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COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
STEVEN BELLONE
SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE
SUFFOLK COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
2016 REPORT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF
INNOVATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE
ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Prepared: December 2017
James L. Tomarken, MD, MPH, MBA, MSW
Commissioner
Walter Dawydiak, PE, JD
Director Division of Environmental Quality
Prepared By: Jennifer Freese
Justin Jobin Julia Priolo John Sohngen, P.E.
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
Page 1 of 26
Tables of Contents Page
I. Executive Summary 2
II. Purpose of Annual Evaluation 7
III. Reclaim Our Water Overview 7
IV. Performance of I/A OWTS in Suffolk County 9
V. Performance of I/A OWTS in Other Jurisdictions 18
VI. Statistical Analysis 23
VII. Emerging Technologies 23
VIII. Recommendations 24
References 26
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
Page 2 of 26
I. Executive Summary
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) has prepared this annual report in
accordance with the requirements of Article 19 of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code (Article 19).
The report summarizes the performance of innovative and alternative onsite wastewater treatment
systems (I/A OWTS) installed in Suffolk County as well as neighboring jurisdictions and examines
emerging technologies that could potentially become available for use in Suffolk County. This report
also provides recommendations for future research, development and modifications to Suffolk
County’s performance standard provided technology treatment capabilities warrant such
adjustments.
This report was prepared in 2017 using the complete dataset from 2016. This report will serve as a
template for the 2017 annual report, which will be prepared in the spring of 2018.
Performance Standard for Total Nitrogen
Suffolk County currently requires I/A OWTS to be capable of reducing effluent total nitrogen (TN) to
19 milligrams per liter (mg/l) or less as outlined in the SCDHS “Standards Promulgated Under
Article 19 for the Approval and Management of Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater
Treatment Systems” (Article 19 Standards). The established treatment requirement mimics the
performance requirements of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The treatment level of 19 mg/l
represents a reduction in TN through the I/A OWTS of approximately 50% to 70% depending on the
incoming nitrogen concentration, which may vary from site to site depending on water usage and
other factors. Other States permit higher effluent TN such as the State of Maryland, which requires
I/A OWTS to meet 30 mg/l or less. The New Jersey Pinelands Commission regulates nitrogen
reduction in terms of density. Systems that treat to 14 mg/l TN based on their standard may be
used for development of lots of at least 1 acre in size.
It should be noted that the Suffolk County Sanitary Code Article 6 (Article 6) limits the amount of
sewage that can be discharged on a parcel of land based on lot area when using an onsite sewage
disposal system such as a conventional system (septic tank plus leaching structure) or an I/A
OWTS. I/A OWTS are only permitted to be used when a site meets the density requirements of
Article 6. Using an I/A OWTS coupled with the density requirements of Article 6, greater water
resource protection can be achieved.
I/A OWTS Performance in Suffolk County
Suffolk County initiated an I/A OWTS Demonstration Project in 2014. A total of nineteen (19) I/A
OWTS units were donated by four (4) manufacturers representing six (6) different I/A OWTS
technologies. The purpose of the Demonstration program is to assess the design, operation,
maintenance, installation, and overall ability of an I/A OWTS technology to meet nitrogen reduction
objectives. Following a County-wide lottery for interested homeowners, the demonstration systems
were installed between June 24, 2015 and February 29, 2016. The Hydro-Action AN unit and
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
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Norweco Singulair TNT unit are currently the only two (2) technologies that received Provisional
Approval in 2016 in accordance with Article 19 Standards based on their performance in the
demonstration program. SCDHS performed monthly composite sampling of the demonstration
systems to evaluate their nitrogen removal capabilities under real-world conditions. Technologies
that maintained an average of 19 mg/l TN or better for 75% of all the systems tested for a minimum
of six (6) months were granted provisional approval. The 2016 results of the demonstration
systems are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1: 2016 Septic Demo System Performance in Suffolk County
Technology AVG* Provisional Approval
Hydro-Action AN Series 11.6 mg/L Approved in September 2016
Norweco Singulair TNT 18.3 mg/L Approved in October 2016
Orenco AX-RT Series 18.5 mg/L Approved in March 2017
Norweco Hydro-Kinetic 17.5 mg/L Approved in April 2017
Orenco AX Series 21.6 mg/L Cannot project approval at this time
Busse MMF 72.3 mg/L Cannot project approval at this time
*Standard is 19mg/L
I/A OWTS Performance in Proximate Jurisdictions
Prior to developing an I/A OWTS management program, Suffolk County embarked on a four (4)
state tour to evaluate I/A OWTS programs in neighboring jurisdictions . This tour included visits to
the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, Maryland Department of Environment, Rhode Island’s New
England Onsite Wastewater Training Program, and Massachusetts Barnstable County Department
of Health and Environment. Lessons learned from these jurisdictions were instrumental in guiding
the County in the development of a robust I/A OWTS management program and as such, the
County has continued to consult with these jurisdictions throughout the Demonstration Program and
I/A OWTS program development. Table 2 and Table 3 depict the I/A OWTS technologies
approved for use in these jurisdictions along with performance data for 2016 compared to the tested
nitrogen effluent during their NSF 245 or EPA ETV certification process. Figure 1 depicts a graph of
the effluent TN of these systems in 2016.
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
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Table 2: I/A OWTS Approved in Proximate Jurisdictions
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
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Table 3: 2016 Comparison of I/A OWTS Results*
*Suffolk County utilizes the combined average of a technology’s TN results. SCDHS believes that using an average is the best
method of evaluating a technology because it is a true indication of how well a technology will protect the environment. Use of
Median data tends to artificially lower TN results and is not a true indicator of mass loading. Suffolk County and the State of
Maryland appear to be the only jurisdictions in close proximity that use TN average data to evaluate I/A OWTS performance.
Figure 1: 2016 Comparison of I/A OWTS Results in Proximate Jurisdictions
*Suffolk County utilizes the combined average of a technology’s TN results. SCDHS believes that using an average is the best
method of evaluating a technology because it is a true indication of how well a technology will protect the environment. Use of
Median data tends to artificially lower TN results and is not a true indicator of mass loading. Suffolk County and the State of
Maryland appear to be the only jurisdictions in close proximity that use TN average data to evaluate I/A OWTS performance.
Technology NSF 245 or ETV
Certification Suffolk County Maryland Barnstable County New Jersey
Pinelands
Advantex AX 21.6 mg/L 17.0 mg/L
Advantex RT 18.5 mg/L 14.52 mg/L
HydroAction NSF 15 mg/L 11.6 mg/L 20.33 mg/L
Norweco Singulair NSF 12 mg/L 18.3 mg/L 27.0 mg/L 24.85 mg/L
Norweco Hydro-Kinetic NSF 7.9 mg/L 17.5 mg/L
BUSSE MF NSF 16 mg/L 72.3 mg/L
Amphidrome ETV 10.81 mg/L 12.5 mg/L
BioMicrobics BioBarrier NSF 9 mg/L 24.3 mg/L
BioMicrobics FAST NSF 17 mg/L 25.44 mg/L 19.27 mg/L 18.3 mg/L
BioMicrobics SeptiTech NSF 17 mg/L 20.0 mg/L 12.0 mg/L 17.9 mg/L
NSF 24 mg/L 13.17 mg/L
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
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Emerging Technologies
The New York State Center for Clean Water Technologies (CCWT) at Stony Brook University was
established to develop and commercialize affordable and effective nitrogen removal systems for
residential and commercial use. Currently, CCWT is developing Nitrogen Reducing Biofilters
(NRB’s); a relatively passive technology that uses layers of sand and sawdust to treat wastewater.
