Septic system remediation

A wastewater treatment apparatus for remediation of a wastewater treatment system has a septic tank with a lower sludge layer and an upper liquid effluent layer. The apparatus is comprised of a brush that includes a brush arm having a first end, a second end, and bristles disposed on the brush arm between the first end and the second end. The brush is configured to be positioned within the liquid effluent layer in the septic tank in a vertical orientation such that the second end is disposed below the first end.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to septic systems and to the components that make up such systems. More particularly, it relates to an improved method and apparatus for remediating the formation of a bio-mat that can occur in the absorption field component of a private on-site wastewater treatment system.

Septic systems and septic system components are well known in the art. Such systems are typically found in relatively sparsely populated areas not otherwise serviced by municipal waste water systems. However, septic systems are also frequently used in developing countries even in very populous areas. In populous areas, the combination of high user loads and poor maintenance can lead to problems.

The purpose of a septic system is to dispose of the wastewater that is generated by the occupants of a home or other building in such a manner that surrounding soils can be used to disperse the wastewater without causing an adverse effect on ground water and, in turn, on public health and the environment in general. To accomplish this task, septic systems normally include a septic tank, a distribution system and a leaching system.

The septic tank is connected to the plumbing of a home or building by a sewer line. The septic tank provides a holding area for the settling of waste solids and for some initial treatment of the waste. Some septic tanks are constructed with porous walls and or bottoms with or without an outlet pipe. These tanks are commonly known as cesspools. These tanks provide a holding area for the solids and allow the liquids to flow through the porous walls and or bottom. This type of system provides both a means of accumulating solids (a tank) and the distribution of treated effluent (a seepage pit). Generally, septic tanks have baffles to slow the velocity of the liquid moving through the tank and to prevent solids from leaving the tank. In this way, properly functioning septic tanks produce an effluent of fairly uniform quality.

The effluent then moves to a distribution system that directs the flow of effluent from the septic tank to the leaching system. Most systems take advantage of gravity, meaning that flow runs through piping and distribution boxes without the assistance of any mechanical device such as a pump. The leaching system disperses the sewage effluent over an underground area and into the surrounding natural soils. There are several types of leaching systems and the specific type used often depends on the surrounding soil conditions. Most residential leaching systems use stone-filled leaching trenches, but galleries, pits, and beds have also been used.

Typically, private on-site wastewater treatment systems have finite lifetimes due to many factors including household water use, excessive introduction of chemicals into the waste stream, poor maintenance, and environmental factors. Replacement of any septic system component that may be required to deal with remediation of the entire system can be extremely expensive. The reason for this is the fact that the septic system components, for the most part, are buried underground and are largely inaccessible.

A significant factor is that passive septic systems typically rely on the presence of indigenous anaerobic bacteria to break down the solid waste introduced to the system. As solid waste enters the septic tank, it flows through the series of baffles that are designed to reduce the velocity of the flow as previously described. Generally, three identifiable layers occur in a septic tank. The first layer is generally known as sludge, and includes solid wastes that precipitate out of the flow to the bottom of the septic tank. The intermediate layer is liquid effluent that generally includes liquids and solids partially broken down into liquids by the anaerobic bacteria that are present in the septic tank. This intermediate layer is drained off to the absorption field. The top layer in the septic tank is generally known as the scum layer. The scum layer generally includes residual detergents, soaps, fats, and oils and has a tendency to float at the top of the septic tank. Optimally, the septic tank is designed such that only the partially treated liquid effluent is permitted to leave the septic tank for the absorption field. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Anaerobic bacteria thrive in conditions such as those that exist at the bottom of a septic system where oxygen is lacking. Accordingly, septic systems are designed to have the capacity to treat a certain amount of solid wastes based on the capability of the indigenous bacteria to break down the solid waste over a certain period of time. Therefore, the average amount of solid waste produced per day should be approximately equal to the amount that the anaerobic bacteria can break down in one day.

Aerobic bacteria are also indigenous and are found naturally within the waste stream. Aerobic bacteria, however, exist and function only where oxygen is present. While aerobic bacteria typically break down solid wastes more quickly than anaerobic bacteria, they are ineffective at breaking down sludge, or the solid layer at the bottom of the septic tank because there is no oxygen present in that layer. Due to significant installation and operating costs, aerobic systems that would otherwise eliminate this sludge layer are not favored for home use.

