Massachusetts Design & Installation Manual: Do Not Copy or Distribute

Massachusetts
Design&InstallationManual
ConfidentialtoDesigners&Installers
AuthorizedbyWaterlooBiofilterSystemsInc.
DoNotCopyorDistribute
PropertyofWaterlooBiofilterSystemsInc.
Tobereturneduponrequest
WaterlooBiofilterSystemsInc.
143DennisStreet,P.O.Box400
Rockwood,OntarioN0B2K0
T:5198560757F:5198560759
www.waterloobiofilter.com
AuthorizedAgentinMassachusetts:
ClearWaterIndustries
P.O.Box825
Ipswich,MA01938
T:9783560779F:9783565500
www.clearwaterindustries.com
TableofContents
TableofContents
HowtheWaterlooBiofilterWorks...........................................................................................................1
WaterlooBiofilterAdvantages..................................................................................................................3
WaterlooBiofilterTreatmentUnits..........................................................................................................5
WireMeshBaskets................................................................................................................................5
CedarSheds...........................................................................................................................................6
BulkFilledTanks....................................................................................................................................7
SC20&S40ShippingContainers.........................................................................................................8
Distribution...............................................................................................................................................9
DoseVolumes......................................................................................................................................10
Recirculation...........................................................................................................................................11
Ventilation...............................................................................................................................................12
OdorPotential.....................................................................................................................................12
OurExperience........................................................................................................................................14
ThirdPartyTesting..................................................................................................................................16
TechnologyProtection............................................................................................................................17
DesignGuide...........................................................................................................................................18
SystemComponents............................................................................................................................18
WhatisaCommercialSystem?...........................................................................................................20
LoadingRate............................................................................................................................................21
DesignConsiderations.............................................................................................................................23
HighStrengthSewage.........................................................................................................................24
LowStrengthSewage..........................................................................................................................25
PresenceofGrease..............................................................................................................................26
HighPeakFlow....................................................................................................................................27
HeavyDisinfectantUse.......................................................................................................................28
OtherConsiderations..........................................................................................................................29
GreaseTrap.............................................................................................................................................30
GreaseTrapMaintenance..................................................................................................................31
SepticTanks............................................................................................................................................32
EffluentFilter..........................................................................................................................................34
PumpTank/ScreenedFilterVault...........................................................................................................36
SimplexInstallation.............................................................................................................................37
AlternatingDuplexInstallation...........................................................................................................38
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MassachusettsDesignandInstallationManual
TableofContents
TreatmentUnits......................................................................................................................................40
BelowGradeInstallation(WireMeshBasketsORBulkFilledConcreteTanks)..................................41
TankInstallation.................................................................................................................................42
WireMeshBasketBiofilters................................................................................................................44
BulkFilledConcreteTankBiofilter......................................................................................................47
ConcreteTankPlumbing.....................................................................................................................48
CedarShedBiofilter.............................................................................................................................51
TypicalCedarShedsystemoverview..................................................................................................52
SC20&SC40ShippingContainerBiofilters.......................................................................................54
ElectricalWiring......................................................................................................................................61
SystemStartup(SystemStartupperformedbyClearWaterIndustries)..............................................62
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HowtheWaterlooBiofilterWorks
HowtheWaterlooBiofilterWorks
TheWaterlooBiofilterisanonsitewastewatertreatmentsystemforresidential,commercial,
andsmallmunicipalapplications.Difficultsiteswithsmalllots,bedrock,highwatertable,clay
or poor soils, and environmentally sensitive areas are especially suitable for the Waterloo
Biofilter technology due to its consistently high coldweather treatment levels, high nitrogen
removal,andsmallfootprint.WaterlooBiofiltershavebeenextensivelytestedinthefieldand
proveneffectivewithsewagewastewatersfrom:
Individualhomesandcottages
Smallmunicipalities
Restaurants,truckstops
Largeandsmallgolfcourses
Trailerparks,campgrounds
Schools,marinas,churches
Nursinghomes,greenhouses
Greywatersources
Landfillleachate*
Foodprocessingfacilities*
Agriculturalfacilities*
*withrestrictions
More than 15 independent agencies have tested Waterloo Biofilter systems at over 25 sites.
More than 5,000 systems, both small and large scale, have been installed across Canada, the
US,andseveralothercountries,wheretheyconsistentlyproducetertiaryqualityeffluenteven
after 15 years of continuous use. Contaminant removal rates in the Waterloo Biofilter
consistently exceed 95% BOD, 95% TSS, 3065% TN, 99% fecal coliforms and 99% of viruses
evenincoldclimates.
The key to the Waterloo Biofilter system is its patented, high efficiency and absorbent filter
medium. Wastewater is distributed evenly over the surface of the filter medium where it is
absorbed and held up in the air. As the wastewater slowly percolates down, naturally
occurring microbes degrade the solids and organic matter, attenuate coliform bacteria, and
nitrify ammonium, producing a clear and odorless effluent that is easily and safely dispersed
backintotheenvironment.
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HowtheWaterlooBiofilterW
Works
The Watterloo Biofilter filter medium

m
hass been enggineered to have the reverse phyysical
propertie
esofsand.Inasandfilter,bacteria liveonthe outersurfaccesofthesaandgrainsw
where
theygrow
woutintotthesmallpo
oresbetween
nparticlesaandrestrict air(oxygen))andwater flow.
InaWatterlooBiofiltter,bacteriaaliveonthe
einternalsuurfacesofth
hefiltermed
diumwherethey
areprote
ected,growoutintolarggeopenporreswithoutssloughingofff,anddono
otrestrictairand
waterflo
owthroughtthefilter.
Plugging of the filter medium does
d
not occcur even at very high h
hydraulic loaading rates. The
filter me
edium retain
ns water viia capillary action so tthat bacteriia can degrrade the orrganic
contamin
nants and nitrify amm
monium (req
quired to rremove nitrrogen). Beecause it iss not
submergged, the filte
er medium allows
a
oxyge
en to passivvely circulate throughou
ut it withou
ut the
need forr high energgy air comprressors and diffusers. TThe result iss a very passsive system
m that
provides anaerobic treatmente
environmentattheouttersurfaces ofthefiltermedium,aanda
moreano
oxictreatme
entenvironm
mentdeeperrwithinthefiltermediumsinteriorss.
Waterloo
oBiofiltersyystemsconsiistentlyprod
ducetertiaryyqualityefffluentthatisseasilydispeersed
backinto
otheenviron
nmentthrou
ughshallowtrenchesorrtheproven
nWaterlooA
AreaBed.Allthis
isaccomplishedusin
ngverylittleenergy,min
nimalmainttenancerequ
uirements,aandapermaanent
filtermedium.
SaandFilterss
Waterlo
ooBiofilterrs
separaate flow paaths for airr (oxygen) &

wastew
water
biomat growth does not
n
restrict
wastew
waterorairflowpaths
effective treatment at high loading rate
es
allowssmallerfootprint
notsusceptibletoclogging
highlyabsorbent
permaanentfilterm
medium
2|P a g e
MassaachusettsDesignandInstallationMan
nual
sam
meflowpathforbothairr&wastewater
biom
mat growth
h restricts air flow path
hindderingtreatm
ment
biom
mat growth
h restricts wastewaterr flow
pathhlimitingloaadingrates
less efficient m
media takess up signifficantly
morrespace
suscceptibletoclogging
som
mewhatabso
orbent
WaterlooBiofilterAdvantages
TheWaterlooBiofilteroffersmanydistinctadvantagesoverconventionalsandfiltersandother
aerobic treatment systems. Waterloo Biofilters have been treating wastewaters onsite since
1991aslongasalmostanyoneintheworld.Overtheyearswehavegainedinvaluablefield
anddesignexperiencewhichweincorporateintothedesignofourtreatmentunits,andshare
with our system designers and engineers. Besides an excellent product with high treatment
levelsverifiedbynumerousthirdpartytestingagencies,whenworkingwithWaterlooBiofilter
Systems or our authorized agent Clear Water Industries, clients also receive system design
assistance,troubleshooting,andtechnicalsupportfromknowledgeablestaff.
PermanentFilterMediumwarrantedfor15yearsinresidentialstrengthapplications!
Very Low Energy thirdparty testing confirms Waterloo Biofilters use up to 85% less
energythancompetingactivatedorsuspendedsludgetechnologies
LowMaintenancefewmovingpartsandsimple,infrequentmaintenancerequirements;
evenlargecommercialsystemsdonotrequireaskilledoperator
FewMovingPartsnoimmersionheaters,nocompressors,norotatingdisks;onlysimple
andhighqualitycomponentsused
LowInstallationCosts
SC20 & SC40 container systems are selfcontained, preplumbed, require no extra
buildings,andareafasterinstallationwithlesspotentialforerrors
5,000&10,000GPDunitsaregreatforhandlinglargerflowssuchassubdivisions&resorts
NoAirCompressorsnoloud,highmaintenance,highenergyaircompressorsordiffusers
NoAerobicSludgeWaterlooBiofiltersdonotproduceanyaerobicsludgetomanage
EasyTransportationSCunitsshipasstandardISOcontainers;othertreatmentunitsare
verylightweightandeasytomanoeuvreontodifficultsites
HighlyModulartreatmentunitscanbeaddedasrequiredtotreatlargerflowrates
ExcellentTreatmentLevels
DocumentedexcelledduringtestprogramsincludingUSEPAETI&USEPANSFETV
conductedattheMassachusettsAlternativeSepticSystemTestCenter

PleaseseeReferencesandsection1.11ThirdPartyTestingformoreinformation
Cold Climate tested for where they are installed, in the MA climate and
representativeofCanadaandtheNorthernUS;wedonotrelyontestingwithheated
sewageorperformedoversummermonthsinTexastoproveourproducts
Consistentworksindependentlyofsoilconditionsandisproventokeepperforming
duringconditionsofhighflows,lowflows&noflows
3|P a g e
HighNitrogenRemovalupto65%TNremovalintheWaterlooBiofilter;<5mg/LTNin
thefinaleffluentisconsistentlyachievablewithourWaterNOxenhancednutrientremoval
addon
VeryRobustattachedgrowthtechnologyquicklyrecoversifseptictankdiesorsystemis
otherwisepoisonedordisrupted
PhysicalFiltrationnoshortcircuitingofuntreatedsewageduringsurgeflowsorpower
outagesasfoundinotheractivatedorsuspendedsludgesystems
HighAbsorbencyfiltermediumabsorbswastewatertherebyincreasingretentiontime,
moderating flow rates, and preventing bacteria from desiccating (drying out and dying)
duringextendednonuse
Flexible Solutions numerous different configurations are available, making it easy to

solvedifficultsiteconstraintsandclientpreferences
Aesthetically Pleasing easily landscaped solutions with minimal raised mounding and
treeremovalrequired
HighHydraulicLoadingRatewillnotplugduetohighloadingratesorleakingfixtures
QuickStartUp&SeasonalUsemicrobestakeholdquickly,areprotected&sustained
WaterlooBiofiltershavethelowestlongtermoperatingcostsofanytreatmenttechnology;withno
regularlyreplacedfiltermediaandverylowpowerconsumption
4|P a g e
WaterlooBiofilterTreatmentUnits
BelowgroundWireMeshBaskets(customsizesandflowratesavailable)
BelowgroundBulkFilledConcreteTanks(customsizesandflowratesavailable)
AbovegroundCedarSheds(customsizesandflowratesavailable)
ShippingContainerSC20(20Lx8Wx8.5H)upto5,000GPDeach
ShippingContainerSC40(40Lx8Wx8.5H)upto10,000GPDeach
For highstrength wastewaters (industrial, restaurants, etc.) the treatment volume ratings
shownabovearereducedbyapproximately7080%dependingontheapplication.
WireMeshBaskets
Belowground,recirculationsystem
Rigid mesh baskets are packed with filter medium

andplacedinaconcreteBiofiltertank
Wiremeshconstructedof12gaugesteelwithanon
corrosivevinylcoating
Treated effluent is pumped from the concrete

