August Meeting will be focused on graywater issues. Workshops on streambank stabilization and drainage BMP s is planned for the fall. Dick Sherman and Paul Tantet presented the latest ways to extend the life of your septic system and avoid costly repairs. Effluent filters can be installed into an existing tank for relatively little, and their ability to collect suspended solids allows a leach field or seepage pit to work better. Paul provided slides illustrating several new systems, and Dick brought the actual materials for people to see.
Several companies offer a variety of new technologies that can make a system extremely efficient.
Dick recommended alternating use of leach field or pits to allow them to dry out. Some of the more sophisticated systems will pump microdoses of effluent into the fields over time, which also allows better function. Aeration, blowers, textile filters and sand filters were all described in detail. Susan Nissman brought up the issue of why sewers are not being considered for Topanga. Cost is extreme due to topography, and even small package plants have a problem with disposal of the treated waters.