CCWT is evaluating these NRB’s to determine if they can treat wastewater to 10 mg/l of total
nitrogen or less. In 2016, CCWT installed three (3) different iterations of the NRB at the
Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC), and in 2017, CCWT will work
with Suffolk County to install NRB’s on residential sites located at County Park properties as
experimental I/A OWTS units. If these NRB’s complete the experimental phase and piloting phase
successfully then NRB’s could receive provisional approval in late 2019 or early 2020.
Recommendations and Next Steps
Based on the information contained in this report, The Department makes the following
recommendations and conclusions:
1. The I/A OWTS Demonstration Program was an effective method to spark the use of
innovative and alternative technologies in Suffolk County. The demonstration program
captured the leading manufacturers participating in Programs in Rhode Island,
Massachusetts, Maryland, and New Jersey. The demonstration program also received
international interest from Germany, Japan, and Canada. These are Companies who have
not yet established themselves in proximate jurisdictions. The demonstration program
allowed the assessment of system design, operation & maintenance, installation issues, and
the overall ability of each technology to meet TN reduction objectives in Suffolk County.
Though all technologies participating in the demonstration program have certification for
nitrogen reductions (through NSF245 or EPA’s ETV testing), not all technologies have yet
proved capable of reducing TN to 19 mg/L or less in Suffolk County. It is important for the
County to continue the next phase of the demonstration program, which will result in an
additional eight (8) technologies to be installed at twenty (20) private residences for
evaluation.
2. The performance standard of 19 mg/L represents the most stringent requirement enacted by
a government agency in regards to TN that does not also allow for increase in density.
SCDHS does not feel that a change to the performance standard is warranted at this time.
3. Data from other jurisdictions supports not changing the TN performance standard at this
time as Suffolk County and Maryland are the only proximate jurisdictions that use a true
average. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Jersey use the median which SCDHS
believes is not a true indicator of how well the systems perform. If these jurisdictions used
the mean instead, resulting data would show the systems have difficulty achieving a TN of
19 mg/L.
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
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4. The County should not consider changing the performance standard of 19 mg/L for TN until
there is sufficient data justifying a 90% confidence level in the dataset of a technology as
concluded by Horsely Witten Group in the analysis of Barnstable County’s septic system
database. (i.e. there should be a minimum of twelve (12) samples of twenty (20) systems of
a technology before the County should consider changing the performance standard).
5. New emerging technologies such as the NRB’s are being evaluated and piloted by SBU’s
CCWT and constructed wetlands, which are promising alternatives to current proprietary
technologies, are being evaluated by other entities in Suffolk County. SCDHS should work
cooperatively with CCWT to aggressively pursue, evaluate, and install these non-proprietary
technologies in Suffolk County.
II. Purpose of Annual Evaluation
Pursuant to Article 19 of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code (Article 19), the Suffolk County
Department of Health Services (SCDHS) serves as the Responsible Management Entity (RME) to
facilitate development and use of Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
(I/A OWTS) as an environmental conservation and public health protection measure. In compliance
with Section 760-1907 of Article 19, SCDHS has prepared this annual report, which outlines the
progress of the I/A OWTS program within Suffolk County, and considers potential opportunities for
improvement. The purpose of the annual report is to regularly review and recommend research on
I/A OWTS to increase the effectiveness of the County’s program. This report was prepared in 2017
using the complete dataset from 2016. This report will serve as a template for the 2017 annual
report which will be prepared in the spring of 2018.
The report provides an evaluation of I/A OWTS currently installed in Suffolk County in addition to an
evaluation of the use and performance of I/A OWTS in similar jurisdictions. The report utilizes data
from the National Sanitation Foundation/American National Standards Institute (“NSF/ANSI”), the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Technology Verification (“ETV”) Program,
and other jurisdictions, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Maryland. One
main goal of this report is to evaluate the performance capabilities of I/A OWTS and make
recommendations to change Suffolk County’s performance standard if warranted.
III. Reclaim Our Water Overview
Water is the single most significant resource for which Suffolk County bears responsibility. In 2014
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone kicked off his Reclaim Our Water initiative by identifying
water quality as his administration’s highest priority. Since then, the County has participated in a
four (4) State tour of I/A OWTS; adopted 2015’s Comprehensive Water Resources Management
Plan; initiated the Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan; piloted six (6) I/A OWTS technologies on
nineteen (19) residential properties; and amended the sanitary code for the first time since 1973
with the enactment of Article 19. These efforts would not be possible without the assistance of the
many stakeholders, most notably, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(NYSDEC) and the Long Island Action Plan (LINAP). The Septic / Cesspool Upgrade Program
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Enterprise (SCUPE) is a NYSDEC grant that enables Suffolk County to embark on these
aggressive measures to battle nitrogen pollution.
Approximately 360,000 residential parcels are currently served by polluting cesspools and septic
systems with little to no nitrogen removing capabilities, and will probably never be connected to a
sewer system. Reversing degradation of water quality due to nitrogen pollution will depend on
replacement of existing systems with new, individual I/A OWTS that have nitrogen removing
capabilities.
The following are key program components of the Reclaim Our Water initiative:
Liquid Waste Licensing
Suffolk County modified the septic industry licensing requirements by adding eleven specialized
endorsements under the “liquid waste umbrella” and required training, certification and
continuing education for I/A OWTS installers. The installer must hold a current Liquid Waste
License pursuant to the Suffolk County Code Chapter 563, Article VII (Septic Industry
Businesses) with an Endorsement as an Innovative and Alternative Treatment System Installer
through the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs. The
Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs maintains a list of liquid waste license
holders.
Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (“LINAP”)
The NYSDEC is working closely with Suffolk County to complete the LINAP and to help improve
wastewater treatment to protect water resources. The NYSDEC has provided grant funding for
the Suffolk County SCUPE for the evaluation of I/A OWTS, development of an I/A OWTS
program, and to initiate the Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan to prioritize areas in need of
improved wastewater treatment. The SCUPE funding enabled the County to hire start-up staff
for the I/A OWTS Program and a Responsible Management Entity. It also provided funding for
the Septic Improvement Program. Overall, these programs are early actions in the NYSDEC
LINAP, a multiyear initiative to reduce nitrogen in Long Island’s surface and ground waters, in
which Suffolk County participates as a partner.
Suffolk County Sanitary Code and Standards for Construction
Suffolk County Department of Health Services has prepared and implemented Article 19
Standards to regulate I/A OWTS and has since been updating the Standards and Sanitary Code
in order to keep the County’s regulations up to date with the progress of the I/A OWTS program
and technology advances. The Standards also include how the Department serves as the RME
to administer and conduct a comprehensive set of activities and have the legal authority and
technical capacity to ensure the long-term operation, maintenance, and management of all I/A
OWTS in Suffolk County.