Biofiltertanktodisposalandrecirculation
Open mesh walls allow air to circulate freely

throughoutthefiltermedium
Baskets are custom sized according to the design

flow & the internal dimensions of locally available
concretetanks
Multiple tanks can be put in parallel to treat higher

flows
TypicalWireMeshBasketSystemOverview
5|P a g e
CedarSheds
Aboveground, singlepass system; with

optionforrecirculation
Cedar Sheds are preplumbed, easy to

install,&requireashallowerexcavation
Minimizestreeremoval
Minimizesraisedmoundsonproperty
Sprayfoaminsulatedforcoldweather
Airventsallowpassiveaircirculation&are
fittedwithcharcoalfilterstoblockodors
Attractive, weather sealed cedar wood

siding
Lockable lids are gasket sealed to block

odors&liftupforeasymaintenance
Canbecladinsiding,shingled,stained,etc.
tomatchhouse
NopowerrequiredattheShedsoitcanbe
locatedanywhereonproperty
TypicalCedarShedSystemOverview
6|P a g e
BulkFilledTanks
TheBulkFilledConcreteTankisabelowgroundandoutofsightsystemwithonlyaccessrisers
andcontrolpanelsvisible.
In the Bulk Filled Concrete Tank configuration a concrete tank is equipped with drainage, air
ventilation,anddistributionplumbing.Biofilterfoammediumispoureddirectlyintothetank.
Comparedtothewiremeshbaskets,thisconfigurationreducesthevolumeoftanknotusedto
house filter media, resulting in lower tankage costs. This tankage cost savings comes at the
expenseofincreasedinstallationtimeandcomplexity.Inordertoensureproperinstallationof
this configuration Clear Water Industries staff must be present during installation for
supervision.
TypicalBulkFilledConcreteTanksystemoverview
7|P a g e
SC20&S40ShippingContainers
The SC Shipping Container configuration is an aboveground system that does not require a
separate housing for the treatment units. In the SC configuration Biofilter foam medium is
contained in a modified ISO shipping container. Each unit is preassembled with internal
control panel room, distribution, drainage and air ventilation plumbing, reducing onsite
installation time. Units have a 2 control room partitioned off of the treatment room that is
accessible by a doorway where control panels, inline filter, air fans and other electrical
components are housed. SC20 units are 20L x 8W x 9.5H and can treat 5,000 gal/day of
domesticstrengthsewageeach.SC40unitsare40Lx8Wx9.5Handcantreat10,000gal/day
ofdomesticstrengthsewageeach.
TypicalSCsystemoverview
8|P a g e
Distrib
bution
Distribution
Inordertomaintainexcellenttrreatment,wastewaterm
mustbeeven
nlydistributedoverthe filter
mediumsothatthee
entirevolum
meisutilized
d.
Wastewaater is pump
ped through
h a 1 or 2 schedule 440 PVC or fleex hose spraay manifold with
downwardfacinghelicalspraynozzles(below
w).
efiltercanb
beusedtop
preventdebrisfromreaachingthespraynozzlesandpoten
ntially
Aninline
cloggingandalteringgtheirspraypattern.
Inlinefilterfforcommerciaalsystems
Thedistrributionsystemincludessamediumtohighheaddeffluentpu
umpsizedto
ogenerate1
1015
psi at the nozzle heaads. Pumps may require upgradingg to higher h
head versions dependin
ng on
theparticularsite.C
Commercial systemsare
egenerallyddesignedwithalternatin
ngduplexpu
umps
sothatth
hesystemsttillfunctionssproperlyifonepumpggoesdown. Thedosingpumpissup
pplied
byClearWaterIndusstriesasparttoftheWatterlooBiofiltterpackage.
9|P a g e
MassachhusettsDessignandInstaallationManu
ual
Distribution
REMEMBER...
Larger pumps are typically required when pumping elevations exceed 20 ft or pumping distances
exceed100ft.Therearefourthingsthatyouwillneedtoknowtodetermineifyouneedapump
upgrade.
Elevationfromthebottomofthepumptanktothenozzles
Lengthofpipe
Diameterofpipe
Headlossfrominlinecomponentssuchasinlinefilters,flowmeters,fittings,etc.
If you need help determining whether pump upgrades are required, please contact Clear Water
Industries.
DoseVolumes
Although the Waterloo Biofilter filter medium naturally attenuates variable flow rates and
maintainstreatmentduringthesetimes,itisstillimportanttocorrectlysizethedosevolumeto
the filter medium in order to minimize hydraulic overloading and to prolong consistent
treatment. Dosing should be sizedat ~1% of peak design flow each time the pump turns on
(i.e.,~5gal/dosefora550gal/daysystem).Eachdoseshouldtakeabout30secondsandbeat
a flow rate of ~10 US gpm. If the volume of wastewater is dosed too quickly (e.g., in 510
secondsat50gpm)thenshortcircuitinganddecreasedtreatmentmayresult.
10|P a g e
Recircullation
Recirculation
Treatment levels an
nd Nitrogen removal arre improvedd if a portio
on of the treated Waterloo
Biofiltereffluentisre
ecirculatedb
backtothefirstchambeerofthesep
ptictank.Tyypicallyarattioof
50%disp
posaland50
0%recirculattionisused..Higherreccirculationraatescanbe usedtoincrease
the amo
ount of nitro
ogen removval at the expense
e
of increased p
power and pump wearr and
decrease
edretentiontime.Recirculationis especiallyim
mportantfo
orhighstren
ngthwastew
waters
andwherenitrogenremovalisrequired.AssinglepassW
WaterlooBiofilterunitttypicallyrem
moves
2030%TTN,whilea5
50%recirculaationBiofilte
erremovesuupto65%TN.
Recirculaationhelpstreatmentbyy:
Moderatingf
M
fluctuatingfllowsforeasierdisposaloftreatedeeffluent
Removingexccessiveorganicmatterttopreventsttrongodoraandtopromotenitrificattion
In
ncreasingde
enitrificationofnitrifiedBiofilterefflluenttoincrreasenitrogeenremoval
Itisimpo
ortantthatttherecirculationlinegoe
esbacktothheinletpipeebeforetheefirstchamb
berof
the septtic tank so that settled
d solids in the secondd compartm
ment are no
ot disturbed
d and
resuspended.Ifhigghconcentraationsofcon
ntaminantsaareexpected
d(lotsofoilsandgreasees)or
onservation measures are used (low
wflow toiletts and show
wers), a recirrculation rattio of
waterco
50%orm
moreisrecom
mmendedto
ohelpdilute
ethesewagee.
11|P a g e
MassachhusettsDessignandInstaallationManu
ual
Ventilation
Ventilation
Air ventilation systems are required under the approval in MA, and depending on the
application this can be achieved with the use of air fans or passive charcoal filter vents.
Treatment is improved in larger commercial or high strength applications when a ventilation
systemisused.Thissystemincludesa4inlinewaterprooffanonrheostatcontrolthatkeeps
air circulating around the filter medium inside the enclosure, increasing nitrification
substantially.Thisisaccomplishedusingsmall,highquality,chemicallyresistantinlinefansthat
eachdrawonly0.67Amps.
Lowamperageairfan
OdorPotential
When properly installed and operating normally all Waterloo Biofilter treatment systems
shouldbewithoutodors.Qualitativethirdpartyinvestigationsofodorswereconductedduring
theUnitedStatesEPAandNSFsponsoredEnvironmentalTechnologyVerification(ETV)testing
program. This was performed at a distance of three feet from the Waterloo Biofilter above
groundCedarShedsystemduringdosingoftheBiofilteroversevenmonths.Thistestingfound
nodiscernableodors.AllWaterlootreatmentunitshavesealedjointsandareequippedwith
activatedcharcoalfiltersoverairventstoblockandcaptureodors.
When operating properly even the Waterloo Biofilter media itself should have no highly
objectionableodoronlyamustybasementorswampysmell.Ifanysepticodorscomefrom
theBiofilteritselfitistypicallyasignofsulphurcontentinthewater,orthattheseptictankhas
died and the use of disinfectants and cleaners should be reduced at the facility.
12|P a g e
Ventilation
Large commercial and communal systems are also engineered to minimize odors. SC20 &
SC40 Shipping Containers, and Bulk Filled Concrete Biofilters areeach equippedwith a small
fan(s) that circulates air throughout the filter medium. These fans are vented outdoors and
equippedwithodorblockingactivatedcharcoalfilters.
Whenanodorispresentonsitemoreoftenthannotitssourceistheseptictankorroofsseptic
ventpipe,nottheWaterlooBiofilterunit.Odorisusuallycausedbyorasignof:
Unhealthyseptictank(e.g.,frommedicationorexcessivedisinfectantuse)
Strongwastewaterssuchas:
restaurants
extremewaterconservationmeasures(lowflowfixtures)
Highamountsofsulphurasrottenegggas
13|P a g e
OurExperience
OurExperience
Thefollowingisinformationthatwehavecompiledduringour~17yearsofexperiencetreating
wastewater onsite with the Waterloo Biofilter system. This information will help you to
understandhowandwhytheWaterlooBiofiltersystemtreatswastewater.
EvenDistribution:Even,light,andfrequentdistributionofwastewateroverthesurface
oftheWaterlooBiofilterassuresgoodtreatment.Ifanozzleispartiallypluggedorganics
andsolidstreatmentwillremainadequateforseveralmonths.Therewillhoweverbea
decrease in nitrification, and high water alarms will ultimately result. It is important to
either flush the dosing system before use or to startup the Waterloo Biofilter system
withoutnozzles,tobereinstalledafterthesystemhasinitiallyrun.Thiswillpreventany
stone,sand,plasticbits,etc.thatmayworktheirwayintothepipingduringinstallation
fromcloggingthespraynozzles.Cleaningoftheinlinefilterandinspectionofthenozzle
spraypattern(checkingforclogging)shouldbeapartofregularsystemmaintenance.
Treating BOD and TSS: Most septic tank effluent can be treated to a level of cBOD
(carbonaceousBiochemicalOxygenDemandameasureoforganiccontamination)and
TSS(TotalSuspendedSolids)oflessthan10mg/Lforeachparameter,orabout9095%
removal.Thisisahighqualityeffluentwhichisclear,colorlessandodorless.Thistreated
effluent is much easier to dispose of below ground compared to untreated septic tank
effluent.
Treating Pathogens (diseasecausing bacteria): Fecal coliform (E. coli) bacteria and
virusesaretypicallyreducedby99%intheWaterlooBiofilteralone,howevertheeffluent
is not sterile and care should be taken during sampling. If the Biofilter is not attaining
theselevelstheremaybeaproblemwiththedistributionsystemshortcircuiting,heavy
disinfectant or medication use in the household, concentrated wastewater from heavy
use of fried foods, insink garbage disposal, or water conservation measures. The
remaining 1% of pathogens is removed after 10 inches of fine sand as shown by third
partytestingattheEPAaccreditedBuzzardsBayTestFacility.UVdisinfectioncanalsobe
installedaftertheBiofilterandpriortosurfacedisposalorreuse.
Startup and Winter Startup: A brand new septic tank generally takes up to a year to
reach full treatment capability while the Waterloo Biofilter takes two to four weeks to
reachoptimumtreatmentlevel,andslightlylongerthanthatinthewinter.Nitrificationof
the ammonium is thorough regardless of season, however with a winter startup the
conversionofammoniumtonitriteandthentonitratemaytakeseveralmonthstobegin.
OncenitrificationoccursintheBiofilter,itcontinuesthroughsubsequentwinters.
14|P a g e
OurExperience
Seasonal use: During no flow periods the microbial population inside the Waterloo
Biofilterdoesnotdryoutanddieoff.Unlikeaerationtechnologythereisnoneedtoadd
a carbon (food) source to the treatment unit to sustain the bacteria. The Waterloo
Biofilterfoammediumretainssomemoistureevenwhenthesystemisnotinuseforan
extended period of time. This prevents the bacteria from desiccating (drying out) and
dying.Becauseofthisandthefactthatthebacteriaareattachedgrowth,withoutafood
sourcethebacteriabecomedormantinsteadofdying.Whenwastewaterisreintroduced
tothesystemthereislittleeffectontreatmentlevelsasthereisnoneedtorepopulate
thebacterialcolonies.
Nitrogen Removal: Nitrogen is removed in the Waterloo Biofilter via nitrification (the
oxidation of ammonium to nitrate) and denitrification (the reduction of nitrate to

