What is an aeration system?
An aeration system is a small mechanical sewage treatment plant. It relies on air being pumped into the sewage compartment in order for it to treat the sewage with air loving bacteria. These air loving (aerobic) bacteria break down the sewage and theoretically render the effluent harmless. Unfortunately, this rarely happens. Aeration systems are not typically designed to have leaching devices working with them. Partially treated sewage effluent is discharged into storm sewers, ditches, lakes and streams. In Miami County, aeration systems are not installed any longer and have not been since approximately 1995. Also, typically in Miami County, aeration systems were installed with partial leaching devices that had an overflow pipe to the nearest ditch.
