What is an alternative treatment system?
The connotation generally refers to an onsite system that provides enhanced treatment beyond the level of treatment provided by a conventional septic system. An alternative treatment system usually provides better quality effluent prior to entering the soil absorption system or leaching bed. Generally, the system provides better treatment by adding components to the system beyond the septic tank. Most of the additional components achieve higher levels of treatment by providing an aerobic environment, which will ensure the faster working aerobic bacteria are present to break down wastewater. Alternative treatment systems may consist of multiple components. One component may reduce waste strength or remove pathogens, while another may remove nitrate-nitrogen, others, working in combination, do all three. The type of advanced treatment system that you install will depend upon the water resource you are interested in protecting.