nitrogengas).Thisprocessoccursnaturallyduetonitrifyingbacteriawhichliveinsidethe
foam medium. Typical removal rates in a Waterloo Biofilter of Total Nitrogen (Total
Nitrogen(TN)=totalreducednitrogen(TKN)+nitrateNandnitriteN)are2535%witha
singlepasssystem,and5065%witha50%recirculationsystem.Nonitrogenisremoved
until nitrification begins which takes a few weeks after startup in summer, and a few
monthsafterstartupinthewinter.
15|P a g e
ThirdPartyTesting
ThirdPartyTesting
The Waterloo Biofilter system has been thoroughly tested and proven to be effective by
numerous independent third party agencies. These include the US EPA Environmental
Technology Initiative (ETI) tested in triplicate, and the Environmental Technology Verification
(ETV)programsponsoredbytheUSEPAandNSF.
These tests were carried out at the Buzzards Bay Alternative Septic System Test Facility in
Massachusettsusingcoldsewage(42.8F).TestingwithcoldsewageshowshowtheWaterloo
Biofilter can treat residential and communal wastewaters effectively in cold climates, and
contrasts with the heated sewage used at BNQ in Quebec (~64.4F) and the naturally warm
sewage(6086F)attheWacoTexastestfacility.
ThetestingprogramsperformedatBuzzardsBayinclude:
ETItestingofWaterlooBiofiltersintriplicateovera24monthperiod(19992001)
ETVtestingovera13monthperiodincludingrigorousstresstests
TestingofsinglepassWaterlooBiofiltersystems
WaterlooAreaBedfinesandanalysisoffecalcoliformandvirusremoval
Testingofothernewbiofiltrationsystems
This testing uses the NSF loading rate with morning and evening loads, and with no loading
during the night. Each segment of the composite sample is taken only a few minutes after
wastewaterwasdosedtotheseptictank,providingamorestrenuoustest.TheETVprogram
also includes all of the stress tests of the NSF Standard 40 program, but the program is
stretchedovera13monthperiodtocapturetestingduringwintermonths.
16|P a g e
TechnologyProtection
TechnologyProtection
TheWaterlooBiofilterprocessandapparatusarepatentedintheUSandCanada(U.S.Patents
5,707,513; 5,762,784; 5,980,739; 5,997,747; 6,063,268; 6,153,094; 6,270,661; 6,749,745;
Canadian Patents 2,096,175; 2,139,554; 2,189,809; 2,203,967; 2,418,876) with other patents
pending.
The terms "BIOFILTER, "WATERLOO, LOO, "WATERTUBE, AND "WATERNOX are trademarks
owned by Waterloo Biofilter Systems Inc. and can only be used to describe the Waterloo
Biofiltersystemanditscomponents.
Publications and brochures of Waterloo Biofilter Systems Inc. are copyright protected, and
cannotbereproducedorusedwithoutwrittenpermission.Thedescriptionsoftreatmentand
disposal means developed by Waterloo Biofilter Systems, such as the Shallow Area Bed, are
copyrightprotected,andcannotbeusedforsubmissionstoauthoritiesforapprovalsforother
technologies.
17|P a g e
DesignGuide
DesignGuide
WaterlooBiofiltertreatmentunitsaresizedaccordingtothesystemDesignFlow.Thedesign
flowisdeterminedaspertheMassachusettsTitle5regulations.Pleasereferencethecurrent
applicableWaterlooBiofilterMassachusettsApprovalforspecificdesignconsiderations.
Clear Water Industries provides design assistance as part of the Waterloo Biofilter package.
Once completed, all plans must be submitted to Clear Water Industries for review prior to
submittaltotheApprovingAuthority.
Waterloo Biofilter Systems Inc. has many years of experience treating various types of
wastewaters with our technology, and we are happy to lend our expertise to you and your
projectinordertoarriveatacosteffectiveandreliablesystem.
If you have any questions regarding specific applications, general requirements or design
appropriateness please do not hesitate to call Clear Water Industries or Waterloo Biofilter
Systems.Forallnonresidentialsystemsandsystems2000GPDpleasecontactClearWater
Industries or Waterloo Biofilter Systems to ensure that proper sizing of the model unit and
determinethecapabilitiesfortreatingthewastewaterfortheparticularapplication.
SystemComponents
All Waterloo Biofilter treatment units for residential, large commercial, communal, and small
municipal applications are modular and can be efficiently scaled to treat flow rates up to
~80,000GPD.TreatmentcapacitiesofeachBiofilterunitdependonthewastewaterstrength,
whichinturndeterminestheloadingratetotheBiofilterfoammedium.Flowratesoutlinedin
thechartbelowassumedomestic(residential)strengthwastewater.Inhighstrengthsewage
applicationssuchasrestaurantsorlandfillleachatetheloadingrateandtreatmentcapacitiesof
theWaterlooBiofiltertreatmentunitswilldecrease.Inlowstrengthsewageapplicationssuch
aslagoonorotherpretreatedwastewaterpolishing,theloadingrateandtreatmentcapacity
canbeincreased.
Unlikeresidentialandsmallcommercialsystems,largecommercialandcommunalsystemsare
generallynotstandardized.WaterlooBiofiltertreatmentunitsthemselvesarecustomizableto
meet specific site requirements. All treatment systems use recirculation for increased
denitrification and treatment levels, timed Biofilter dosing to distribute peak flows to the
Biofilter throughout the day, and pumped disposal of treated effluent. Waterloo Biofilter
Systemscanalsocustomdesignothersystemcomponentssuchascontrolpanels,dosingand
disposal systems, and addon equipment based on the particular site and its requirements.
18|P a g e
DesignGuide
Thesystemcomponentsforlargecommercialandcommunalsystemsaresimilartothosefor
systemsunder2,000GPD,withtheadditionofgreasetrapsforkitchenwaste,optionaladdon
equipment for enhanced treatment, nutrient removal or disinfection, and more disposal
options such as drip irrigation. A Waterloo Biofilter system for commercial or communal
applicationscanincludethefollowingcomponents:
Exteriorgreasetrapforwastewaterfromcommercialkitchenfacilities(ifapplicable)
Septictanksizedfor23daysretentiontimewitheffluentfilter(s)
Pump tank sized according to the Waterloo Biofilter MassDEP approval with the
standardrequirementsforthepumptankhavinganemergencystoragecapacityabove
theworkinglevelequaltothedailydesignflowofthesystem
WaterlooBiofilterfiltermediumpackagedinaboveorbelowgroundtreatmentunits
RecirculationofBiofiltereffluentbacktotheseptictank
Optional addon equipment for phosphorus removal, enhanced nitrogen removal

(WaterNOx),alkalinityaddition(nitrogenremovalinsoftwaterareas),carbonaddition
(lowstrengthsewage),preaeration(veryhighstrengthsewage),tanninremoval(reuse
applications)anddisinfection(surfacedischargeandreuseapplications),amongothers
PumpeddisposalfromdisposaltankorconcreteBiofiltertanktooneofthefollowing:
soilabsorptionsystem(SAS)
conventionaltrenchorsandfilters
dripirrigationsystem
WaterlooBiofiltertreatmentunitsareavailableindifferentconfigurations.Thefollowingchart
summarizeskeyinformationregardingeachconfiguration.
CONFIGURATION
RELATIVETOGRADE
MAXDESIGNFLOWPERMODULE
(@5.6GAL/DAY/FT3LOADINGRATE)
WireMeshBaskets
Below
DeterminedbyTankVolume
CedarSheds
Above
DeterminedbyShedVolume
BulkFilledConcreteTanks
Below
DeterminedbyTankVolume
SC20ShippingContainer
Above
5,000GPD
SC40ShippingContainer
Above
10,000GPD
ThefollowingpagesdescribeWaterlooBiofiltersystemsvariousapplications.Ifthereareany
questions regarding specific applications, general requirements or design appropriateness
contactClearWaterIndustriesorWaterlooBiofilterSystems.
19|P a g e
DesignGuide
WhatisaCommercialSystem?
Commercialapplicationsproducesewagethatisconsiderablydifferentfrom
residential sewage in strength, composition and flow patterns. As such,
commercialsystemscannotbedesigned,installedandmaintainedthesame
asresidentialones.
Thefollowingisalistoftypicalapplicationsconsideredcommercial:
Restaurants
Gasbars
Nursinghomes
TruckStops
Greenhouses
Churches
Mushroomplants
Laundromats
SchoolsandDaycarecentres
IcecreamparlorsandBakeries
Golfcourses
20|P a g e
LoadingRate
LoadingRate
WaterlooBiofiltertreatmentunitsaresizedbasedonthevolumeoffoamthattheycontain.A
sewage loading rate (gal/ft3/day) is applied to the volume of foam to arrive at the treatment
capacity for each Waterloo Biofilter treatment unit. The loading rateto be useddepends on
thetypeofsewagebeinggeneratedatthefacility.Thefollowingchartoutlinestypicalloading
ratesforcommonapplications.
WASTEWATER
LOADINGRATE
gal/ft3/dayoffoammedium
Residential,Domestic
5.6
Commercial,Restaurant
3.74.5
CommercialHighStrength
2.8
Pretreated
Upto15
Thefollowingfactorswilldeterminethevolumeoffoamrequired:
1.
Design Flow: The volume of foam required is directly related to the volume of
wastewatertobetreated.Calculatethedesignflowofthefacility.
2.
Sewage Strength: Higher strength wastewater requires a higher volume of foam to