Suffolk County Septic Demonstration Programs
Demonstration Projects give I/A OWTS Manufacturers the opportunity to showcase and
demonstrate single family residential onsite wastewater treatment system technologies in
Suffolk County—at no cost to the County and participating homeowners — in an effort to test
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
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the viability of these systems in local conditions and potentially expedite provisional approval of
said technologies. There have been two demonstration programs in Suffolk County, one
beginning in 2014 and the other in 2016. As of 2016, there were nineteen (19) demonstration
systems installed in Suffolk County. Technologies participating in the demonstration program
were offered a streamlined path to Provisional Approval. If 75% of the systems of a technology
in the demonstration program maintained a dataset of 19 mg/L or better for a minimum of six (6)
months, they were granted Provisional Use Approval.
Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan (“SWP”)
The SWP is the science based bridge that will serve to support policy decisions and provide a
recommended blueprint for wastewater upgrades. The SWP is based on a series of models,
data evaluations and cost-benefit analyses. The SWP will set priority areas, nitrogen reduction
goals, and describes where, when, and what methods should be implemented to meet nitrogen
reduction goals.
IV. Performance of I/A OWTS in Suffolk County
All I/A OWTS technologies must be approved by the Department for use in Suffolk County as either
an “Experimental”, “Piloting”, “Provisional”, or “General Use” system in order to be permitted for
installation as an onsite wastewater treatment system in accordance with the Article 19 Standards.
During each phase of approval, the I/A OWTS technology must undergo sampling as stated in the
Article 19 Standards. The minimum sampling requirements and resulting combined TN average
outlined in Table 4, and defined in the Article 19 Standard, shall be required prior to a system
receiving approval to move from one phase of approval to the next and eventually to the final
approval phase known as “General Use.”
TABLE 4: Summary Approval Chart for Residential Systems
Approval Phase # of Systems Sampling Frequency Performance Requirement
Experimental 3 – 5 Year-
Round
Monthly Sampling
12 months rolling average
The total dataset of 75% of
the systems must have a
combined average of 19 mg/L or less TN
Piloting* 8 – 12 Year-Round Monthly Sampling 12 months rolling average The total dataset of 75% of the systems must have a
combined average of 19
mg/L or less TN
Septic
Demonstration
Systems*
1 – 5
Year-round
Monthly Composite
Samples
6 month rolling average for
streamlined approval.
The dataset of 75% of the
systems must maintain a
combined average of 19
mg/L or less TN
Provisional First 20 Year-
Round
Bi-Monthly Sampling for
24 months rolling average
The dataset of all the 20
systems must have a
combined average of 19 mg/L or less TN
General Use Every 36 Months The dataset must maintain an average of 19 mg/L or less in order to remain in
General Use phase **
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
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Note: The number of required systems is a cumulative number. For example, the minimum of 20 systems
for Provisional Use includes the number of systems installed as part of Experimental and Piloting phases.
*Suffolk County Sponsored I/A OWTS Demonstration Program may permit a streamlined Pilot approval phase.
**The combined average of the dataset in Experimental, Piloting and Provisional 1 is the requirement to
achieve successful completion of that phase.
Suffolk County’s Septic Demonstration Programs:
In 2014, Suffolk County developed provisions for participation in an I/A OWTS Demonstration
Program, whereby a Vendor installs, tests and maintains systems at no cost or at a reduced cost to Property Owner(s). This program is based on a similar program in Rhode Island where 58 I/A OWTS were installed, evaluated over a ten (10) year period to provide a means for industry
training, performance evaluations, and provide data for the development of I/A OWTS regulations. Systems being tested as part of a Demonstration Program were subject to a streamlined approval
process where the Department has approved a technology for Provisional Use if 75% of the units
installed have a combined total average effluent TN of 19 mg/L or less for at least six (6) months of composite sampling.
The Demonstration Program proved to be an exceptional tool to assess the design, operation, maintenance, installation, and overall ability of an I/A OWTS technology to meet nitrogen reduction
objectives in Suffolk County. The dual-purpose framework of the program also included a means for
accelerated construction of programmatic infrastructure and validation of its and local institutional ability to review, approve, install and operate I/A OWTS systems. As part of this approach Suffolk
County dedicated significant staff resources to work with manufacturers, who also committed to terms of an intensive cooperative program, including:
• industry training (designers, installers, O&M contractors)
• regulatory training (procedures/standards to review/approve, and inspect)
• cooperative process optimization; i.e., vendors working with Suffolk to optimize systems
(recirculation rates, oxygen supply, etc.) given local influent strength, venting
configurations, etc.
• demonstration of systems to design professionals, non-governmental organizations
(NGOs), civics, local governments, etc.
A technology’s successful completion of a demonstration program allows admittance into the Provisional phase, where rigorous testing and statistical protocols are utilized prior to granting
general use approval.
Phase 1 Septic Demo Systems:
In April of 2014, Suffolk County issued the first Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) for a
Demonstration Program of Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Systems (I/A OWTS). A
total of nineteen (19) systems were donated from four (4) manufacturers representing six (6)
different technologies. Following the County-wide lottery for the interested homeowners, the
systems were installed between June 24, 2015 and February 29, 2016 and two (2) technologies
received Provisional Approval in 2016 (Hydro-Action AN and Norweco Singulair TNT).
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
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The systems were given approximately three (3) months to reach equilibrium and were then
sampled monthly. Systems were granted Provisional Use Approval if the dataset from 75% of the
systems averaged 19 mg/l or less for a minimum of six (6) months.
Table 5: Sampling Requirements for Experimental and Piloting Use Approval
Parameter Sample Type Testing Location
BOD5 24 h composite Laboratory
Total suspended solids 24 h composite Laboratory
pH Grab Test site
Temperature (wastewater) Grab Test site
Temperature (ambient air) Grab Test site
Effluent Alkalinity (as CaCO3) 24 h composite Laboratory
TKN (as N) 24 h composite Laboratory
Ammonia-N (as N) 24 h composite Laboratory
Nitrite-N (as N) 24 h composite Laboratory
Nitrate-N (as N) 24 h composite Laboratory
Figure 2: Phase-I Suffolk County Demonstration Systems
Hydro-Action AN Series
The Hydro-Action systems utilize a suspended growth aeration system. The treatment occurs as
wastewater enters the pretreatment tank and flows by gravity into the aeration compartment.
Wastewater flows by gravity from the aeration chamber through a hole in the base of the cone
shaped clarifier, where final settling takes place. The hydraulic roll created by the aeration system
helps draw settled solids out of the base of the clarifier and back into the aeration chamber. The
aerobically-charged wastewater is then recirculated back to the pretreatment tank, where it further
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denitrifies. Treated wastewater exits by gravity through a tee structure located in the center of the
clarifier, treated effluent is then discharged to a Department approved leaching structure.
Five (5) Hydro-Action AN units were installed as part of the Septic Demonstration Program. The
systems were sampled from May 2016 through November 2016 and averaged 11.9 mg/L TN. The
dataset of 75% of the systems maintained an average of 11.6 mg/L TN. Hydro-Action was
granted Provisional Use Approval on September 28, 2016. Table 6 outlines the 2016 24-hour
composite sample results for the Hydro-Action AN demonstration units.