As anaerobic bacteria digest solids suspended in the effluent as they make their way to the absorption field or in the absorption field, the suspended solids and accompanying bacteria are then deposited at the interface between the absorption field and the soil surrounding the system. This layer is known as the “bio-mat” and this layer further filters the effluent. Unfortunately, the bio-mat layer can grow to a thickness where it completely, or almost completely, impedes absorption.

While there are many ways in which septic systems can fail, one of the most likely modes of failure includes the creation and thickening of a bio-mat layer at the absorption field due to the decomposition of solids within the effluent. Another mode of failure includes excess sludge and scum from the septic tank that builds up in the bio-mat. For example, the septic tank fills with sludge when the rate of decomposition caused by the anaerobic bacteria is incapable of keeping up with the rate of solids draining into the system. The scum level at the top of the tank takes up more space as the sludge level gets higher. This causes the liquid effluent to run through the septic tank more quickly, which prevents solids from settling. The solids that fail to settle in the septic tank proceed to the absorption system, where they frequently plug the pores in the soil used for absorption. The scum layer can also find its way out of the septic tank and similarly prevents soil absorption. If too much of the absorption field is plugged by scum and solids, the effluent will actually back up in the absorption area and cause muddy spots in the area above the absorption field. This is a sign that the absorption field has failed and causes an extremely malodorous and unsightly condition.

Replacement of soil absorption systems is costly and heavily regulated due to the threat that malfunctioning systems pose to groundwater. Replacement systems (e.g., converting to an active system, creating an above-grade soil absorption system, or holding tanks) are also very expensive.

Frequently, a failing or failed soil absorption system can be remediated with the support of naturally occurring aerobic bacteria in the system. In theory, an aerobic system could eliminate or substantially reduce the failure rate of an absorption field. Unfortunately, aerobic bacteria also require the introduction of oxygen into the waste stream. Temporary introduction of oxygen into a failed or failing soil absorption field for the purpose of converting the biochemical process from an anaerobic one to an aerobic one has been previously identified in published U.S. application Ser. No. 10/764,245 (assigned to Aero-Stream, LLC). The '245 application discloses that forced introduction of oxygen into the system would allow the aerobic bacteria to scour the bio-mat, which reduces the thickness and/or increases the permeability of the bio-mat and permits the system to revert back to an anaerobic passive system as originally designed. There is also a need to alter the biochemical process by conversion of the complete soil absorption component or a localized area of it.

Forced introduction of ozone gas also can improve performance of the remediation process. For example, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/930,148 (assigned to Aero-Stream, LLC) discloses the use of ozone for septic system remediation. Ozone, also known as triatomic oxygen or O3, is itself a powerful oxidizing agent. In nature, ozone is created when the electrical current of lightning transforms diatomic oxygen molecules, or O2, into activated triatomic oxygen. However, ozone, also is an unstable gas which, at normal temperatures and under all ordinary conditions, spontaneously decomposes to diatomic oxygen. This decomposition is accelerated by solid surfaces and by many chemical substances. For this reason, ozone is not encountered except in the immediate vicinity of where it is formed. That is, ozone cannot be stored and must be generated on-site. When ozone is introduced into the system, some of the ozone decomposes bio-degradable matter in the system. The balance of the available ozone rapidly decomposes to oxygen and is available for consumption by the aerobic bacteria.

One significant problem with existing remediation systems is that the air and/or oxygen or ozone that is introduced into the system simply bubbles to the surface of the tank.

SUMMARY

Normally, air bubbles emitted in a liquid medium combine to form larger bubbles. The present invention optimizes growth of bacteria by generating oxygen-inclusive microbubbles and retaining a significant portion of the microbubbles in the tank via suspension to increase the growth of aerobic bacteria. Providing a concentrated oxygen environment that is suspended in an area including aerobic bacteria will allow the bacteria to further clean the wastewater and thus remediate the septic system.

For example, in one embodiment, a wastewater treatment system has a septic tank with a lower sludge layer and an upper liquid effluent layer. The wastewater treatment apparatus comprises a brush including a brush arm having a first end, a second end, and bristles disposed on the brush arm between the first end and the second end. The brush is configured to be positioned within the liquid effluent in the septic tank in a vertical orientation such that the second end is disposed below the first end.