treat to the same effluent criteria. The foam loading rate to be used is application
dependent and outlined in the above chart. Use the appropriate loading rate as a
startingpoint.ContactWBSifyouareunsurewhatloadingratetouse.
3.
Effluent Criteria: A higher effluent criterion requires a larger volume of foam. The
above loading rates target tertiary treatment (10 mg/L cBOD & TSS) and 5060% TN
removal with recirculation. When effluent quality is required to exceed these values
the volume of foam will need to be increased (lower loading rate), and vice versa.
Modifythesewagestrengthloadingratefoundaboveusingthefollowingapplication
loadingrateexamplesasaguide:
a. Thoroughremovalofammonium(NH4+)decreaseloadingrate2030%
b. Secondarytreatmenttargets(30/30)increaseloadingrateupto20%
c. Tertiarytreatmentofpretreatedeffluent(lagoons,aeration,etc.)useloading
rateupto15gal/ft3/day
21|P a g e
LoadingRate
Dividingthedesignflowbytheloadingrategivesthevolumeoffoamrequiredfortreatment.
EXAMPLECALCULATIONS...
a)CondominiumwithtertiarycBOD,TSSandthoroughammoniumremoval
1. CalculatetheDesignFlow:ex.Q=10,000gal/day
2. Condominiumsgenerateresidentialstrengthsewage:takealoadingrateof5.6
3. Thoroughammoniumremovalrequiresincreasedretentiontime:decreaseloading
rateby2030%,ex.5.6x0.75=4.2gal/ft3/day
Thereforethevolumeoffoamrequired=10,000gal/day4.2gal/ft3/day=2381ft3
c)GolfCoursewithfrequentlyusedbanquethalltotertiaryquality(everyweekend)
2. Banquethallwouldaddcommercialrestaurantsewage:takealoadingrateof3.7
3. Tertiaryqualityalreadyaccountedforinloadingrate:keepsteadyat3.7gal/ft3/day
Thereforethevolumeoffoamrequired=8,000gal/day3.7gal/ft3/day=2162ft3
c)Lagooneffluentpolishingwiththoroughammoniumremoval
2. Lagoonpretreatstoaverageof<30TSS:takealoadingrateof15
3. Thoroughammoniumremovalrequiresincreasedretentiontime:decreaseloading
rateby2030%,ex.15x0.80=12gal/ft3/day
Thereforethevolumeoffoamrequired=9,000gal/day12gal/ft3/day=750ft3
Moreexamplesofapplicationspecificloadingrates:
1. Golfcoursewithseldomusedbanquethall(approx.oncepermonth);4.5gal/ft3/day
2. CommercialfastfoodrestaurantlotsofFOGandharshchemicals;2.8gal/ft3/day
3. Mom&PopcommercialrestaurantlessFOG;3.7gal/ft3/day
4. Campgroundresidentialstrength;5.6gal/ft3/day
5. BigBoxGroceryStorewithdelianddairysections;2.8gal/ft3/day
REMEMBER...
Foamvolumeisnottheonlyfactoraffectingnitrogenremoval.Nitrificationanddenitrificationare
sensitivetotheamountofalkalinityinthewater,theamountofcarboninthewastewater,theuse
ofharshchemicalsatthefacility,andthewastewatertemperature.
22|P a g e
DesignConsiderations
EachapplicationwillhavespecificdesignconsiderationsthatwillimpacttheoverallWaterloo
Biofilter system design. The most common design considerations that should be taken into
accountduringthedesignprocessare:
1. Highstrengthsewage(highBOD,highTKN)
2. Lowstrengthsewage(lowBOD,highTKN)
3. Presenceofgrease
4. Highpeakflow
5. Disinfectantuseandcleaninghabits
These considerations are the five most commonly found in commercial applications, and
individual applications may be subject to more than one of them. The chart below outlines
typicalapplicationsanddesignremedies,withmoredetailedinformationfollowing.
DESIGNCONSIDERATION
TYPICALAPPLICATIONS
1. Highstrengthsewage
(highBOD,highTKN)
DonutShops,Cafs,
Restaurants,NursingHomes,
DaycareCenters,IceCream
Parlors,Bakeries,Mushroom
Plants
2. Lowstrengthsewage
(lowBOD,highTKN)
Schools,OfficeBuildings
3. Presenceofgrease
4. HighPeakFlow
5. Disinfectantuseand
cleaninghabits
Restaurants,TakeOutFood
Establishments,DonutShops,
Cafs
Laundromats,Greenhouses,
Churches,AssemblyHalls,
BanquetHalls,Schools,
DaycareCenters,Highway
RestStops,SmallApartment
Complexes
Greenhouses,Churches,
NursingHomes,Assembly
Halls,Schools,Daycare
Centers,HighwayRestStops,
Restaurants
DESIGNREMEDIES
Decreaseloadingrate
Oversizeseptictanks
AddWaterlooJumpstart
Increaserecirculationratio
Useholdingordeadendtank
forchemicalsandcleaners
Carbonadditiontopromote
denitrification
Decreaseloadingrate
Oversizeseptictanks
Increaserecirculationratio
Installexteriorgreasetrap
Useupfrontbalancingfor
weeklypeaks
Uselargebalancingtanksfor
Biofilterdosing(1dayretention
time)fordailypeaks
UseAlternatingDuplexpumps
Ensureowners/employeesare
awareofBestManagement
Practices
Useholdingordeadendtank
forchemicalsandcleaners
23|P a g e
HighStrengthSewage
Typical Applications: Donut Shops, Cafs, Restaurants, Nursing Homes, Daycare Centres, Ice
CreamParlors,Bakeries,MushroomPlants
Considerations:
Decrease the Loading Rate: Commercial fast food restaurants typically use a
2.8 gal/ft3/day loading rate. Smaller mom & pop style restaurants can use 3.7 gal/ft3/day
becausetheytypicallyuselessFOGandchemicals.Loadingratescanbeincreasedbyaddinga
dead end tank dedicated to receiving FOG (fats, oil & grease), soups, coffee, cleaners,
degreasers,etc.tobepumpedoffsitefortreatment.
OversizeSepticTanks:Commercialsystemsshouldhavea3dayretentiontime.Oneof
the reasons for this is because higher strength sewage requires a longer retention time to
allowforadequateanaerobicfermentationreactionstooccur.
DeadEndTank:Addadedicatedsinkand/ordrainleadingtoadeadendholdingtank.
Excessiveorganics(coffee,soups,etc.)andcleanersarepouredhereandtruckedoffsite.
Add Waterloo Jumpstart: Waterloo Jumpstart bacterial additive helps to ensure a

healthy bacterial population required to break down high strength wastewaters, and is
remarkablyresilientinconditionswherenaturallypresentbacteriawoulddie.
Increase Recirculation Normal: Standard recirculation rate for the Biofilter is 50%
back to the septic tank. This can be adjusted up to 66% back to the septic tank for high
strengthwastewaters.
IncreaseRecirculation100%LoopMode:A100%LoopBiofiltercanbeincorporated
tohelpremovehighstrengthBOD.ThisBiofilterisdosedatahigherratethantheBiofiltersin
Normalmodeandistypicallyonaseparatetimeddosecontrolpanel.100%ofthetreated
Biofiltereffluentisrecirculatedbacktothepumptank.
24|P a g e
LowStrengthSewage
TypicalApplications:Schools,OfficeBuildings
Considerations:
High Nitrogen, Low Carbon: Nitrogen is removed in the Waterloo Biofilter system by
nitrification in the Biofilter and denitrification in the septic tank. Recirculating Biofilter
effluent to the septic tank where an anoxic zone exists promotes denitrification reactions.
Denitrification requires a carbon source. Wastewater from schools and offices are typically
very high in urine, which cause the BOD to be low and TKN to be high. This has a double
negative effect on nitrogen removal as there is more nitrogen to treat and less carbon. In
thesecases,carbonmustbeaddedtothesystemtosupplementthelowBOD.Thiscanbe
accomplishedbydosingasugarsourceintotheinletoftheseptictankusingachemicaldosing
pump.
25|P a g e
PresenceofGrease
TypicalApplications:Restaurants,TakeOutFoodEstablishments,DonutShops,Cafs
Considerations:
DecreasetheLoadingRate
OversizeSepticTanks
AddDeadEndTank:Anexistinggreasetrapcanbeconvertedtoadeadendholding
tankbycuttingoffitsoutlettotheseptictank.
IncreaseRecirculationNormal
IncreaseRecirculation100%LoopMode
ExteriorGreaseTrap:Wastewaterfromrestaurantsandotherplacesthathavecooking
facilities are often difficult to treat because of the amount of FOG (fats, oil & grease) and
chemicalcleanersthatareused.Tohelptreatwastewaterfromthesetypesoffacilities,an
exteriorgreasetrapMUSTbeincorporatedintothedesigntoretainkitchenwastes.Interior
greasetrapsarenotrecommendedbecausetheyconstituteahealthhazardtocleanandas
suchtheygenerallyarenotcleanedfrequentlyenoughtobeeffective.Iftherestauranthasa
hightemperaturedishwasherensureitisnotplumbedintothegreasetrapasthehotwater
dischargedwilldissolvesolidifiedFOGandpushitthroughthesystem.
GreasetrapsareusedtointerceptFOGfromthekitchen
Greasetrapsmustberegularlypumpedout
26|P a g e
HighPeakFlow
Typical Applications: Laundromats, Greenhouses, Churches, Assembly Halls, Banquet Halls,
Schools,DaycareCentres,HighwayRestStops,SmallApartmentComplexes
Considerations:
BalanceWeeklyPeaks:Applicationssuchaschurcheshavepeakflowsononeortwo
days of the week with minimal flow during the remaining days. Sizing the pump tank to
accommodate the entire weekly flow allows the Sunday surge in flow to be dosed to the
Waterloo Biofilter throughout the week so that the pump tank is empty by the following
Sunday.ThiscanreducethesizeoftheBiofiltertreatmentunit.
Balance Daily Peaks: Wastewaters from commercial facilities typically do not have
flowsthatarespacedevenlythroughouttheday.Flowsusuallyoccurasdailypeakswhere
themajorityofthesewageisproducedduringbusyperiods(i.e.breakfast,lunchanddinnerat
arestaurant).Sizethedosingpumptanktostorethepeakdailyflows.Thisbalancestheflow
andallowstheWaterlooBiofiltertreatmentunittobedosedonanevenbasisthroughouta
24hourperiodimprovingtreatmentlevels.
Alternating Duplex Pumps: Alternating duplex pump systems consist of two pumps
thatalternatecycleduties.Ifapumpfailsinapplicationswithhighhydraulicflowsthereisa
potential for the pump tank(s) to overflow before the pump can be replaced. By using
alternatingduplexpumpswhenonestopsworking,thesecondtakesoverforboth.
WeeklypeakflowscanbestoredanddosedtotheBiofilterthroughouttheweek
27|P a g e
HeavyDisinfectantUse
Typical Applications: Greenhouses, Churches, Assembly Halls, Schools, Daycare Centres,
HighwayRestStops,Restaurants
Considerations:
Owner & Employee Training: Disinfectants and cleaners can inhibit microbial action
whichisresponsiblefornaturallytreatingwastewaterinaWaterlooBiofilter.Ifdisinfectant
dosesarelargeandoccurforacontinuedbasis,itcanbeenoughtokillthemicrobialaction,
which causes solids to accumulate rapidly in the septic tank and will necessitate more
frequent pumpouts. If continued further, solids can shortcircuit through the septic tank,
coattheBiofilterfiltermedia,andevenplugthesoilintheSASresultinginexpensiverepairs.
Educatetheownerandemployeesofthefacilityonbestmanagementpracticestominimize
disinfectantandchemicaluse.
Consult owners and janitorial staff on cleaning habits and the types of cleaners
that are used. They should be educated on how their practices can harm the
septicsystemandcausehealthandsafetyproblems.
In most cases, owners and janitorial staff use far too much cleaner than is
necessarytocleansurfaces.
ContactWaterlooBiofilterSystemsforalistofsafeforsepticcleaningproducts.
If possible, ask the owner or janitorial staff to switch to a nonchemical cleaning
approachsuchassteamcleaning.
HoldingTankforChemicals:Adeadendholdingtankcanbeincludedinthedesignof
the wastewater treatment system. This tank would not be connected to the Waterloo
Biofilter system and instead when filled would be pumped out and trucked to a disposal
facilitysuchasamunicipalsewagetreatmentplant.Certaindedicateddrainsandsinksinthe
facilityaredesignatedforpouringcleaningproductsdown.Staffistrainedtodisposeofharsh
chemicalsandcleaningagentsinthedesignateddrainsonly.Thisstrategycanalsobeusedto
reduce nitrogen levels in the influent by disposing of not only cleaners, but also kitchen
wastessuchascoffeegroundsandsoupsinthedesignateddrains.
ANALTERNATIVETOMIXINGDISINFECTANTSINTOABUCKETOFWATER
Washsurfaceswithwarmwaterandsoap.Wipesurfacesdryandsprayaresidualdisinfectantonto
thesurface.Thispreventsdisinfectantsfrombeingdisposedintothesepticsystem,andleavesa
higherconcentrationofdisinfectantonthesurfaces,makingitmuchmoreeffectiveinkillinggerms.
28|P a g e
OtherConsiderations
Inadditiontothefivemostcommondesignconsiderations,thefollowingfactorsmayalsohave
aneffectonthedesignoftheWaterlooBiofiltersystem:
CONSIDERATIONS
DESIGNIMPLICATIONS
Effluentdischargelimits
(maxTN&TP)
WaterlooBiofiltersremove5060%TNwith50%recirculation;if
further nitrogen or phosphorus removal is required nutrient
removaladdonscanbeincluded
Sewagealkalinity
Alkalinityisrequiredfornitrification.Ifinsufficientalkalinityisa
concern(softgroundwater),alkalinitycanbeaddedtomaintain
nitrogenremovallevels.
Sewagetemperature
Nitrification is inhibited by cold temperatures. If high nitrogen