Table 6: 2016 Steady State 24-Hour Composite Sample Results for the Hydro-Action AN Demonstration
Systems
Site # Sample Date Calculate TN
(mg/l)
TKN
(mg/l)
Ammonia
(as N)
NO3
(Nitrate
as N)
NO2
(Nitrite
as N)
BOD TSS PH Temp Alk
SDS#18 5/16/16-5/17/16 No 18.7 2.4 <0.5 15.8 0.5 16 16 6.56 60.3 18
6/20/16 - 6/21/16 No 24.8 8.5 0.8 16.3 <0.5 N/R 67 6.77 70.8 26.8
7/18/16 - 7/19/16 No 10.6 5.3 <0.5 5.3 <0.5 18 53 7.07 80 65
8/15/16 - 8/16/16 No 4.5 <0.5 <0.5 4.5 <0.5 >9 <10 7.17 80 68
9/12/16 - 9/13/16 No 9 2.3 <1.0 6.7 <0.5 N/R <10 7.13 73 54.4
11/14/16-11/15/16 No 10.1 7.9 3.8 2.2 <0.5 18 33 6.57 56 23.3
SDS#10 5/9/16 - 5/10/16 Yes 5.7 <0.5 <0.5 3.6 2.1 19 16 6.6 59.3 22
6/13/16-6/14/16 Yes 9.7 2 <0.5 7.7 <0.5 <17 <10 7.34 N/R N/R
7/11/16-7/12/16 Yes 14.1 2.2 <0.5 11.9 <0.5 9 10 6.94 77 318
8/8/16 - 8/9/16 Yes 8.8 <1.0 1.4 8.8 <0.5 <17 14 7.08 78 45.6
9/12/16 - 9/13/16 Yes 9.7 2.9 <1.0 6.8 <0.5 N/R 10 7.33 73 48
10/17/16 - 10/18/16 Yes 9.3 2 <0.5 7.3 <0.5 11 10 7.32 N/R 58
SDS#12 5/9/16 - 5/10/16 Yes 14.1 5.1 <0.5 9 <0.5 27 <25 7.09 58.5 52
6/13/2016-6/14/16 Yes 12.2 2 <0.5 10.2 <0.5 <16 <10 7.75 72.4 111
7/11/16-7/12/16 Yes 14.5 4.9 <0.5 9.6 <0.5 22 53 7.63 69 138
8/8/16 - 8/9/16 Yes 10.4 6.1 3.5 4.3 <0.5 55 90 6.88 74 176
9/12/16 - 9/13/16 Yes 12.1 1.8 <1.0 10.3 <0.5 N/R 10 7.64 72 110.2
10/17/16 -10/18/16 Yes 11.1 1.7 <0.5 9.4 <0.5 <7 <10 7.52 N/R 76
SDS#11 5/9/16 - 5/10/16 Yes 5.2 <0.5 <0.5 2.4 2.8 37 <25 7.08 59.2 72
6/13/16 - 6/14/16 Yes 10.8 2.3 <0.5 8.5 <0.5 <17 <10 7.16 71.6 35
7/11/16 to 7/12/16 Yes 10.5 2.6 <0.5 7.9 <0.5 11 11 6.83 72.4 27
8/8/16 - 8/9/16 Yes 10.1 <1.0 <0.5 10.1 <0.5 10 <10 6.69 73 23
9/12/16 - 9/13/16 Yes 13.4 3.2 <1.0 10.2 <0.5 N/R 22 6.02 80 10
10/17/16-10/18/16 Yes 12.6 3.3 <0.5 9.3 <0.5 14 23 6.67 71 20
SDS#6 5/16/16-5/17/16 Yes 11.3 5.5 3.6 5.2 0.6 <16 13 7.49 58.6 54.5
6/20/16 - 6/21/16 Yes 24.2 4.9 <0.5 19.3 <0.5 N/R <10 7.22 70.4 23.5
7/18/16 - 7/19/16 Yes 12.8 0.9 <0.5 11.9 <0.5 <9 <10 7.42 80 54
8/15/16-8/16/16 Yes 13.9 9.3 1.2 2.2 2.4 10 <10 7.75 75 163
9/12/16 - 9/13/16 Yes 4.3 1.8 <1.0 2.5 <0.5 N/R <10 7.72 72 88.6
11/14/16-11/15/16 Yes 19.6 3.8 <0.5 15.2 0.6 7 <10 7.19 50 53.2
Average 11.94 3.788 2.383333 8.48 1.5 18.93 28.19 7.121 69.87 70.1414
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Norweco Singulair TNT
The Norweco Singulair TNT wastewater treatment system is a self-contained three-chambered
treatment system utilizing primary treatment (settling), mechanical aeration, clarification, and flow
equalization to achieve treatment. Wastewater from the building enters the primary settling chamber
through an inlet tee, then enters an aeration chamber. In the aeration chamber, an aspirator at the
bottom of a shaft disperses air radially as fine bubbles provide oxygen for the biomass and vertically
mix chamber contents. The wastewater in the aeration chamber passes through to the clarification
chamber for final settling of solids. Treated wastewater passes through an effluent filter as it exits
the system and is then gravity fed to the leaching structure.
Five (5) Singulair TNT systems were installed as part of the Septic Demonstration Program. The
systems were sampled from May 2016 through November 2016 and averaged 20.8 mg/L TN. The
dataset of 75% of the systems maintained an average of 18.3 mg/L TN. Norweco Singulair
TNT was granted Provisional Use Approval on October 7, 2016. Table 7 outlines the 2016 24-
hour composite sample results for the Norweco Singulair TNT demonstration units.
Note: No samples were taken from the fifth Norweco Singulair TNT site due the fact the
homeowner would not grant SCDHS employees access to the site. The average was based
on the 4 sites that were sampled.
