Do septic systems count as on-site wastewater treatment? Our automotive dealership project will treat 100% of their wastewater via a septic system. Floor drains in shop areas will go through an oil/water separator and then into an underground collection tank for later removal by a tanker truck.
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Andrea Traber
Director, Sustainable Buildings and OperationsKEMA
62 thumbs up
March 17, 2010 - 12:52 pm
Septic systems do count as on-site wastewater treatment, however, for WEc2 purposes you still need to reduce potable waste water quantities for flushing by 50% through standard methods like waterless and ultra-low flow fixtures, or by using recycled grey water, captured rainwater or municipal reclaimed water. Typically, septic systems do not provide a source of tertiary treated grey water for reuse, though you may be able to incorporate this feature in your septic system.
Erik Bergstrom
Green Building Associate43 thumbs up
June 28, 2010 - 6:39 pm
Where is this requirement that in addition to a septic system (leech field) you have to reduce waste water for flushing by 50%? The ref guide gives you two options, and doesn't require that you do both (as far as I can tell).
Andrea Traber
Director, Sustainable Buildings and OperationsKEMA
62 thumbs up
July 1, 2010 - 12:28 pm
You are correct, you do not have to do both if you are using option 2, however, you do have to demonstrate that at least 50% of your total wastewater is diverted to the on-site system. This is probably self-evident in most cases, but just to be clear for the reviewers make sure to clearly state the facts. I would also add that even though it's not required to reduce flushing by 50% it's still a good idea.