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FIELD PERFORMANCE OF AEROBIC TREATMENT UNITS IN THE MIDMICHIGAN HEALTH DISTRICT

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  Paper number  701P0104,  . (doi: 10.13031/2013.15808)
Authors:   J.M. Wallace, T.L. Loudon
Keywords:   Aerobic treatment unit, field performance, effluent quality, suspended growth, owner satisfaction, maintenance

This field study was commissioned by a distributor of aerobic treatment units (ATUs) for the purpose of obtaining an unbiased evaluation of system performance by an objective party. Twenty-four ATUs in the Mid-Michigan Heath District were randomly selected from a total population of 120 ATUs that had been in operation for at least one year. It was found that, on the day of sampling, 76% of the systems evaluated were discharging effluent that exceeded the NSF secondary treatment guideline of 40 mg/L BOD and 45 mg/L TSS (ANSI/NSF 40). Subjective appearance in a clear sample container and odor of the effluent together constitute a good predictor of effluent quality. Additionally, the level of dissolved oxygen in the effluent provides insight into the operational effectiveness of the system. The overall homeowner opinion of their ATU system was favorable. However, a cause for concern is that nearly half of the owners are either uncertain what they will do about maintenance after their initial 5-year maintenance agreement expires or plan to do the maintenance themselves.

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