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Table 7: 2016 Steady State 24-Hour Composite Sample Results for the Norweco Singulair TNT
Demonstration Systems
Site # Sample Date
Calculate
(Yes or
No)
TN
(mg/l)
TKN
(mg/l)
Ammonia
(as N)
NO3
(Nitrate
as N)
NO2
(Nitrite
as N)
BOD TSS PH Temp Alk
SDS#21 9/19/16 - 9/20/16 No 23 12.4 6.2 1.1 9.5 79 62 6.96 74 82
10/3/16-10/4/16 No 42.6 36.6 35.7 5.4 0.6 197 108 N/R 74 N/R
11/21/16-11/22/16 No 57.4 52.2 40.1 <0.5 5.2 197 88 7.43 64 262
SDS#27 5/9/16 - 5/10/16 Yes 15.3 15.3 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 86 110 6.82 59 131
6/13/16 - 6/14/16 Yes 26.1 23.5 1.1 2.6 <0.5 96 232 7.15 73.6 142.5
7/11/16-7/12/16 Yes 31.1 22.5 3.9 8.6 <0.5 111 190 6.87 70 150
8/8/16 - 8/9/16 Yes 10.7 <0.1 <0.5 10.7 <0.5 19 16 7.64 N/R 123
9/19/16 - 9/20/16 Yes 46.2 30.2 8.1 16 <0.5 171 384 6.85 76 116
10/3/16-10/4/16 Yes 44.6 20.2 2 24.4 <0.5 124 232 6.34 64 N/R
SDS#15 3/21/16 - 3/22/16 Yes 14 14 2.3 <0.5 <0.5 48 90 6.81 62 102
4/18/16-4/19/16 Yes 14.8 14 14.2 0.8 <0.5 <16 27 7.12 57.6 146
5/16/16-5/17/16 Yes 22.2 5.6 2.3 16.6 <0.5 21 32 6.57 66.8 38.75
6/20/16 -6/21/16 Yes 15.8 5.2 1.5 10.6 <0.5 N/R 61 6.87 77.7 62
7/18/16 - 7/19/16 Yes 17.3 12 <0.5 5.3 <0.5 78 82 6.88 81 110
8/15/16 - 8/16/16 Yes 53.1 <0.5 <0.5 44.6 <0.5 55 160 6.49 84 51.2
9/19/16 - 9/20/16 Yes 10.1 6.8 3.2 2.4 0.9 48 32 6.8 81 71
10/3/16-10/4/16 Yes 6.3 3.3 <0.5 2.3 0.7 33 25 6.71 74 N/R
11/21/2016-11/22/16 Yes 17.2 15.1 9.1 <0.5 2.1 64 34 6.84 65 93
SDS#26 3/14/16 - 3/15/16 Yes 15.4 15.4 5.4 <0.5 <0.5 73 87 6.77 47.6 N/R
4/18/16-4/19/16 Yes 12.5 12.5 7.1 <0.5 <0.5 55 53 6.72 57.6 122
5/9/16 - 5/10/16 Yes 12.8 12.8 5.3 <0.5 <0.5 53 81 6.66 58 77
6/13/16 - 6/14/16 Yes 14.1 14.1 9.8 <0.5 <0.5 18 20 7.15 75.3 116
7/11/16-7/12/16 Yes 13.7 13.7 10.6 <0.5 <0.5 25 37 6.94 77 112
8/8/16 - 8/9/16 Yes 11.8 11.1 12.7 <0.5 0.7 13 19 7.04 74 122
9/19/16 - 9/20/16 Yes 2.9 2.9 1.5 <0.5 <0.5 21 17 6.06 76 74
10/3/16-10/4/16 Yes 3.7 2.3 2 1.4 <0.5 11 10 N/R 68 N/R
11/28/16-11/29/16 Yes 9.1 5.2 0.6 3.9 <0.5 25 60 6.57 N/R 49.6
*SDS#16
Average 20.88 15.16 8.395455 9.79375 2.81429 68.84 87 6.8424 69.488 106.957
*site removed from demo program due to homeowner issue- SCDHS not allowed on site for sampling
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
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Orenco AX-RT Series
The AdvanTex® AX-RT Series is a recirculating textile filter treatment system. It is contained within
a single fiberglass tank installed with the access panel at grade. It is preceded by a two-
compartment septic tank and discharges to a leachfield. Raw sewage enters the septic tank through
its inlet tee. In the septic tank, the raw sewage separates into three distinct zones -- a scum layer, a
sludge layer, and a clear layer. Effluent from the clear layer passes through a Biotube® effluent
filter and is discharged by gravity to the recirculation treatment tank portion of the AX-RT unit, which
contains a Biotube Pump Package.
The recirculation pump is timer controlled to ensure that small, intermittent doses (micro-doses) of
effluent are applied to the textile sheets throughout the day. This ensures an aerobic, unsaturated
environment for optimal treatment to occur. Effluent is sprayed over the textile sheets. The effluent
then percolates down through the textile sheets and is distributed between the recirculation and
discharge chambers by means of the AX-RT baffle. Periodically, a pump in the discharge chamber
doses effluent to the dispersal system.
One (1) Orenco AX-RT system was installed as part of the Septic Demonstration Program. The
system was sampled from February 2016 through September 2016.The dataset of 75% of the
systems maintained an average of 18.5 mg/L TN. Table 8 outlines the 2016 24-hour composite
sample results for the Orenco AX-RT Series demonstration units.
Note: The 18.5 mg/l average above excluded two months of data for the Orenco RT system due to homeowner error of
introducing a significant amount of bleach to the systems during as indicated by the homeowner.
Table 8: 2016 Steady State 24-Hour Composite Sample Results for the Orenco AX-RT Demonstration
System
Site # Sample Date
Calculate
(Yes or
No)
TN
(mg/l)
TKN
(mg/l)
Ammonia
(as N)
NO3
(Nitrate
as N)
NO2
(Nitrite
as N)
BOD TSS PH Temp Alk
SDS#2 3/21/16 - 3/22/16 Yes 21.2 3.6 1.8 17.6 <0.5 <13 <10 6.24 54.3 64
*4/11/16-4/12/16 No 70.9 68.1 42.2 0.5 2.3 12 N/R 6.14 N/R 47
*5/16/16-5/17/16 No 35 3.8 3.2 31.2 0.5 <10 <10 6.16 66.8 45.5
6/20/16 - 6/21/16 Yes 24.5 7.9 7.1 16.6 <0.5 N/R <10 N/R 69.9 N/R
7/18/16 - 7/19/16 Yes 19.7 12 0.5 7.7 0.8 <9 <10 6.55 78 135
8/22/16 - 8/23/16 Yes 13.6 3.2 2.8 9.9 0.5 <9 <10 6.21 77 118.6
9/26/16 - 9/27/16 Yes 19.6 19.6 16.1 <0.5 <0.5 24 13 9.87 77 228
10/3/16-10/4/16 Yes 14.5 14.5 19.7 <0.5 <0.5 25 13 N/R 64 N/R
Average 18.85 16.59 11.675 13.9167 1.025 20.33 13 6.8617 69.571 106.35
*samples excluded based on homeowner report of significant bleach discharged to system for fish tank coral cleaning
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
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Norweco Hydro-Kinetic
The Hydro-Kinetic system uses extended aeration, attached growth, nitrification and denitrification
processes to treat wastewater. It consists of four treatment chambers (pretreatment, anoxic,
aeration and clarification) followed by a Hydro-Kinetic FEU filter containing filter media facilitating
additional reduction of BOD and TSS by attached growth, prior to discharge to a leaching structure.
The clarification chamber incorporates a flow equalization unit. Aeration is controlled by a factory-
programmed timer and wastewater is recirculated from the clarifier back to the anoxic chamber at
factory set intervals. The system is available with both concrete and HDPE tankage and with the
pre-treatment tank either integral to the other three chambers in a four-chambered tank, or as a
distinct tank.
Five (5) Norweco Hydro-Kinetic systems were installed as part of the Septic Demonstration
Program. The Department began sampling the systems in August 2016. The Hydro-Kinetic
system averaged 17.5 mg/l in 2016 but there was not enough data collected to issue
Provisional Use Approval. Table 9 outlines the 2016 24-hour composite sample results for the
Norweco Hydro-Kinetic demonstration units.
