Onsite wastewater treatment systems collect, treat, and release about 4 billion gallons of treated effluent per day from an estimated 26 million homes, businesses, and recreational facilities nationwide (U.S. Census Bureau, 1997). These systems include treatment units for both individual buildings and small clusters of buildings connected to a common treatment system.
This 2-hour online course presents the design considerations for septic tanks and for septage. While septic tanks are often taken for granted, they provide primary treatment for wastewater and are an extremely vital part of an onsite wastewater system. The material for this course is taken from a recently published EPA document on Onsite Wastewater Treatment. The course also includes a very extensive reference section for use by the student.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end.
At the conclusion of the course, you will understand:
The functions of a septic tank and how the tank performs these functions.
The treatment capabilities of septic tanks, both for residential and commercial applications.
The factors that affect the size of the septic tank, both for residential and commercial applications.
The quality of septage and appropriate means for disposal.
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Mark Peterson, P.E., M.ASCE
Mr. Peterson has a BS and MS from Montana State University and more than 28 years of engineering experience in hydrology and hydraulics. He is currently a senior engineer with Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson and has worked extensively in both the private sector and in state government. He is licensed as a PE in MN, MT, ND, SD and WY. He was chairman of a three-person committee that re-wrote the Hydraulics Manual for the Montana Department of Transportation and authored the storm water regulations for subdivisions in Montana. He also teaches a two-day course on Introduction to Detention Pond Design for the American Society of Civil Engineers throughout the U.S.
2 hrs. Online Course