FAQ
How much does a sewage treatment plant cost?
Prices vary from one manufacturer to the next. Be sure that you know what you are getting in the way of the treatment plant, delivery, installation, commissioning, servicing, etc. Price around and try and compare like for like to allow an informed decision to be made.
How does a treatment system work?
Generally a sewage treatment system incorporates primary settlement of larger solids followed by aeration of wastewater and then final settlement of liquid. After discharge from the treatment plant the effluent receives further treatment via the soil percolation field. Other systems which do not require primary settlement are also available and effective for wastewater treatment.
What does 20:30 mean?
This refers to a minimum acceptable level of treatment and is short for 20mg per litre of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), 30mg per litre of Suspended Solids (SS). Biochemical Oxygen Demand indicates the organic strength of the wastewater and Suspended Solids are those solids remaining in the wastewater after treatment. The lower the measurement the higher the rate of treatment received. Systems tested to EN12566-3 must demonstrate treatment efficiency so ask the manufacturer to provide the test certificate which demonstrates the level of treatment achieved.
How far away does the treatment system have to be from dwellings?
Set back distances are specified by the EPA and on Irish Agrement Certificates however, these can also vary from one Local Authority to the next. A typical separation distance would be 7m between a house and a treatment plant and 10m between a house and the percolation area. However, it is always advisable to consult your Local Authority or seek advice from your architect or engineering consultant
What size is the treatment system?
Treatment systems can vary in size, however the entire system will include both the sewage treatment plant and the percolation area. Expert companies will be able to give you dimensional drawings of their treatment plants while your architect or engineer will be able to advise you of the footprint that the treatment system, including percolation area, will take up.
Do County Councils accept the treatment system?
Generally, treatment systems that are Irish Agrément or CEN Certified are accepted by local authorities. However, from 1st July 2010 all systems must be tested and verified in accordance with EN12566-3. In the case of a CEN standard not yet being available, such as EN12566-6, products should be certified (certification may include a European Technical Approval, an Agrément Certificate or equivalent).
What maintenance is required?
General day-to-day maintenance is recommended for most systems with many incorporating remote alarms for notification of any mechanical failures. The system should be de-sludged at regular intervals, typically once per year. In addition an annual service of your treatment system is recommended, carried out by the plant supplier or an equally approved Service Company.
What are the running costs?
Running costs are specific to each manufacturer’s treatment system and should be advised by the Sales person at time of purchase.
Can the treatment system treat all the house hold wastewater?
All wastewater from the house including the bath, toilets, washing machine, dishwasher, sinks etc. must be directed to the treatment system. Storm water and surface water must be diverted to a soak-way and never allowed to enter the treatment system.
Is there a warranty on the system?
Most companies provide at least 12 months warranty of mechanical and electrical components within the sewage treatment plant. It is important to ensure and confirm what components are included with the system and what warranty exists with each component.
Is the treatment system fitted with an alarm?
In accordance with EN12566-3 all systems must have an alarm system as standard. It is no longer an optional item.
What electrical components are used within the treatment system?
Most treatment plants incorporate either a pump or blower or both. These operate on level controls or 24-hour timers.
Do you visit the site before recommending treatment system type?
Yes. All sites should have a pre-inspection so that the manufacturer can ensure the correct design for the site.
Do you install the treatment system?
Generally the treatment plant will be installed by the builder or contractor however final commissioning and training would be carried out by the plant supplier.
Do you design / install the percolation area?
Some companies will also design and install the percolation area though in most cases this is carried out by the contractor to a specific design done by a qualified engineer. Provision of a full turnkey package by the supplier is generally better as it provides peace of mind that the entire system has been considered together. Also you will have one point of contact afterwards should any issues arise.T
What is your scope of supply?
Most companies will supply, deliver, commission and service their treatment systems. However, it is always advisable to ask exactly what is included in the final quotes price and what work or items are excluded from their scope of supply.