Table 9: 2016 Steady State 24-Hour Composite Sample Results for the Norweco Hydro-Kinetic
Demonstration Systems
Site # Sample Date
Calculate
(Yes or
No)
TN
(mg/l)
TKN
(mg/l)
Ammonia
(as N)
NO3
(Nitrate
as N)
NO2
(Nitrite
as N)
BOD TSS PH Temp Alk
SDS#4 8/22/16 - 8/23/16 Yes 4.2 <1.0 0.5 4.2 <0.5 <9 25 7.53 81 136
9/26/16 - 9/27/16 Yes 8.7 1.4 <0.5 7.3 <0.5 9 12 7.43 77 185
10/17/16-10/18/16 Yes 10.2 2.3 1.2 7.9 <0.5 <7 <10 7.13 N/R 134
11/28/16-11/29/16 Yes 11.7 2.4 <0.1 9.3 <0.5 9 48.4 6.98 57 99
12/12/16-12/13/16 Yes 13.6 1.4 <0.5 12.2 <0.5 <5 <10 6.93 N/R 93.2
SDS#24/25 9/26/16 - 9/27/16 No 7 3.5 0.9 3.5 <0.5 11 12 7.31 73 176.2
10/17/16-10/18/16 No 13.8 6.9 4.9 6.9 <0.5 20 10 7.33 N/R 182
11/28/16-11/29/16 No 33.8 <1 <0.5 33.8 <0.5 <5 <10 6.84 N/R 54.4
12/12/16-12/13/16 No 52.3 <1 <0.5 52.3 <0.5 <5 <10 6.36 N/R 29.8
SDS#19 8/22/16 - 8/23/16 Yes 2.3 <1.0 <0.5 2.3 <0.5 <11 <10 7.43 78 222
9/19/16-9/20/16 Yes 7.7 2 0.8 5.7 <0.5 10 10 7.28 76 200
10/17/16-10/18/16 Yes 7.7 2.3 0.8 5.4 <0.5 8 <10 7.14 N/R 192
11/28/16-11/29/16 Yes 10.6 3.2 0.7 7.4 <0.1 7 6.4 7.02 57 125
12/5/16-12/6/16 Yes 11.1 1.5 <0.5 9.6 <0.5 8 <10 7.09 56 107.6
SDS#17 11/14/16-11/15/16 Yes 16.6 1.5 1.1 15.1 <0.5 7 <10 6.74 59 114
12/5/16-12/6/16 Yes 40.4 3.1 1.1 37.3 <0.5 <5 11.6 6.55 54 40.8
SDS#14 11/14/16 - 11/15/16 Yes 35.4 9.9 8.3 25.5 <0.5 <5 <10 6.74 50 133
12/5/16 - 12/6/16 Yes 28.9 18 17.4 10.9 <0.5 9 <10 6.92 53 147.2
Average 17.56 4.243 3.427273 14.2556 <0.5 9.8 16.93 7.0417 64.25 131.733
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
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Orenco AX Series
The Orenco AX series is a prepackaged packed bed media filter that is contained in a fiberglass
container that is installed after a two-compartment septic tank. A pump basin in the second
compartment of the septic tank distributes effluent to the treatment unit where it is nitrified. Effluent
trickles through the media collects at the bottom of the treatment unit where it flows by gravity back
to the inlet end of the septic tank for denitrification. When the level in the septic tank reaches peak
level a valve seals off the recirculation and sends treated effluent to a separate chamber where it is
then discharged to the leaching structure.
One (1) Orenco AX system was installed as part of the Septic Demonstration Program. The system
began sampling in November 2016. There is currently not enough data to issue approval at this
time. Table 10 outlines the 2016 24-hour composite sample results for the Orenco AX Series
demonstration units.
Table 10: 2016 Steady State 24-Hour Composite Sample Results for the Orenco AX Series Demo Units
Site # Sample Date
Calculate
(Yes or
No)
TN
(mg/l)
TKN
(mg/l)
Ammonia
(as N)
NO3
(Nitrate
as N)
NO2
(Nitrite
as N)
BOD TSS PH Temp Alk
SDS#13 11/14/16-11/15/16 No 23.9 8 4.2 15.2 0.7 10 <10 6.64 54 37
12/12/16-12/13/16 No 51.3 37.1 5.2 14.2 0.7 182 380 6.84 55 65.6
Average 37.6 22.55 4.7 14.7 0.7 96 380 6.74 54.5 51.3
BUSSE GT
The BUSSE GT System is installed above grade, in non-living areas of the house such a garage or
basement. The fiberglass tanks have four compartments, the first for settling, second for aeration,
third for settling and final compartment for membrane filtration.
There are two (2) BUSSE GT systems that were installed as part of the demonstration program.
Both systems were taken off line in the spring of 2016 due to non-performance, most notably, an
effluent pH of less than 4 in both systems. The manufacturer is working with local engineers to
reconfigure the system and treatment process. It is anticipated that the monitoring of these
systems will resume in 2018. Table 11 outlines the 2016 24-hour composite sample results for the
BUSSE GT demonstration units.
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
Page 18 of 26
Table 11: 2016 Steady State 24-Hour Composite Sample Results for the BUSSE GT Demo Units
Site # Sample Date
Calculate
(Yes or
No) (5)
TN (mg/l) TKN (mg/l) Ammonia (as N)
NO3
(Nitrate
as N)
NO2
(Nitrite
as N)
BOD TSS PH Temp Alk
SDS#7 3/28/16 - 3/29/16 No 58.6 33.9 1.1 24.7 <0.5 N/R N/R 5.49 N/R N/R
4/18/16 -4/19/16 No 102.4 34.3 29 68.1 <0.5 <8 <10 4.08 64 N/R
5/16/16-5/17/16 No 76.3 27.3 22.3 48.9 <0.5 <10 <10 N/R 59.8 N/R
6/20/16 - 6/21/16 No 108.2 46.7 28.9 61.5 <0.5 N/R <10 3.84 N/R N/R
8/15/16 - 8/16/16 No 13.4 13.4 15.3 <0.5 <0.5 <7 <10 3.57 80 N/R
9/19/16 - 9/20/16 No 80.8 30.2 26.9 50.6 <0.5 7 <10 3.7 72 N/R
10/3/16-10/4/16 No 70.1 22.7 17.3 47.4 <0.5 8 10 3.62 74 N/R
SDS#3 9/26/16 - 9/27/16 No 68.5 16.8 20.9 51.7 <0.5 7 <10 3.68 74 N/R
Average 72.29 28.16 20.2125 50.4143 <0.5 7.333 10 3.9971 70.633 N/R
Phase 2 Septic Demo Systems:
Based upon the success of Phase I of the Demonstration Program, Suffolk County issued an RFEI
for a Phase II Demo Program in which a total of twenty (20) systems were donated from six (6)
manufacturers representing eight (8) different technologies. On July 26, 2016, twenty (20)
homeowners were selected from a lottery. Installations for these systems began in November 2016
and should be completed by the end of 2017. The performance of the Phase II systems will be
documented in the 2017 annual report.
Figure 3: Phase II Demo I/A OWTS Technologies
V. Performance of I/A OWTS in Other Jurisdictions
When viewing I/A OWTS performance in other jurisdictions, it is important to note that Suffolk
County utilizes the combined average of a technology’s TN results in order to represent the overall
ability of a technology. SCDHS believes that using an average is the best method of evaluating a
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
Page 19 of 26
technology because it is a true indication of how well a technology will protect the environment.
The median tends to give artificially lower TN results and is not a true indicator of mass loading.
Other than Maryland, Suffolk County appears to be the only jurisdictions in close proximity that uses
the true TN average to evaluate I/A OWTS performance. A combined average yields a true mass
loading versus other methods of analysis. For example:
Table 12: The Case for Utilizing Total Nitrogen Average versus Median
Technology System 1 System 2 System 3 System 4 Average Median
A 18 mg/l 18 mg/l 20 mg/l 20 mg/l 19 mg/l 19 mg/l
B 16 mg/l 16 mg/l 16 mg/l 60 mg/l 27 mg/l 16 mg/l
Therefore, the Department believes that a combined average provides an improved method of
analyzing a technology’s performance
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has jurisdiction of I/A
OWTS. The State Environmental Code Title 5 is the regulation used to evaluate and approve
conventional and advanced onsite systems. Suffolk County based its approval process on
Massachusetts three-phase (piloting, provisional, and general use) model. MassDEP requires I/A
OWTS in the Nitrogen Sensitive Areas (Public Wellheads and properties with private wastewater
and private well under one acre) under Title 5 guidelines and when density is greater than 440
gallons per day. MassDEP also requires the use of a secondary treatment unit for installations of
septic systems with a design flow of 2,000 gpd or greater when the system is located within a Zone
II/ Interim Wellhead Protection Area. In these instances, the regulations state 19 mg/L must be met
for residential where the load is 660 gpd/acre and 25 mg/L for multi-family residential and
commercial areas where the load is up to 550 gpd/acre.