In another embodiment, a wastewater treatment apparatus for remediation of a wastewater treatment system has a septic tank with a lower sludge layer and an upper liquid effluent layer. The wastewater treatment apparatus comprises brushes including brush arms each having a first end, a second end, and bristles disposed on each of the brush arms between the first end and the second end. The brushes are configured to be positioned within the liquid effluent in the septic tank in a spaced apart manner. The brushes are configured to be oriented substantially vertically within the liquid effluent.

Another embodiment includes a method of remediating a wastewater treatment. The wastewater treatment system having a septic tank with a lower sludge layer and an upper liquid effluent layer. The method includes, positioning one or more brushes within the liquid effluent layer with each of the one or more brushes including one or more brush arms having a first end, a second end, and bristles disposed between the first end and the second end. The method further includes, orienting each of the one or more brushes substantially vertically within the liquid effluent layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, there are three types of aeration treatment units. There are suspended growth units, attached growth units, or a combination of the two. Suspended growth units are the most used aerobic units. Suspended growth units consist of an aeration chamber where air is mixed with wastewater. The aeration chamber contains a pump or a compressor to bring into the wastewater so it can be used by the bacteria. The bacteria are kept in suspension in the aeration chamber, and air is mixed with the effluent. The bacteria digest the solids in the wastewater or effluent and turn it into new bacteria cells, carbon dioxide, and water. Attached growth units treat wastewater by providing a surface for bacteria growth. The bacteria-covered surface is introduced to the wastewater and the air alternately. These units sometimes contain fixed or floating cylinders or spheres that move around in the wastewater. Pretreatment is required for attached growth units. An advantage to attached growth units is that there is no mixing of air in the wastewater. The invention described herein takes advantage of both methods. The present invention provides for suspended growth in that all of the oxygen is not captured by the attached growth brushes. Additionally, as described in detail below, attached growth is the growth provided for on brushes that are suspended in the liquid effluent layer.

FIGS. 1 and 2illustrates an exemplary septic system10that lies, at least for the most part, below earth grade. The septic system10includes a pipe leading from a home or building (not shown), and the pipe12is connected to a tank14. The tank14may or may not have a vented cover. The tank14may include risers16,18and a vent20. As will become apparent later in this detailed description, if the tank14does not have the vented cover20atop of the risers16, one may need to be added to utilize the apparatus of the present invention. The tank14is, in turn, connected to a dry well or seepage pit (not shown), or connected to an absorption field or an above-grade mounted system (not shown), via an outlet pipe24.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, the septic system also includes a high volume air pump or ozone generating pump30that is connected to a low pressure drop sintered air stone50(FIG. 2), which has a relatively large surface area. The system10may include additional pumps30to generate air, oxygen, ozone, or a combination thereof (referred to collectively as ‘air’ for purposes of the description and the claims), and additional air stones50depending on the design of the system10. It will be appreciated that only one ozone or oxygen-generating pump30is necessary in some systems, and that in systems with multiple pumps, the additional pumps may be non-ozone generating pumps. In embodiments with multiple air stones50, the air stones50are placed at various locations inside the septic system10. The pump30forces air, oxygen, ozone, or a combination thereof, into tubing or aeration lines40(e.g., clear vinyl, other types of tubing) that are connected to the air stone(s)50to direct air to the air stone(s)50. The matrix of the aeration lines40in the system determines the number of air stones50that may be used. In other words, if the aeration lines50include branches, the air stones50may be coupled to each branch in the aeration lines50. The aeration lines40are positioned in the vent pipe of the tank14, although the lines40can be positioned in other locations. The air stone50and a portion of the aeration lines40are inserted into the tank14via the tank vent20when the aeration lines40are located in the vent pipe.

As shown inFIGS. 1-6, the system10further includes an oxygen or ozone retaining apparatus60with brushes or brush assemblies62. The brush62is suspended around the air stone50using a float64in a liquid effluent layer68above a sludge layer69that accumulates on a bottom surface70of a tank14. As shown, space between the bottom of the brush62and the sludge layer69creates a non-baffled gap that allows free movement of microbial flocks or bacteria between the effluent layer68and the sludge layer69(e.g., between the biological phases created in the tank system). In other words, the gap below the brush62allows bacteria to travel from the effluent layer68to the sludge layer69(e.g., via gravitational force). With the brush62surrounding the air stone50in the effluent layer68, the air stone50is held in the effluent layer68such that the air stone50does not rest on the sludge layer68and emits bubbles into the effluent layer68from all sides. The brushes62slow the flow of the air as it bubbles upward to provide increase oxygen availability for the aerobic bacteria.