removalratesarerequiredincoldclimateconsiderinsulatingthe
septic tank and belowground treatment units (aboveground
Biofiltertreatmentunitsarealreadyinsulatedforcoldweather).
SewagepH
NitrificationisoptimalatapH>7.Ifhighnitrogenremovalrates
arerequiredandpHisbelowthissodiumbicarbonateorsodium
hydroxidecanbeadded.
Sitelimitations
(landuse,soiltype,slope,
etc.)
Mayaffectthedisposaloptionsavailableduetolackofavailable
spacetodisposeinthesubsurface.
Waterconservation
measures
Organic mass loading stays the same but with decreased

dilution, resulting in higher strength wastewater. Water
conservation measures do not help in sewage treatment, and
affect the concentration of the effluent, making it harder to
meetcompliance,especiallyfornitrogen.
29|P a g e
GreaseTrap
GreaseTrap
Exteriorgreasetrapsareanessentialcomponentofonsitesepticsystemsthatservicecooking
facilitiessuchasrestaurantsandgolfclubhouses.Exteriorgreasetrapsaremulticompartment
tankswhichremovefats,oilsandgreasefromwastewaterbyretainingitlongenoughtoallow
the FOG (fats, oil & grease) to cool, solidify, and rise to the surface. Grease trap effluent is
addedtotheseptictanktojointherestofthewastewaterfromthefacility.
Inletbafflesareoftenprovidedwithgreasetraps.Thesearegenerallyremovedtoallowtime
for the hot water entering the grease trap to cool before going into the second chamber.
Greasetrapsshouldalsobeconstructedfromanoncorrosiveorcoatedmaterialbecausethe
highorganicloadingcreatesvolatilefattyacidsinthewastewaterduringfermentation.
Shallowburialwithverylittlegroundcoverispreferredforgreasetrapsasthiswillhelpkeep
the internal temperature down allowing the FOG a chanceto cool and solidify. Access risers
should never be buried as this will make future servicing of the grease trap very difficult.
Effluentfiltersaresometimesincorporatedintogreasetrapstofurtherblocksolids.
GreasetrapsallowFOGtocoolandsettletothetop
Interior grease traps are not recommended as they require special disposal of the trapped
solids.Exteriorgreasetrapsaredilutedenoughthattheycanbepumpedoutbyaseptictank
pumperanddisposedofwithseptictankseptage.
30|P a g e
GreaseTrap
GreaseTrapMaintenance
Regularpumpingofgreasetrapsisessentialtomaintainingwastewatertreatmentlevels.Ifnot
regularlypumpedoutexcessiveFOGwillmigratetotheWaterlooBiofilterandmayformafilm
overthefoammediumreducingitsabsorptioncapacity.
Exteriorgreasetrapsshouldbemonitoredandinspectedfrequentlyforregularpumpoutsand
successful treatment. The frequency of pumpouts will be determined by the nature of the
installation.Atfastfoodrestaurantsthegreasetrapmayrequirepumpingonamonthlybasis.
Fortruckstopsandotherlightrestaurantspumpoutsevery23monthswillusuallysuffice.The
greasetrapshouldbepumpedoutwhenthegreaseinthe3rdcompartmentbecomes68thick
(whichmeansthe1stand2ndcompartmentsareessentiallyfull).
Ifthegreasetrapisnotregularlypumpedoutthefollowingconsequencescanoccur:
Poortreatmentlevels
Foulodorsfromthegreasetrapandseptictank
Highcostsfromincreasedseptictankpumpingfrequency
Highcostsinreplacing/repairingthesoilabsorptionsystem
Highcostsinreplacing/cleaningBiofilterfoamfiltermedium
Aconsequenceofimpropergreasetrapmaintenance.GreasecancoattheBiofilterfoammediumpreventing
absorptionofwastewaternotetheponding.Treatmentisseverelycompromisedatthispoint;however
JumpStartBeneficialBacteriacanbeusedtodegradetheFOGandrejuvenatethesystem.
31|P a g e
SepticTanks
SepticTanks
TheWaterlooBiofilterutilizesastandardTitle5systemseptictanktopretreatrawwastewater.
Solidssettleoutofthewastewateranddegradeanaerobicallyinthelowoxygenenvironment.
The size of the septic tank is determined in accordance with 310 CMR 15.223 15.229. The
septictankmustbeequippedwithaproperlysizedeffluentfiltertominimizesolidscarryover
tothepumptank.
Multiplesmallseptictanksinseriesarepreferredoverasinglelargeseptictankasthepotential
forshortcircuitingisreduced.Thisalsomakesseptictankpumpoutsmoremanageableand
can drastically reduce pump out costs. When designing a pourinplace septic tank it is
preferablethattheseptictankbedividedlongitudinallybyadivider.Thiscreatesameandering
pathforthewastewatertotravel,preventingshortcircuitingandincreasingretentiontime.
Longandnarrowseptictankdesignsarepreferredovershortandwidedesignsasthiswillalso
reduce the amount of shortcircuiting through the septic tank. Longer tanks provide more
settlingdistanceandincreasedretentiontimeresultinginabetterqualityseptictankeffluent
thaninshort,squattanks.
When designing a system where Waterloo Biofilter effluent is recirculated back to the septic
tank to help moderate fluctuating flows, improve treatment, and increase denitrification, the
recirculationlineshouldbeconnectedpriortotheinlettothefirstchamberoftheseptictank
sothatsettledsolidsinthesecondchamberarenotdisturbedandresuspended.
Anotherconsiderationforseptictanksisthesizeoftheaccessrisers.Ensurethattheaccess
riser is large enough to allow for installation and maintenance of the effluent filter(s) being
used. In situations where multiple effluent filters are required, the concrete precaster may
needtocastinaspecialaccesshatch.
Pleasenoteaccessshallbeprovidedtoallsystemtanksandtotheseptictankinaccordance
with 310 CMR 15.228 (2). All access ports and manhole covers shall be readily removable,
impermeable covers of durable material installed and maintained at grade to allow for
maintenance of the system, except the septic tank access covers are not required to be at
grade. If existing tankage units are to be used with the system, these units shall also be
requiredtohavecoversandportsatfinishgradetoallowforpropermaintenanceandsampling
ofthesystem,andawatertightnessevaluationmadepriortoinitiationofconstruction.
32|P a g e
SepticTanks
In applications where nitrogen removal is important consider insulating the septic tanks or
specifying deep burial. Denitrification which takes place in the septic tank is encouraged by
warmertemperatures.
Abaffleinstalledattheinletoftheseptictankhelpsreduceshortcircuitingthroughtheseptic
tank.
TheWaterlooBiofiltermayalsouseascreenedpumpvaultlocatedintheseptictank.When
utilizing a screened pump vault the septic tank shall be a two compartment tank, with the
compartmentsinterconnectedbyaminimum12in2openinglocatedaminimumof24inches
abovethefloorofthetank.Theseptictankshallhaveemergencystoragecapacityasper310
CMR15.231(2)abovetheworkinglevel.Thescreenactslikeaneffluentfiltertopreventlarge
solidsfromleavingtheseptictankandpotentiallycloggingdownstreamcomponents.
After a period of use the screen will require cleaning. The frequency of cleaning is highly
dependentonthewaterusageandwastewaterstrengthatthefacility.Inordertocleanand
servicefilterscreentheseptictankmusthaveadequatelysizedhatchesthatareaccessibleat
grade. Septic tank access holes should be at least 20 in diameter, and preferably more in
ordertoservicethefilterscreen.Ensurethattheriserisaccessibleatgradeandthatcleaning
canbeachievedwithoutenteringthetank.
DESIGNWITHSERVICEINMIND!
Accesstorunningwaterandahoseatthefacilitywillfacilitatecleaningandmaintenanceofthe
filterscreenaswellastheBiofilterspraynozzles.
33|P a g e
EffluentFilter
EffluentFilter
Effluent filters prevent large solids from leaving the septic tank and potentially clogging
downstream components. Finer filtration size effluent filters (1/32 & 1/64) are preferred.
When sizing effluent filters remember to account for the additional flow introduced by
recirculation(HydraulicFlow).Forexample,ifDesignFlow=2,000GPDthenHydraulicFlow=
4,000GPDassuming50%recirculation.
Afteraperiodofuseeffluentfiltersbecomecloggedandwillrequirecleaning.Thefrequency
ofcleaningishighlydependentonthewaterusageandwastewaterstrengthatthefacility.In
ordertocleanandservicetheeffluentfiltertheseptictankmusthaveadequatelysizedhatches
thatareaccessibleatgrade.Septictankaccessholesshouldbeatleast20indiameter,and
preferablymoreinordertoservicethelargestdiametereffluentfilters.Ensurethattheriseris
accessibleatgradeandthattheeffluentfilterhandlecanbereachedwithoutenteringthetank.
Propereffluentfilteraccessisshowninthefigurebelow:
34|P a g e
EffluentFilter
Some effluent filters are quite heavy and require physical support in the septic tank. These
models come with reducer fittings which allow for the installation of the support pipe. For
proper effluent filter installation remove the outlet baffleand install the effluentfilter at the
septictankoutletaspermanufacturersinstruction.Ensuretheaccessportislargeenoughto
accesstheeffluentfilterforservice.Besuretolocatetheeffluentfilterfarenoughinsidethe
tanktocleartheriseropeningduringcleanings.
DESIGNWITHSERVICEINMIND!
Accesstorunningwaterandahoseatthefacilitywillfacilitatecleaningandmaintenanceofthe
effluentfilteraswellastheBiofilterspraynozzles.
35|P a g e
PumpTank/ScreenedFilterVault
All Waterloo Biofilter systems utilize a pump tank or a screened filter vault located in the
second compartment of a septic tank to dose septic tank effluent to the Biofilter treatment
unit.Thepurposeofthepumptank/screenedfiltervaultistostoreseptictankeffluentinorder
to evenly dose the Waterloo Biofilter treatment system throughout the day. The Waterloo
Biofilter is dosed on a timed basis to ensure even and consistent dosing throughout the day.
Dosing is accomplished using short frequent bursts to allow the foam to absorb newer
untreatedwastewateratthetopandexpeloldertreatedwastewateroutthebottomofthe
treatment unit. If dose rates are too high retention time will decrease and untreated
wastewater may short circuit through the system. The target dose rate to the Waterloo
Biofiltertreatmentunitis0.0450.068gal/ft3offoamperdose.
The pump tank/screened filter vault is equipped with a high head effluent pump(s). The
pump(s)isrunbyacontrolpanelandcorrespondingfloatcontrols.Alternatingduplexpumping
should be considered for systems with a high design flows because they have a redundant
pump in the event a pump fails. These pumps are sized by Clear Water Industries to ensure
thatthespraynozzleslocatedintheWaterlooBiofiltertreatmentunitareproperlypressurized.
The dose volume and frequency are determined by the design flow and foam volume in the
treatmentunit.
Pumptank(s)aresizedaccordingtotheWaterlooBiofilterMassDEPapprovalwiththestandard
requirementforthepumptankhavinganemergencystoragecapacityabovetheworkinglevel
equaltothedailydesignflowofthesystem.Inapplicationswherepeakflowsandlowflows
alternateconsistentlythroughoutthedaythepumptankshouldbeusedtobalancethepeak
flows, and account for necessary emergency storage. The tank should be sized to store the
peak flows during low flow periods in order to maintain even and consistent dosing to the
Biofilter. Peak weeklyflows such as those seen in churches can also be stored and balanced
throughouttheweek,therebydecreasingthesizeofthetreatmentunit.
36|P a g e
Pu
umpTank/ScrreenedFilterVault
PumpIn
nstallation
Plumbdosinggpumpassh
hown.
bing is brou
ught up into
o riser so alll adjustable plumbing (disconnectss, ball
Ensure plumb
vaalves)areacccessibleatggrade.
Simplex
x Installation
SimplexDosin
S
ngPlumbing
ScreenedPuumpVault/PuumpTank
SimplexxDisposalPlu
umbingBioffilterTank/Dis
isposaltank
37|P a g e
MassacchusettsDessignandInstaallationManu
ual
AlternatingDuplexInstallation
AlternatingDuplexPlumbingScreenedFilterVault/PumpTank
AlternatingDuplexPlumbingBiofilterTank/DisposalTank
38|P a g e
Pu
umpTank/ScrreenedFilterVault
REMEEMBER...C
ConnectYo
ourTanksSecurely!
All pipe connections between tanks m