MassDEP Title 5 regulations are in place in order to protect drinking water sources. Barnstable
County and other Cape Cod towns have more stringent regulations and require I/A OWTS in areas
beyond the State’s Nitrogen Sensitive Areas and pertain to environmental protection measures.
I/A OWTS Approved in the State of Massachusetts
• General Use Approval
o MicroFAST
o Recirculating Sand Filters
o RUCK
• Provisional Use Approval
o Orenco Advantex AX20 and RT
o Amphidrome
o Bioclere
o FAST
o RetroFAST
o Nitrex
o BioMicrobics SeptiTech STAAR
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
Page 20 of 26
o Norweco Singulair
o Waterloo Biofilter
Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment Septic Database
Barnstable County Septic Database tracks sampling, O&M, and pump-outs of the 2,355 I/A OWTS
located on Cape Cod and Nantucket. These numbers include single family residential, multi-family
residential and commercial sites. However, for the purpose of this report we only focused on
residential I/A OWTS. Table 13 lists the most common technologies and treatment performance as
of December 31, 2016.
Table 13: 2016 Treatment Performance of I/A OWTS in Barnstable County, MA
Barnstable
Technology Mean TN (mg/L)
Advantex 13.17
FAST 19.27
SeptiTech 12
Bioclere 14.04
Singulair 24.85
OMNI Recirculating Sand Filter 19.51
RUCK 20.35
Rhode Island
The State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Office of Water
Resources regulates wastewater treatment for the entire state. The DEM also license I/A OWTS
manufacturers and review plans for new I/A OWTS technologies. Most of the systems approved
meet 50% TN reduction and meet TN effluent of 19mg/L; RI DEM have also approved the Norweco
Hydro-Kinetic for 75% TN reduction. There is no long-term monitoring required in Rhode Island. I/A
OWTS are required in critical areas such as SAMPs – Special Area Management Plans (South
Shore Salt Pond and Narrow River) and public well radius areas. I/A OWTS (advanced treatment)
can be used when there in a non-conforming lot that does not meet setbacks or density and for new
construction, as part of the variance criteria. Local municipalities may require I/A OWTS more often
in certain situations beyond the requirements of the state. If an I/A OWTS is required by a local
municipality for a specific project, a letter is sent to the state informing them of such.
Approved Technologies for Nitrogen Reduction in Rhode Island:
• Amphidrome
• BioBarrier
• BioClere
• FAST (single home and modular)
• Norweco Singulair DN, Green, TNT
• Norweco Hydro-Kinetic
• White Knight
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
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• Orenco Advantex AX and RT
• Recirculating Sand Filter
• SeptiTech
Maryland
Maryland regulations require I/A OWTS, which they refer to as Best Available Technology (BAT),
for removal of nitrogen in onsite sewage disposal system for new construction and replacement
systems within the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Areas; the Critical Area is
the area within 1,000 feet of the waterbody. Maryland has a treatment performance limit of 30 mg/L
for TN and is the least stringent of the states looked at for this report. All wastewater systems
greater than 5,000 GPD must utilize BAT. In addition, sites outside of the Critical Area may be
required to install a BAT if they do not meet current standards (pre-existing lot size or deficient soil
types). There are approximately 8,944 (BAT) (I/A OWTS) installed in the state of Maryland.
Maryland’s program goal is primarily to upgrade existing conventional septic systems in the Critical
Areas to nitrogen reducing BAT systems by providing state grant funds. The Bay Restoration Fund
provides grants to property owners to cover part or all of the cost for a Nitrogen-Reducing
Pretreatment Unit. Based on the availability of funding, applications are processed on a first-come,
first-served basis with priority given to the repair or replacement of failing septic systems within the
Critical Areas. Low interest loans are also available. Only pre-qualified state-licensed disposal
system contractors may install BAT systems in the State. Pre-paid two-year maintenance contracts
and annual inspections in perpetuity are required for all BAT installations. The Maryland Code
states “the property owner is required to operate and maintain the BAT for the life of the system
through a certified service provider. The owner shall ensure the BAT system is inspected and has
necessary operation and maintenance performed at a minimum of once per year.” Inspection
contracts are with the selected system distributor’s trained inspector, which there are few of, so
homeowners have little choice in regard to who completes the annual inspections. The Table 14
lists the performance data of the BAT systems approved for use in Maryland.
Approved Technologies for Nitrogen Reduction in Maryland:
• Orenco Advantex AX20 and AX-RT
• AquaKlear
• Hoot BNR
• Hydro-Action AN Series
• RetroFAST
• BioMicrobics SeptiTech STAAR
• Norweco Singulair Green and Singulair TNT
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
Page 22 of 26
Table 14: Technology Performance Summary Table of Maryland BAT systems
M.D.
Technology Mean TN (mg/L)
Orenco Advantex AX-20 17
Orenco Advantex AX-RT 14.52
Hoot BNR 21
Hydro-Action AN Series 20.33
RetroFAST 25.44
SeptiTech 20
Singulair Green/TNT 27
AquaKlear 27.47
New Jersey
New Jersey Pinelands Commission regulates land use and development within the Pinelands
region. I/A OWTS are required for new construction within the New Jersey Pinelands region. There
are approximately 300 I/A OWTS installed compared to the 10,000 existing conventional on-site
wastewater disposal systems. Legacy conventional septic systems are not required to be updated,
as long as they are repaired/replaced in-kind/in-place they are grandfathered, however cesspools
are outlawed. Within the Pinelands growth areas, the following systems are approved on the
minimum corresponding lot size: Amphidrome (1 acre), Bioclere (1 acre), BioMicrobics MicroFAST
(1.4 acres), BioMicrobics BioBarrier (1.7 acres), SeptiTech (1.7 acres). Hoot and BUSSE I/A OWTS
technologies have also been approved for piloting use but there are none of these installed.
Cromaglass I/A OWTS technology was being piloted but never received approval. After an I/A
OWTS technology completes the pilot program, an approval for a specific lot size is determined.
After a technology has completed the pilot phase, no additional laboratory testing or sampling is
required. On residential properties that are at least 3.2 acres or more, no I/A OWTS technology is
required, even for new construction. New Jersey Pinelands Commission requires NEHA certification
for installers, and a five (5) year pre-paid operation & maintenance contract. The Commission
encourages homeowners to renew their operation & maintenance contracts after the five years are
up, but this is not a requirement, and usually does not happen. Therefore, there is no guarantee
that the systems are continuing to meet the treatment standard they did during piloting after the
initial five (5) year maintenance contract expires. The Table 15 lists the performance data of the NJ
Pinelands Commission systems.
Table 15: Technology Performance Summary Table for the New Jersey Pinelands
N.J.
