily wasteflow must be calculated, which is typically a fixed value from either state or local regulations. It is expressed in gallons per day and is used to calculate the septic tank size and linear feet of soil trenches for final dispersal.

As good land becomes more difficult to locate, soil and site conditions may not be ideal or even useable for conventional septic systems. This is also true for existing facilities that are experiencing septic system failures. Experienced engineering companies, onsite companies, local health departments are invaluable when site and soil issues are encountered. They will be knowledgeable regarding alternative or advanced treatment systems that are designed to overcome restrictive site and soil conditions. These

restrictions can include a lack of available space for a septic system, heavy clay soils, high water tables, restrictive soil horizons, steep slopes, shallow rock and high groundwater.

Alternative treatment systems such as aerobic treatment units (ATU), fixed film treatment units or other advanced treatment systems treat the wastewater to a very high degree before it is released to the final soil absorption system. These advanced treatment units can treat wastewater to 90-95% efficiency when compared to a septic tank which treats the wastewater to approximately 40-50% efficiency. Highly treated effluent allows for more flexibility when discharging to a soil absorption system than a conventional septic tank because there is less organic material for the the soil to treat. This allows systems to be installed in conditions where conventional septic systems can not be installed. In addition, many state and county regulations allow reductions in leach field amounts when using an advanced treatment system. Reductions of 20-30% are common which can be very important when available space is limiting, or if the owners wish to conserve space to add more spaces. It should be noted that advanced treatment systems are typically more expensive than conventional septic tank systems. This extra cost can often be justified because it allows the owner to have the additional spaces - which can generate more revenue.

In summary, if an owner is looking at new property for a Glamping destination, it’s very important they have a site and soil evaluation done before they purchase the property so they know what type of septic system options are available to them. If they purchase the property before a site and soil evaluation has been done, they risk owning property that may not support a septic system. At that point it’s important to know there are companies and resources available to the owner that may be able to design an alternative treatment system that will allow the use of the property.

About Wes Combs

Wes has been at Zoeller for 16 years and is curently managing their line of onsite wastewater components.

A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a bachelor in Agronomy. He is a former KY state regulator where he was involved in many aspects of regulating onsite waste disposal systems in Kentucky.