must have aadequate su
upport from
m soil
compaaction
Conne
ectseptictankoutlettopumptankinletwithanonshearcconnector
Conne
ectrecirculationlinestothesepticttankinletlineusingaPV
VC40teefittting
MakeSu
ure!
Quickk disconnectts areaccesssiblewithou

ut entry into thetank. Bring plum
mbing
upintorisers(see
efollowingp
pagesforprooperplumbin
nginstallatio
on)
All pu
ump lines are
a free draaining by slooping to tan
nks or bed; if a lowsp
pot is
inevitaable,ensure
elinesarew
wellinsulateddtopreventtfreezing.D
Donotuseccheck
valvessasthesete
endtofreeze
eup
39|P a g e
ual
TreatmentUnits
TreatmentUnits
Waterloo Biofilter Systems offers different treatment unit configurations ranging from small
residentialtolargecommercialandcommunalapplications.Theseconsistofbelowgroundand
outofsightWireMeshBasketsandBulkFilledConcreteTankunits,andtheabovegroundself
containedCedarShedandSC20&SC40ShippingContainerunits.
Alltreatmentunitsaremodularandcanefficientlybescaledtreatavarietyofdifferentdesign
flows.Abovegroundunitsprovidegreaterflexibilityforphaseddevelopment,reducinginitial
capitalcostsbygrowingthetreatmentcapacitywiththedevelopment.
All large commercial systems use recirculation of treated Biofilter effluent back to the septic
tank or pump tank in order to moderate fluctuating flows, promote nitrification and
denitrification,andmoreeasilyremoveexcessiveorganics.
AllcommercialsystemsinMArequireaerobicconditionsthroughtheuseofpassiveairventsor
low amperage air fans to ensure air circulates freely within the Biofilter foam medium. This
improves treatment and is especially beneficial to nitrification within the Biofilter treatment
unit.
EffluentfromthepumptankispumpedtotheWaterlooBiofilter,andisdistributedthrougha
properlysizedforcemaintoaPVCmanifoldlocatedatthetopofthetreatmentunit.Pressures
of1015psiaremaintainedtotheheadofthedownwardfacinghelicalnozzleswhichspray
evenlyoverthefiltermedium.Thewastewaterpercolatesslowlydownthroughtheabsorbent
foam cube media. The foam cubes should fill with wastewater but not overflow; otherwise
wastewater will flow around the cubes, not through them, and shortcircuit down to the
bottomofthetreatmentunit,whichresultsinpoortreatment.Biomatdiscolorationtypically
occurs in the upper 2 feet of the filter media. This is where most of the solids and organic
matter are degraded, with the lower section of the Biofilter attenuating bacteria and
ammonium.Ventsinthetankallowforfreshairtoentertheunit,andifnecessarythisairis
circulatedusinganairfan.Thisimprovesaerobictreatmentandfacilitatesnitrification.
FinaldisposalofthewastewaterisusuallyaccomplishedbyusingapressuredistributionSAS.
The Waterloo Biofilter effluent is also ideal for use in drip dispersal systems, or treatment
involvingUVlampsorchlorinationpriortofinaldisposal.
40|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
BelowG
GradeInstalllation(WirreMeshBa
asketsORB
BulkFilledCConcreteTa
anks)
Carefullyy preplan th
he system design,
d
and in consultattion with th
he property owner, plan
n the
tank layout keepingg in mind ease of insstallation annd servicingg, all curren
nt and poteential
structure
es,geograph
hicalfeaturessandthepo
otentialforoodors.
1. Obtainpermitsandlocateallburiedutilitiesbeforeeexcavating.
2. Sitettheseptictaank,pumptaank,Biofilterrtreatment unitanddissposalbedw
wheremach
hinery
accesssiseasy,bu
utawayfrom
mvehicularttraffic.Loc atethesepttictankand pumptank close
tothe
eseweroutletfromthefacility.
3. Checkelevationsoffinalgrad
de,sewerou
utlet,bottom
moftanksan
nddisposalaarea.
excavationfo
orthesettinngoftheco
oncreteBiofiiltertank.TThese
4. Provideaproperrandsafee
edbyClearW
WaterIndustries(CWI).
tankssareprovide
5. Installa6minim
mumdeptho
of3/4'to1crushedstooneandgradelevel.
6. Provideandcoorrdinateacraanerentalfo
orthesettinggoftheconccreteBiofilteertank.
7. ThecconcreteBiofiltertankissassembledonsitebyC
CWIpersonnel.
8. Some
eassistancefromtheinsstallerisreq
quiredwhen installingth
hestoneund
derdrainforrbulk
filledtanktreatm
mentunitsandsettingth
heaccessrissersonthettopoftheW
Waterloounit(up
to4h
hours).
9. Installerisrespon
nsiblefortheinstallation
nofconnecttingplumbin
ngandelectricallines.
10. Installershallpro
ovideallbacckfillforthe
econcreteB
Biofiltertankkunitusing suitablefillwith
enolargerth
han6diam
meter.
stone
11. Provideelectricalconnection
nsasrequire
edfortheopperationofttheSystem.CWIwillpro
ovide
thecontrolpanelfortheWaterlooBiofilterunit.
Possib
bletanklayou
uts
wayskeepmaiintenancesaffetyinmindw
when
Alw
llocatingtankks
41|P a g e
ual
TreatmentUnits
TankInstallation
Installconcretetank(s)aspermanufacturersinstructionsusingthefollowingasaguideline.
1. Checkelevationofexcavationbottom.
If too deep, fill with compacted
excavated soil to 6 below bottom
elevationoftanks.Usecrushedstone,
sand, pea gravel, or sandy soil so that
it compacts immediately and
uniformly. DO NOT use clay soil,
organic material, rocky fill or frozen
soilforbeddingmaterial.
2. In very fine or wet soils, filter fabric
canbeplacedonexcavationfloor,and
bedding material placed on top of
fabric.
3. Mechanically compact 6 of crushed
stone to 95% density to tank bottom
elevation. Ensure bedding surface is flat
andhorizontal.
4. Check that the elevation of bedding
material is the same over the excavation
length, and is the same as the desired
elevationfortankbottom.
5. Lifttankcarefullybystrapsandliftinghooks
andlowercarefullyontobeddingmaterial.
6. Remove straps and check elevations to
ensurethattankissethorizontallyandtank
inletisatcorrectelevation.
7. For access risers, clean surfaces and glue
connectingsurfacestogetherusingagasket
orsealant.Ensureatightsealbyweighing
down.
42|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
BackfillingTanks
Backfilltank(s)aspermanufacturersinstructionsusingthefollowingasaguideline:
1.
Adddrysandysoil,finesandorpeagraveltofillinthespacebetweentanksections.A
waterhosecanbeusedtohelpflushmaterialdownandhelpswithcompaction.
2.
Inhighwatersites,fillthetankwithwaterbeforebackfillingifthewaterlevelwillrise
above the bottom of the tank. Consult the designer or engineer whether buoyancy
countermeasures,suchasantiflotationstraps,arerequired.
3.
Backfillwithbeddingmaterialaroundthetank(s)inliftsof68,compactingeachlift,
coveringtankwith6ofbackfill.
4.
Fill must be completely compacted around the piping between tanks to prevent
crackingandsaggingduetosettling.
5.
Ifrequired,addinsulationboardatthistimeusing2for4Fwinters,and34for22F
to40Fwinters.
6.
Cap6verticalcleanoutswithin12offinalgrade,(optionalinsulationboardontop),
andmarkwithlocatingtape.
7.
Backfilltopoftankwithslightlycompactedexcavatedsoil(notfrozen)to68offinal
grade,addlighttopsoiltofinalgradelevel,ensuresurfaceslopesawayfromtank,and
seedorsodwithgrass.
8.
Theseptictankmustbecoveredwithaminimumof12ofbackfill.Thepumptankand
Biofilter tank can be covered with 68 of backfill. Consult the designer or engineer
aboutcoverdepthifvehiculartrafficorextremewinterconditionsareexpected.
9.
Cut risers to 2 above final grade elevation, and securely attach marked covers at
grade. For aesthetic reasons, covers can be landscaped by covering with fabric and
barkmulchorstone.Optionalfibreglassinsulationcanbeplacedinathickplasticbag
andplacedintotheriserincoldclimates.
43|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
WireMeshBasketBiofilters
WaterlooBiofilterSystemsoffersbelowgroundandoutofsightWireMeshBasketshousedin
concretetanks.
Effluent from the pump tank/screened filter vault is pumped to the Wire Mesh Baskets on a
timedbasis,andisdistributedthroughaPVCmanifoldlocatedontopofthewiremeshbaskets.
Two downward facing helical spray nozzle are connected to the manifold; one centered over
topofeachbasket.Thewastewaterpercolatesslowlydownthroughtheabsorbentfoamcube
mediaintheBaskets.
Treated wastewater settles to the bottom of the Waterloo Biofilter concrete tank. The
recirculationandSASdosingpumpsaswellasthefloattreesitinthesumpofthetankbeneath
anaccessriser.Typically,50%oftheflowissenttothedisposalfieldand50%isrecycledback
to the septic tank. Recycling a minimum of 50% helps to moderate fluctuating flows and
significantly improves treatment and allows for further nitrification/denitrification to occur.
The recirculation pumps are selected by Clear Water Industries and function in a time dose
manner. The pumps used to dose the SAS are sized by the designer based on the dose
requirementsoftheSAS.TheWaterlooBiofiltereffluentisalsoidealforuseindripdispersal
systems,ortreatmentinvolvingUVlampsorchlorinationpriortofinaldisposal.
Lowamperageairfansorpassivelyventedcharcoalfilterlidsareusedtoensureaircirculates
freely within the Biofilter foam medium to maintain aerobic conditions. This improves
treatmentandisespeciallybeneficialtonitrificationwithintheBiofiltertreatmentunit.
Wire Mesh Baskets are custom sized depending on the design flow and locally available
concrete tanks. Concrete tanks housing Wire Mesh Baskets must have a flat floor with no
raised structural ribs so the Baskets sit flat. The tank must have a removable lid or split
constructiontoallowplacementoftheBasketsinsidethetank.Thetankmustalsoallowaccess
to the spray nozzles and disposal pump. During operation the tank will only have 1012 of
standingwater.
WiththelidofftheBiofiltertank,theWireMeshBasketsareplacedsidebysideandtouchingin
thetankasperthediagrambelow.Basketsareinstalledwiththeblackgeofabriconthetop.
Thisfabricactsasasplashguard.ThespraymanifoldisstrappeddowntotheBasketssothat
44|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
each spray nozzle is centered over a Basket. The centers of the Baskets are underneath the
accessopeningstoallowservicingofthespraynozzles.Ensurebothsolventprimerandglueis
used for all pressurized PVC40 connections. Connect the spray manifold to the dosing line
usingflexhoseorhardpipe.Alljointsonthemanifoldarepregluedexceptforthe1tee.Red
tape serves as a reminder that this joint is not preglued. Ensure that all glued joints made
onsiteareprimedandsecure.Duringcommissioningremovethenozzlesandflushthelineof
debrisbeforereattachingthenozzles.Attachthefloattreetothecenterriser(extendthefloat
treeifnecessary).Sealanyscrewholesintheriser.Ensurethefloattreeisaccessible,stands
onthetankfloor,andthefloatsarefreetomove.DonotattachthefloattreetotheBaskets.
Placethelidonthetank,insulate,andcoverwith68ofsoil,ensuringsurfacewaterisgraded
away.Ensureplumbingisbroughtupintorisersoalladjustableplumbingisaccessibleatgrade.
45|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
ThedisposalpumpisloweredintotheconcreteBiofiltertankbetweenthetwobasketsinto
zoneAorB,orunderwhereverthelidislocated.
SplitthedisposalpumpforcemainwithaPVC40teefor50%recirculation.
Connect 1 ball valve to the recirculation side of the tee (the side with the lower total
dynamichead).
Connectteetotankoutletfordisposal.
The tank layout is flexible but consideration should be given to ease of recirculation and
controlpanellocation.Therecirculationlineshouldconnect23beforetheseptictankinlet
usingatee.Donotrun1pipeintothesideoftheseptictankinletpipe.Itispreferableto
locatethecontrolpanelagainstthesideofthehouseinalowtrafficarea.