Technology TN (mg/L)
MicroFAST 18.3
SeptiTech 17.9
Bioclere 11.95
Amphidrome 12.5
BioMicrobics BioBarrier 24.3
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
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VI. Statistical Analysis of Barnstable County’s I/A OWTS Database
The Horsley Witten Group, Inc. (HW) was hired by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) in 2016 to conduct a statistical analysis of the sampling data that has been
collected through the Barnstable County Septic Database. This database includes field sampling
data for approximately 2,039 advanced treatment systems and provides an opportunity to evaluate
how many samples are needed to understand the performance of a new nitrogen reducing
technology for onsite septic systems. Two questions were evaluated with the data provided by
Barnstable County:
1. How many samples are needed to understand the performance of an individual system
serving one home?
2. How many systems need to be sampled to evaluate the overall performance of an advanced
technology?
The Horsely Witten Group (HW) determined from the analysis that twelve (12) samples per system
is a reasonable number of samples that contributes to an acceptable percent error range (e.g., 20%
or below). A twelve (12) sample plan would make it easy to implement a monthly sampling plan
across one year. All of the results presented in this section represent the calculation using a 90%
confidence level. HW also analyzed the number of systems needed within different technologies,
some of the technologies analyzed had a reached the 20% error range threshold with only a few
systems tested (8 systems or less), whereas other technologies require more systems and data to
analyze (20 systems) in order reach the same threshold. Since the field evaluation data collection
protocol will be designed to test many technologies, this analysis can help inform regulators to
choose an appropriate number of systems to test. The analysis shows that field testing a select
number of systems between eight (8) and twenty (20) with twelve (12) samples collected on each
system would provide a sufficient amount of data to evaluate the performance of the technology.
Suffolk County was the first jurisdiction to develop an approval process based on this statistical
analysis.
VII. Emerging Technologies
New York State recently established the NYS Center for Clean Water Technology (CCWT) at Stony
Brook University, whose primary objective is to develop and commercialize wastewater treatment
systems for individual onsite (household) use that are affordable and highly efficient at removing
nitrogen and other contaminants. The CCWT has identified Nitrogen Removing Biofilters (NRBs) as
a system potentially capable of meeting this goal.
NRBs utilize a two-stage biofiltration concept treating septic tank effluent (STE). In the two-stage
process, nitrification occurs in the Stage 1 biofilter, followed by denitrification in the Stage 2 biofilter.
The NRB designs investigated by the CCWT typically consist of a vertically stacked media
arrangement, with the Stage 1 biofilter directly above the Stage 2 biofilter. The first stage provides
ammonification and nitrification via a porous media (sand) biofilter. The underlying second stage
provides denitrification via an anoxic biofilter with reactive media (such as lignocellulose). An
alternative design being tested utilizes a lined stage 1 nitrification biofilter discharging to an upflow
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
Page 24 of 26
stage 2 biofilter in a tank. The initial NRB design was developed as part of the Florida Onsite
Sewage Nitrogen Reduction Strategies Study (FOSNRS) and further refined incorporating lessons
learned in additional trials conducted at the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center
(MASSTC). The full-scale pilot testing demonstrated that NRBs are able to achieve high
percentages of total nitrogen removal (up to 90%). CCWT has installed three (3) variations of
NRB’s at the MASSTC in 2016 and will work with Suffolk County to install NRB’s at private
residences on County Park Sites in 2017 and 2018.
Figure 4: Schematic of a Lined Nitrogen Reducing Biofilter
VIII. Summary and Recommendations
Suffolk County’s Reclaim Our Water Initiative has assertively set the stage for the use of nitrogen
reducing septic systems in Suffolk County. Specifically, the I/A OWTS Demonstration Program
proved to be an effective method to further the assessment of I/A OWTS technologies in Suffolk
County and their ability to reach nitrogen reduction objectives, provide the Department with valuable
information regarding construction of programmatic infrastructure necessary to allow for the review
and approval of I/A OWTS and allowed for validation of local institutional ability to install and
operate systems.
The Demonstration Program also allowed the Department to compare how I/A OWTS technologies
functioned in Suffolk County as compared to their performance in proximate jurisdictions. The
Hydro-Action AN series performed significantly better in Suffolk County than in Maryland, averaging
11.6 mg/L in Suffolk and 20.33 mg/L in Maryland. Norweco Singulair TNT also performed better in
Suffolk County than in Massachusetts and Maryland, where the technology averaged 24.85 mg/l
and 27 mg/l respectively. The Orenco AX-RT series performed consistently below 19 mg/l in all
jurisdictions and the BUSSE system, which is only in use in Suffolk County, failed to reduce TN and
both systems had to be taken offline due to a pH below 4.
The performance standard of 19 mg/L TN represents the most stringent enacted TN requirement
that does not also allow for increase in density above Article 6 requirements, and changing the
performance standard is not recommended at this time. Review of data from other jurisdictions
supports this recommendation. Suffolk County and Maryland are the only proximate jurisdictions
that use a true average to determine system performance. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
Page 25 of 26
Jersey use the median, which Suffolk County believes is not the best indicator of system
performance. If these jurisdictions used the mean instead, the resultant data would show the
systems have difficulty achieving 19 mg/L. In addition, as the statistical analysis of the Barnstable
County, MA database by Horsely Witten Group indicated, jurisdictions should be cautious not to
change performance standards unless and until there is adequate confidence that the data
represents the true performance of a specific technology. The statistical analysis showed that in
order to reach a 90 percent confidence level in the data a minimum of twelve (12) samples from
twenty (20) systems of a technology are needed. Suffolk County is the first jurisdiction to adopt an
approval process based on this statistical analysis.
In 2017, the Department hopes to install eight (8) different technologies on twenty (20) residential
sites as part of the second phase of the I/A OWTS demonstration program. It is recommended that
in the second phase the minimum number of systems required to be installed per technology be
increased to two (2) systems to allow for a larger sample data set and improved evaluation of
system functionality. In addition, the Department will continue to work with The Center for Clean
Water Technology at Stony Brook University to pursue sites for the installation and evaluation of
Nitrogen Reducing Biofilters which hold much promise and excitement. The Department anticipates
that there could be several more technologies Provisionally Approved in 2017.
SCDHS 2016 I/A OWTS Report December 2017
Page 26 of 26
REFERENCES USED IN PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT
Barnstable County Septic Online Database. https://septic.barnstablecountyhealth.org/
The Center for Clean Water Technology at SUNY Stony Brook and Hazen Group, Nitrogen
Reducing Biofilter Draft Engineering Report, November 2016
Horsely Witten Group, Analysis of Barnstable County Advanced Onsite Wastewater Septic Data,
August 7, 2017
Maryland’s Nitrogen-Reducing Septic Upgrade Program, Maryland Department of The Environment
website:http://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/BayRestorationFund/OnsiteDisposalSystems/Pag
es/index.aspx
NJ Pinelands Commission, Annual Report to the New Jersey Pinelands Commission Alternate
Design Treatment Systems Pilot Program. August 5, 2017
Suffolk County, Requests for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for Phase II Demonstration of I/A
OWTS in Suffolk County, March 10, 2016
Suffolk County Department of Health Services, Article 6 of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code,
Originally Adopted November 19, 1980
Suffolk County Department of Health Services, Article 19 of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code,
Effective 8/1/2016
Suffolk County Department of Health Services, Standards Promulgated Under Article 19 for the
Approval and Management of Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems,
Issued December 29, 2017
Suffolk County Department of Health Services, Suffolk County Sanitary Code Article 19: Approval
and Management of Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, December
29, 2017