Septic System Savvy: Maintaining Your Onsite Wastewater Treatment Unit

Septic System Savvy: Maintaining Your Onsite Wastewater Treatment Unit

Did you know, homeowners are responsible for maintaining and operating their onsite wastewater systems? This includes keeping comprehensive maintenance records.

Maintenance Frequency: Maintenance frequency depends on the type of system: every 5 years for gravity dispersal Type 1 systems, every 2 years for pressure dispersal Type 1 systems, and annually for all other systems, including Type 2 and Type 3 systems.

Typical Maintenance Activities: Maintenance activities include checking the tank’s structural integrity, sludge and scum levels, and assessing filters and components’ condition.

A well-maintained septic system can last up to 40 years, while neglected ones often malfunction within 15 years. To ensure the longevity of your system and prevent costly issues, it’s crucial to follow these maintenance guidelines and, when in doubt, consult with a professional like MSR Solutions.

Remember, your septic system plays a significant role in your home’s functionality and the environment’s well-being. By giving it the care it deserves, you’re not only protecting your investment but also contributing to a cleaner, safer future.

 

Onsite Sewage System: Millstream Industrial Park

Onsite Sewage System: Millstream Industrial Park

Millstream Industrial Park hired MSR Solutions Inc. (MSRS) to provide engineering services pertaining to the onsite wastewater treatment and disposal system for 790 Industrial Way. Daily flows for the facility will be less than 22,700 L/d (5,000 Imp gpd). The design and operation of the facility is governed by the Sewerage System Regulation (SSR) under a filing with Island Health.  Filed on April 29, 2020

New Onsite Sewage System

Unit 790 Industrial Way at Millstream Industrial Park requires a new onsite sewage system to replace the existing system. It services a 2-bedroom residence and an office space. A new treatment system consists of a Dan’s Precast 7728 L (1700 Imp Gal) 2-chamber septic tank. This is followed by a Dan’s Precast 2722 L (600 Imp gal) dosing chamber with duplex effluent pumps.

This will discharge to a distribution box, which will provide gravity dosing to three laterals. Within the disposal field, Eljen GSF modules and specified C33 sand are used to upgrade the effluent to Type 2 quality at the point of application.  Site report conducted on May 30, 2020.

For more information about MSR Solutions Inc. services, please visit our Services Page.

Meadowood Community Centre

Meadowood Community Centre

Herold Engineering retained the services of MSR Solutions to design a potable water and a septic system for the Meadowood Community Centre, located in Qualicum Beach, BC. MSR Solutions prepared two filings for Meadowood Community Centre for the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA). This was part of MSR Solutions scope of work including: Sewerage System Regulation (SSR) Filing and Source Water Approval with a Construction Permit.

The lot chosen for the new community centre is mostly vacant. It was once used as a gravel pit and only has a small playground on the property. Some of the features the new park will have include areas and equipment for children to play, sheltered picnic tables, natural landscaping and the community centre built with portables from School District 69.

Septic tanks equipped with effluent filters, an equalization tank, and a pressurized disposal field comprise the wastewater treatment system. A well will be drilled on site to supply the facilities with drinking water. In the meantime, a potable water tank, installed and filled by a bulk water hauler approved by VIHA, will be on site.

MSR Solutions conducted a site investigation to determine a suitable the location for the disposal field. We dug five percolation test pits and recorded the percolation rates. The MSR representatives determined the most suitable location for the septic field. MSR completed a full site inspection report with information pertaining to each test pit. The report included where the optimum location where the field should be constructed.

Future Site Investigations Planned

Another site investigation will take place to commission the system once the water and wastewater systems are completed. MSR Solutions continues to communicate closely with the client and the Regional District of Nanaimo to complete the works on time and on budget.

Claydon Lane

Claydon Lane

Claydon Lane is a project located on the Sunshine Coast. The home is located on an ocean front property. A new five bedroom bedroom luxury home replaces the home they torn down.

The contractor, Green Vista Contracting, brought MSR Solutions to the project on behalf of the property owners. We helped design an on-site septic system to suit the new home. The current septic system had a single holding tank and no disposal field. To provide a more sustainable system, on-site treatment would need to be provided.

There is limited space on the Claydon Lane property due to the new property plans. The owners purchased a small strip of land with an existing disposal field from the neighbours on the uphill side of the property. This strip will act as the new disposal field area.  The project required extra review due to the property being narrow with areas of steep slopes and a close proximity to the ocean.  

MSR Solutions consulted with the client for decisions on the locations of the system and options for equipment to ensure a satisfied client.