The concrete tank manufacturers installation instructions should be followed for excavation
andbeddingofthetank.Ensureadjustableplumbingandeffluentpumpareaccessiblefrom
grade.
46|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
BulkFilledConcreteTankBiofilter
The Bulk Filled Concrete Tank is a custom configuration involving a concrete tank bulk filled
with filter medium. The tanks are belowground and outofsight with only access risers and
controlpanelsvisible.
In the Bulk Filled Concrete Tank configuration a concrete tank is equipped with drainage, air
ventilation, and distribution plumbing. Biofilter foam medium is poured directly into the
concretetank.Thisconfigurationreducesthevolumeofconcretetanknotusedtohousefilter
media, resulting in lower tankage costs. This tankage cost savings comes at the expense of
increased installation time and complexity. Quality control is also reduced due to the third
partycustomtanksinvolved.InordertoensureproperinstallationofthisconfigurationClear
WaterIndustriesstaffmustbepresentduringinstallationforsupervision.
WaterlooBiofilterBulkFilledTank
TypicalBulkFilledTanksystemoverview
47|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
ConcreteTankPlumbing
ThedosinglineisbroughtfromthepumptankintotheconcreteBiofiltertankandconnectedto
a distribution manifold which is suspended from the top of the tank along the center
longitudinalaxis.Removablespraynozzlesareinstalledevenlyalongthedistributionmanifold
tomaximizespraycoverageoverthefiltermedium.Thenumberandtypeofspraynozzlesused
dependsontheinternalconcretetankdimensions.
Spraynozzlesaresituatedformaximumspraycoverage
Foamisbulkfilleddirectlyintheconcretetank.Distributionmanifoldisvisiblehere.
48|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
Concrete tanks are fitted with perforated collection drains along the bottom of the tank to
gravity drain treated effluent into a disposal tank. The drain pipes are covered with a mesh
guardtoholdbacksaturatedfoamcubesandpreventthemfromblockingtheperforateddrain
holes.Itisrecommendedthatdrainsbeoutfittedwithacleanoutlineaccessibleatgrade.This
allowsthedrainlinetobeeasilyflushedoutonceperyeartoremoveanybiomatthatmayhave
accumulatedinit.Asanaddedprecautioncleanstonemaybeaddedtothebottomofthetank
topromotefreedrainingofthetreatmentunit.
AircirculationfansareincludedinthisBiofilterconfigurationtoimproveventilation.Chambers
areinstalledalongthebottomoftheconcretetankandconnectedtoalowAmpdrawfan.The
sizeandnumberofairfansdependsonthevolumeoffoamfiltermedium.Ageneralruleisto
includeoneairfanper950ft3offoam.TheairfansaretypicallyinstalledinsidetheBiofilter
tankbutcanalsobehousedinaburiedvault.
Theconcretetankshouldbeaccessiblewithriserstogradelocatedovereachspraynozzle.The
distributionmanifoldshouldbelocatedasclosetothetopofthetankaspossibletoallowfor
servicingofthespraynozzlesandmaximizefiltermediavolume.Accessrisersshouldbelarge
enoughtoallowforeasyfillingofthetankwithfiltermedia.
BulkFilledTanksarefittedwithdrainageandventilationplumbing
49|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
TypicalBulkFilledBiofilterfloordraindesign
Cleanoutsallowflushingofthedrainlineandshouldbe
accessibleatgrade
MultipleBulkFilledBiofilterTanksareinstalledinparallelatthis40,000gal/daygolfcourse
Treated wastewater settles to the bottom of the Waterloo Biofilter tank into an underdrain
belowthefoamcubes,whereitiscollectedandpumpedbacktotheseptictankandthesoil
absorptionsystem(SAS).Theunderdrainisconstructedfrom1or2rowsofplasticchambers
whichcreateavoidspaceatthebottomofthetank.Typically,50%oftheflowissenttothe
disposal field and 50% is recycled back to the septic tank. Recycling a minimum of 50%
significantly improves treatment and allows for further nitrification/denitrification to occur.
TherecirculationandSASdosingpumpsaswellasthefloattreesitinpumpvaultslocatedin
theunderdrain.TherecirculationpumpsareselectedbyClearWaterIndustriesandfunction
inatimedosemanner.ThepumpsusedtodosetheSASaresizedbythedesignerbasedonthe
doserequirementsoftheSAS.
50|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
CedarShedBiofilter
The Cedar Shed Biofilter is an above ground configuration involving a cedar or customized
exterior shed bulk filled with filter medium. Cedar Sheds are spray foam insulated for cold
weather.Thebaseisconstructedofpressuretreatedwoodandthesidingiscedartrimwitha
weather proof sealant. Cedar Sheds can be painted, sided or shingled to match the house if
desired.CedarShedshaveahingedroofthatliftsupforeasymaintenanceandinspection.
CedarShedsdonotrequireelectricityattheirlocationandcanbelocatedawayfromthehouse
and other tanks, and can usually be hidden amongst trees. Backfill to the cedar siding and
pressuretreatedplywoodinterface,makingsuretheshippingskidwasremoved.CedarSheds
containtwopassiveairventsfittedwithactivatedcharcoaltoblockandcaptureodors.
Effluentfromthepumptank/screenedfiltervaultispumpedtotheCedarShedBiofilterona
timedbasis,andisdistributedthrougha2PVCmanifoldlocatedatthetopoftheshed.Helical
spraynozzlesareconnectedtothemanifoldandarelocatedovertopofthebulkfilledmedia.
ThewastewaterpercolatesslowlydownthroughtheabsorbentfoamcubemediaintheShed.
Wastewaterflowsbygravityfromtheshedtoadisposaltank.Typically,50%oftheflowissent
tothedisposalfieldand50%isrecycledbacktotheseptictank.
CedarShedInstallation
FinishedCedarShedinstallation
51|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
TypicalCedarShedsystemoverview
CedarShedstreatmentunitsareinstalledabovegrade.TheshedsarebulkfilledwithBiofilter
medium.Theforcemainfromthepumptankconnectstoa1"thespraymanifoldunderneath
the Cedar Shed. In order to fit through the 1.5 wire mesh shed base, the spray manifold
connectionunderneaththeshedis1.
Primeandgluethepumptankforcemaintotheflexhosecomingthroughthebottomofthe
Shed.Ensuretheforcemainisfreedrainingbacktothepumptanktopreventfreezing.
ManifoldConnection
52|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
The Cedar Sheds are equipped with two passive air vents (one on each end) outfitted with
activatedcharcoal.Theventsprovideairflowwhilethecharcoallimitsodors.Theactivated
charcoalisreplaceableifrequiredovertime.
WithintheCedarShedsthemanifoldisincreasedto2andisequippedwithspraynozzlesto
evenly distribute the wastewater over top of the foam cubes. The number of spray nozzles
dependsonthesizeoftheshed.
InteriorofShed
ThenozzlesandfoamareaccessedbyopeninglidsontheShed.TheShedsaresprayinsulated
topreventfreezingandkeeptemperatureswarmforthebacterialpopulation.
MultipleLidsProvideAccesstoNozzlesandFoam
53|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
SC20&SC40ShippingContainerBiofilters
The SC Shipping Container configuration is an aboveground system that does not require a
separate housing for the treatment units. In the SC configuration Biofilter foam medium is
contained in a modified ISO shipping container. Each unit is preassembled with internal
dosing,drainageandairventilationplumbing,reducingonsiteinstallationtime.Unitshavea2
control room partitioned off of the treatment room that is accessible by a doorway. Control
panels,airfansandotherelectricalcomponentsarehousedthere.SC20unitsare20Lx8Wx
9.5Handcantreat5,000GPDofdomesticstrengthsewageeach.SC40unitsare40Lx8Wx
9.5Handcantreat10,000GPDofdomesticstrengthsewageeach.
WaterlooBiofilterSC40ShippingContainer
TypicalSCsystemoverview
54|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
SCunitsareselfcontainedandrequireminimaladditionalonsitebuildingandassembly.They
ship easily as standard ISO containers and can be delivered onsite with a tiltandload truck.
Unitsareinsulatedtomaintaintreatmentlevelsincoldclimatesandweatherproofedonthe
outsidetoresistcorrosion.Currentinstallationsareoperatingeffectivelyin40Fclimates.SC
unitscannotbeburieddirectly,butcanbeplacedinabelowgroundstructureifrequired.Units
sitonaconcreteorcrushedstonepadandarehookeduptodosinganddisposallinesthrough
floorhatcheslocatedinthecontrolroom.Electricalpower,dosinglineanddisposallinesare
broughtintothecontrolpanelthroughtheflooroftheSCunit.
ConcreteSC40pad.Electrical,dosinganddisposallinesarebroughtintotheSCunitsfrombelow.
Hatches on the roof allow for access to the treatment room. Spray nozzle maintenance is
eliminatedbyinstallinganinlinefilterinthedosinglinehousedinthecontrolroom.Unitsare
custom painted to blend in with the site and can also be hidden onsite behind fencing or
hedging.
Lockableroofhatchesallowaccesstothetreatmentroom
55|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
EachSCunitusestwolowAmpdrawairfanstocirculateairthroughoutthefoamtreatment
media.Theseareinstalledinthecontrolroomforeaseofmaintenance.Roofventsprovidean
exhaustforcirculatedairandareequippedwithcharcoalfilterstoblockandcaptureodors.
The SC control rooms can be equipped with a number of extra features depending on the
design requirements. Space heaters and lights are some of the more common features
incorporatedintoanSCcontrolroom,alongwiththeairfans,inlinefilter,controlpanelsand
rheostatfanspeedcontrollerstypicallyincluded.Belowaresomeexamplesofcontrolrooms:
SCcontrolroomsarecustomizableandcanhousemostrequiredelectricalcomponents
TreatedeffluentgravitydrainsfromtheSCunitsintoatankfordisposalorbacktotheseptic
tankforrecirculation.Thetreatmentroomissplitlongitudinallyalongthefloorwithadividing
wall.Eachhalfofthetreatmentroomfloordrainsoutseparatedrainlineswhichbothexitinto
thebottomofthecontrolroom(seeimagesabove).Onedrainisusedfordisposal,theother
for50%recirculation.
ItisalsopossibletofurthercustomizeSCtreatmentunits.Forexample,a5,000GPDunitcan
bebuiltinsidea40shippingcontainer.Thesizeofthetreatmentroomstaysthesamebutthe
size of the control room is greatly increased. This allows the control room to be used as a
maintenanceroom,andallowsextraequipmenttobehousedaswell.
56|P a g e
TreatmentUnits
Accustomized20controls&maintenanceeroomisincoorporatedintooaSC20trea
atmentunit
paintedSC40
0unitduringiinstallationatta10,000gaal/daycondom
minium
Acustomp
57|P a g e
ual
Treatmen
ntUnits
Excavate
eanarea12deepandtthatextendss12inallddirectionsbeeyondthedimensionso
ofthe
shippingcontainer.
Install12
2of3/4crushedstone
ecompacted
dinplace.G
Gradethecrushedstoneewitha2%slope
withthelowerelevationattheC
ControlRoom
mendoftheeshippingco
ontainer.
SC20andSC40unittsmeasure2
20x8x9.5
5highand440x8x9.55highrespeectively.Unitssit
directly on
o the conccrete or crusshed stone pad. The ppad should b
be constructed with a slight
slope down towardss the contro
ol room end of the unitt to facilitatee gravity draaining of treeated
effluento
outoftheunit.
SCunitsshouldbeslightlyyslopeddowntowardstheecontrolroom
m(SC40unittshown)
Theareaofthestone
epackshoulldextendam
minimumoff2fromtheeunitonallssides.
Thefou
undationpadsshouldextend
dpastthetreeatmentunitby2onallsiides
TheSCtrreatmentun
nitscanbeplacedontop
poftheconccreteorston
nepadusinggacraneorusing
atiltand
dloadtruck.Thedryw
weightofan SC40treattmentunitiisapproximaately7,500 kgto
8,000kg(soilmustb
bedryforthe
esetrucksto
omanoeuvree).
58|P a g e
MassaachusettsDe
esignandInstallationMan
nual
TreatmentUnits
SC40loadedo
S
onatiltandlloadtruck
Electrical and Plumbing connections are brought intto the SC u