With reference toFIG. 7, each brush62includes a plurality of brush arms76, although one or more brushes62can have a single brush arm76in some embodiments. Each brush arm76has a first end80, a second end84, and bristles88that are disposed on the brush arm76between the first end80and the second end84. The bristles88may be fabricated from synthetic material (e.g., polyvinyl, chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene, nylon, etc.) or natural material (e.g., coconut fibers, etc.), and the bristles88can have fibers (natural or synthetic) of random length, shape, sectional area, and texture. The randomness a brush that, in general, tends to retain more oxygen than synthetic fibers. As illustrated, the bristles88are defined by perforated and flexible three-dimensional tubules that are packed into a cylindrical bundle to create the brush arm76. The bristles88can be tied in the middle or in other areas to maintain a relatively tight bundle within which bristles88are generally spaced equidistant from each other. Air bubbles enter the perforated, flexible bundle of tubules to create a bottleneck effect for the bubbles, which delays the release of air bubbles out of the water and allows significantly enhanced oxygen transfer in the septic tank14. In the illustrated embodiment, a casing90is shown. The casing90is used during shipment to maintain the tight bundle of each brush arm76during transport. Before use, the casing90is removed from each brush arm76. The casing90may be a plastic material, or the like.

The first end80of each brush arm76is connected to the float64via a tie line92such that one tie line92is used to attach the plurality of brush arms76to the float64. It will be appreciated that several tie lines92may be used to attach the brush arms76to the float64(or multiple floats). In the depicted embodiment, the tie line92has a main stem that extends through the float64such that the float64is oriented substantially (almost) vertical in the use position of the brush arms76. In other embodiments, the float64may include a generally vertical orientation relative to the direction in which the brush arms76extend. In other words, the float64is free slide up and down along the tie line92when the brush arms76are in the use position. In further embodiments, the float64may be substantially (almost) horizontal, horizontal relative to the direction in which the brush arms76extend, or any alternate orientation relative to the direction in which the brush arms76extend.

As shown, the second end84of each brush arm76is coupled to a spacer or connector96(illustrated as a hoop inFIG. 7). In the illustrated embodiment, the second ends84are spaced apart from each other along a circumference of the connector96. The connector96acts as a spacer for the brush arms76and can have any shape (e.g., a line, circular, square, triangular, other polygonal shapes, etc.) that allows the second ends84to be spaced apart from each other when the brush is in use. In some constructions, the brush62may not have a connector adjacent the second end84or any other type of spacer, or the brush arms76may be spaced apart in other ways. For example, individual spacers may be positioned between adjacent brush arms76, or each brush arm76may have a semi-rigid or rigid ‘spine’ so that the arms76angle generally away from each other.

FIG. 8illustrates another exemplary brush162having the plurality of brush arms76connected to the float64via the tie line92. The brush162is similar to the brush62described above, and only the differences between the brush162and the brush62above are described in detail below.

Each of the plurality of brush arms76include a first end166and a second end170. The first end166of each brush arm76is coupled to a first connector172(illustrated as a top hoop inFIG. 8). In the illustrated embodiment, the first ends166are spaced apart from each other along a circumference of the first connector172. The tie line92is secured to the first connector172adjacent each of the first ends166. Also, the tie line92illustrated inFIG. 8has a float extension that extends downward from the main stem of the tie line92and through the float64such that the float64is oriented horizontal or substantially (almost) horizontal in the use position of the brush arms76. In some embodiments, such as illustrated with regard toFIG. 7, the float64may be oriented vertical or substantially (almost) vertical in the use position of the brush arms76. The second end170of each brush arm76is coupled to a second connector174(illustrated as a bottom hoop inFIG. 8). In the illustrated embodiment, the second ends170are spaced apart from each other along a circumference of the second connector174. The diameter of the illustrated second connector174is the same as the diameter of the first connector172so that each brush arm76is oriented generally vertical. In some embodiments, the diameters of the first connector172and the second connector174can be different.