FAQ
How much does a sewage treatment plant cost?
Prices vary from one manufacturer to the next. Be sure that you know what you are getting in the way of the treatment plant, delivery, installation, commissioning, servicing, etc. Price around and try and compare like for like to allow an informed decision to be made.
How does a treatment system work?
Generally a sewage treatment system incorporates primary settlement of larger solids followed by aeration of wastewater and then final settlement of liquid. After discharge from the treatment plant the effluent receives further treatment via the soil percolation field. Other systems which do not require primary settlement are also available and effective for wastewater treatment.
What does 20:30 mean?
This refers to a minimum acceptable level of treatment and is short for 20mg per litre of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), 30mg per litre of Suspended Solids (SS). Biochemical Oxygen Demand indicates the organic strength of the wastewater and Suspended Solids are those solids remaining in the wastewater after treatment. The lower the measurement the higher the rate of treatment received. Systems tested to EN12566-3 must demonstrate treatment efficiency so ask the manufacturer to provide the test certificate which demonstrates the level of treatment achieved.
How far away does the treatment system have to be from dwellings?
Set back distances are specified by the EPA and on Irish Agrement Certificates however, these can also vary from one Local Authority to the next. A typical separation distance would be 7m between a house and a treatment plant and 10m between a house and the percolation area. However, it is always advisable to consult your Local Authority or seek advice from your architect or engineering consultant
What size is the treatment system?
Treatment systems can vary in size, however the entire system will include both the sewage treatment plant and the percolation area. Expert companies will be able to give you dimensional drawings of their treatment plants while your architect or engineer will be able to advise you of the footprint that the treatment system, including percolation area, will take up.
Do County Councils accept the treatment system?
Generally, treatment systems that are Irish Agrément or CEN Certified are accepted by local authorities. However, from 1st July 2010 all systems must be tested and verified in accordance with EN12566-3. In the case of a CEN standard not yet being available, such as EN12566-6, products should be certified (certification may include a European Technical Approval, an Agrément Certificate or equivalent).
What maintenance is required?
General day-to-day maintenance is recommended for most systems with many incorporating remote alarms for notification of any mechanical failures. The system should be de-sludged at regular intervals, typically once per year. In addition an annual service of your treatment system is recommended, carried out by the plant supplier or an equally approved Service Company.
What are the running costs?
Running costs are specific to each manufacturer’s treatment system and should be advised by the Sales person at time of purchase.
Can the treatment system treat all the house hold wastewater?
All wastewater from the house including the bath, toilets, washing machine, dishwasher, sinks etc. must be directed to the treatment system. Storm water and surface water must be diverted to a soak-way and never allowed to enter the treatment system.
Is there a warranty on the system?
Most companies provide at least 12 months warranty of mechanical and electrical components within the sewage treatment plant. It is important to ensure and confirm what components are included with the system and what warranty exists with each component.
Is the treatment system fitted with an alarm?
In accordance with EN12566-3 all systems must have an alarm system as standard. It is no longer an optional item.
What electrical components are used within the treatment system?
Most treatment plants incorporate either a pump or blower or both. These operate on level controls or 24-hour timers.
Do you visit the site before recommending treatment system type?
Yes. All sites should have a pre-inspection so that the manufacturer can ensure the correct design for the site.
Do you install the treatment system?
Generally the treatment plant will be installed by the builder or contractor however final commissioning and training would be carried out by the plant supplier.
Do you design / install the percolation area?
Some companies will also design and install the percolation area though in most cases this is carried out by the contractor to a specific design done by a qualified engineer. Provision of a full turnkey package by the supplier is generally better as it provides peace of mind that the entire system has been considered together. Also you will have one point of contact afterwards should any issues arise.T
What is your scope of supply?
Most companies will supply, deliver, commission and service their treatment systems. However, it is always advisable to ask exactly what is included in the final quotes price and what work or items are excluded from their scope of supply.