units througgh a rectan
ngular
opening in the floor of the control room. Ensure thhere is a co
orrespondingg opening in
n the
concrete orstone paad to bring plumbing th
hrough befooreplacing ttheshippingg container! The
requiredplumbingco
onsistsofa2PVCforce
emainpipetthatconnecttstothesprraynozzlesinside
theunit,and3drain
nlinestothedisposalandsepticta nkreturn.TTheforcemaainisgluedttothe
dosinglin
nefromthedosingpum
mpchamberusingthesuuppliedflexib
blePVCpipee.Thedrainlines
arestainlesssteelpipewithNTP
Pthreadsth
hatcanbecoonnectedto
oABSpipeu
usingthreadtape
ordope.Thetreated
deffluentfrromtheWatterlooBiofiltterdrainsbyygravitythrougharatio
obox,
andthen
nisforwarde
edtoeitheradboxord
disposaltankkforfinaldiisposal.Theeratioboxallows
therecircculationratiobacktotheseptictanktobeadju stedasneceessary.
Treatm
ment Room
2 Dosing Force
emain Line
from Pum
mp
Air F
Fan
Contrrol Room
2-3 Re-c
circulation
Drain Line
2-3 Diisposal
Drain Line
Opening in Co ntrol Room Floo r
TopviewscchematicofttypicalSCconntrolroompluumbing
59|P a g e
ual
TreatmentUnits
Electrical connections can also be brought in through the floor or through the side of the
controlroom.Onceplumbingandelectricalconnectionsaremadetheflooropeningissealed
withinsulation(sheetorspray)tominimizeheatloss.
SCwithelectricalthroughsideofcontrolroom
60|P a g e
SCwithelectricalthroughfloor.Alsovisiblearean
inlinefilter&chemicaldosinglines.
ElectricalW
Wiring
ElectricalWiring
ALLELECTRICALINSTALLATTIONSMUSTBECOM
MPLETEDB
BYAMASSSACHUSETTTS
LICENSED
DELECTRIC
CIAN!
Panelsshouldbe
elocatedouttsideforeassierservicingg,eitheron awallorpo
ost,atleast 3off
the ground,
g
and sheltered from
f
direct weather. FFor shippingg container units panels are
locatedinthebuiltincontro
olroom.
Panels can operaate in temp

peratures as low as 4oFF. In colderr climates, p
panels should be
insulaatedorplace
edinsideaggarageorasshed.
Panelsshouldbelocatedascclosetothetreatmentt anksasposssible.
Consult an electrician if the panel is >4

40 from thee pumps or float switch
hes in eitheer the
pump
ptankorBio
ofiltertankaasthewireggaugewillhaavetobeinccreased.
Juncttionboxesm
mustbeused
difwiresreq
quiresplicingg.
Electricalcordsm
mustbelonggenoughtoaallowremovvalofpumpssandfloattrrees
Do not bury wirre! Electricaal conduit iss required ffrom the firrst pump taank to the p
panel
(dosing pump an
nd two floatt switches) and from t he Biofilter tank to thee panel (disposal
pump
p,twofloatsswitches).
Powe
erisrundire
ectlytothe panel.Don
notinstallgrroundfaultinterrupters (GFI)ontheeline
fromthehousetothecontro
olpanel.
Sealcconduitwith
happrovedssealantsonb
bothendstoopreventgaasmigration..
Consultanelectrricianforwirresizes.
Adhe
eretoalllocaalelectricalrregulations.
61|P a g e
ual
SystemStartUp
SystemStartup(SystemStartupperformedbyClearWaterIndustries)
1. Cleanouttanksbeforeturningonpumps,removingallgarbage,quickties,filings,plastic
bits,etc.
2. Ensureallpipe/pressurejointsareprimedandglued.
3. Fillpumptankwithcleanwater.
4. Checkpumpsforsmoothoperation.
5. Checkalarmandpumpfloatswitchesandsetpaneltoautomatic.
6. RemovenozzlesandflushoutBiofilterdosinglines.
7. Ensure that prior to startup the pump tank is free from debris. Debris can clog the
spraynozzles.
8. Test recirculation and disposal volumes. Recirculation is controlled using a ball valve.
Adjust the ball valve so that recirculation volume = disposal volume to achieve a 50%
recirculationratio(approximately).
62|P a g e

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The Watterloo Biofilter filter medium

separaate flow paaths for airr (oxygen) &

Flexible Solutions numerous different configurations are available, making it easy to

Rigid mesh baskets are packed with filter medium

Treated effluent is pumped from the concrete

Open mesh walls allow air to circulate freely

Baskets are custom sized according to the design

Multiple tanks can be put in parallel to treat higher

Aboveground, singlepass system; with

Cedar Sheds are preplumbed, easy to

Attractive, weather sealed cedar wood

Lockable lids are gasket sealed to block

oxidation of ammonium to nitrate) and denitrification (the reduction of nitrate to

Optional addon equipment for phosphorus removal, enhanced nitrogen removal

Sewage Strength: Higher strength wastewater requires a higher volume of foam to

Add Waterloo Jumpstart: Waterloo Jumpstart bacterial additive helps to ensure a

Nitrification is inhibited by cold temperatures. If high nitrogen

Organic mass loading stays the same but with decreased

All pipe connections between tanks m

Quickk disconnectts areaccesssiblewithou

Electrical and Plumbing connections are brought intto the SC u

Panels can operaate in temp

Consult an electrician if the panel is >4

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