When the brushes62,162are placed in the tank14, the brush62is positioned in the effluent layer68in the tank14so that the brushes62,162generally have a vertical orientation. Stated another way, the second ends84of the brush arms76are oriented below the respective first ends80when the brushes62,162are placed in the tank14. The tie line92extends through the float64(such that the float64can slide on the tie line92) and is secured to a top wall98of the tank14. The brush arms76hang or suspend from the float64. The connector96acts as a weight to maintain the brush arms76in the generally vertical orientation, maintains tension on the brush arms76, and prevents significant movement of the brush arms76while also separating the brush arms76from each other. For purposes of the claims, ‘generally vertical’ is intended to mean that the brush arms76extend downward from the first end80in a vertical direction or at an angle of 75 degrees or less relative to vertical.

By suspending the brushes62,162via the float64in a generally vertical orientation around the air stone50, air bubbles that emanate from the air stone50contact the brushes62,162and are held, at least momentarily, on the bristles88and/or break apart into smaller bubbles to feed the aerobic bacteria. As explained above, this arrangement of the brush arms76creates a bottleneck effect in relation to the air bubbles, delaying the release of the air bubbles out of the effluent layer68and allowing enhanced oxygenation to occur. The oxygenation of the effluent layer68allows the aerobic bacteria to thrive and multiply. The brushes62,162may be of a different shape or size, although it is preferable that the brush62have a large surface area to capture and contain more oxygen to support the growth and multiplication of aerobic bacteria.

FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate another exemplary septic system110including the oxygen or ozone retaining apparatus60with the brushes or brush assemblies62. The septic system110is similar to the septic system10described above, and only differences between the septic system10and the septic system110are described in detail. The remaining features are the same as described with regard toFIGS. 1, 2, and 7.

The septic system110includes a pipe112leading from a home or building and the pipe112is connected to a tank114. The tank114differs from the previously disclosed embodiment in that the tank114includes a divider125in the center of the tank that separates the tank into a first portion126and a second portion127. The first portion126and the second portion127are fluidly connected via an opening128in the divider125. The tank114includes risers116,118and a vented cover120.

The second portion127of the tank114is connected to a dry well or seepage pit (not shown) via an outlet pipe124. A pump130, a tubing140, and an air stone150may be used with the second portion of the tank through insertion of the tubing140via the tank vent120of the second portion127. The brushes62,162are displaced in the second portion127of the tank114such that the brushes62,162are vertically oriented in a liquid effluent layer168for aerobic bacteria production around the air stone150and above a sludge layer169, in a similar manner to that of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate another exemplary septic system210including the oxygen or ozone retaining apparatus62with the brushes or brush assemblies60. The septic system210is similar to the septic systems10,110described above, and only the differences between the septic system210and the septic systems10,110above are described in detail below.

The system210includes a pipe212leading from a home or building (not shown) and the pipe212is connected to a first tank214. The first tank214includes a divider225in the center of the tank214that separates the tank214into a first portion226and a second portion227. The first portion226and the second portion227are fluidly connected via an opening228in the divider225. The first tank214includes risers216,218with a vented cover220.

The second portion227of the first tank214is, in turn, connected to a second tank232via a pipe233. The second tank232is then connected to a dry well or seepage pit (not shown) via an outlet pipe224. A pump230, a tubing240, and an air stone250may be used with the second portion227of the first tank214through insertion of the tubing240via the tank vent220of the second portion227, and/or with the second tank232through insertion of the tubing240via a tank vent242of the second tank232. The brushes62,162are displaced within the second portion227of the first tank214and the second tank232such that the brushes62,162are vertically oriented in a liquid effluent layer268for aerobic bacteria production around the air stones250and above a sludge layer169, in a similar manner to that of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2.

It is to be understood that the improved apparatus of the present invention could be installed in alternate locations other than the embodiments disclosed above. For example, the aeration lines could be installed in the final septic tank or pumping chamber of a multiple tank system10,110,210or in the septic tank in a single tank system immediately prior to the outlet to the soil absorption system10,110,210. As an alternate to installing through a vented cover, small holes can be drilled through the lid of the tank or compartment and the aeration lines installed. Installation of an approved effluent filter or a bristled filter brush is recommended with this application method.

Remediation is a lengthy process. However, the oxygen or ozone retaining apparatus62provides some degree of more immediate remediation compared to existing systems. Substantial remediation can occur in most systems (e.g., septic systems10,110,210) within about 6 months, although remediation may take as long as one year. If, even then, the system is not completely remediated, the equipment can be operated for longer periods without detrimental effects to the system. One advantage to the use of at least one ozone-generating pump30within the septic system is that the application of ozone to any medium, liquid or gas, does not add other chemicals to the septic system

In the experience of this inventor, the length of time needed to remediate a failing or failed absorption field depends on several factors, including, but not limited to, system type, size, severity of failure, site conditions, precipitation, and the average temperature during the remediation process. Several trials have been conducted that show the influences of these conditions. All trials showed successful application of the remediation program using the brushes described above. The trials showed little change in measured effluent in the absorption system during the first several days of remediation. The following weeks showed a significant drop in effluent levels. Over time, the rate of effluent reduction decays. Rapid effluent drop near the top of the absorption system is to be expected as it is not normally used until the lower levels become plugged and the effluent levels begin to rise. Daily specific hydraulic loading and local precipitation had similar effects on all systems.

In the event that a septic system does not have a vent at a convenient location to monitor the progress of the remediation method, a monitoring well can be added to a conventional soil absorption system by driving a “sandpoint” well point not less than 12 inches and not more than 24 inches below the bottom of the soil absorption vent pipe. The bottom of the “sandpoint” should be driven to the bottom of the soil absorption field. Therefore, the effluent level in the “sandpoint” can then be monitored.

This improved process and apparatus can be applied to the effluent contained in a holding tank. In this application, the effluent category can be changed from untreated waste to treated waste. This recategorization may reduce the pumping cost associated with the holding tank. Typically, untreated waste of a holding tank must be disposed of in a waste treatment facility. The waste treatment facility charges the waste hauler for this service, who in turn charges the owner of the holding tank. Treated waste can be alternatively distributed into the surface of the ground at less cost.

Yet another application of this improved process and equipment is in mobile and portable holding tanks. Mobile and portable holding tanks can be found in, but are not limited to recreational vehicles, camping trailers, boats, etc. These holding tanks are anaerobic in nature and emit odorful methane gases. Owners typically add chemical odor controllers containing paraformaldehyde, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (quaternary ammonium) or other disinfectants. These chemicals are toxic and detrimental to a private on-site wastewater treatment system. Many rural campgrounds are serviced by a private on-site wastewater treatment system. Many campgrounds discourage or have banned the use of these additives. As alluded to earlier, the application of ozone to any medium does not add any other chemicals. In this application, the naturally occurring aerobic bacteria can eliminate the odors of a blackwater or sewage holding tank. In fact, ozone in its gaseous state is a proven deodorizer for a variety of odorous materials. Ozone also has the proven ability to convert biorefractory organic materials to biodegradable materials. Thus, ozone oxidation can produce wastewater with lower concentrations of problematic organic compounds. The equipment will keep the holding tank significantly free of sludge build up on the sidewalls and depth sensors. Application of this improved process to the gray water holding tank will also eliminate odor, keeps the holding tank free of sludge build up on the sidewalls and depth sensors. This treated gray water is then suitable for the use of flushing the toilet.

Based on the foregoing, it will be apparent that there has been provided an improved apparatus and method for introducing and retaining oxygen and ozone, or ozone only, into the effluent layer of a septic tank by suspending an oxygen delivering device in the effluent and providing for an oxygen retaining mechanism such as a series of brushes or similar large surface area devise that provide surface area upon which bubbles form, which, in turn provides for a larger source of oxygen for aerobic bacteria for the converting the biochemical process from an anaerobic one to an aerobic one. The forced introduction of air, oxygen, ozone, or a combination thereof, into the system allows the aerobic bacteria to scour the bio-mat, thereby working to reduce the thickness of the bio-mat and permitting the system to revert back to an anaerobic passive system as originally designed. By using the improved method and apparatus of the present invention, the biochemical process is altered by complete or localized conversion of the soil absorption component as above described. The improved apparatus of the present invention may seem quite simple in practice compared to existing aerobic systems. However, the goal of this improved approach to remediation is value based. The idea is to provide an inexpensive and effective alternative to replacing the absorption system of a septic system. This has been accomplished by the improved method and apparatus of the present invention.

The septic systems described with regard toFIGS. 1-6are only exemplary systems in which the brushes62,162can be implemented. It will be appreciated that the precise configurations of the septic systems are only for illustrative purposes, and that other types of waste treatment systems (with one or more tanks, different layouts, etc.) can include the brushes.